Phili Watson
Speech and Language Therapist
I’m Phili, an experienced Speech and Language Therapist with 15 years of experience working with children, young people and adults with a wide range of communication needs. Much of my work has been within education and community settings supporting individuals with complex communication profiles and working closely with families, schools and other professionals.
My main area of interest is functional and social communication: understanding how communication works for someone in everyday life, not just within a therapy session. I support people who may find it difficult to express themselves, manage conversations, understand other’s communication, advocate for themselves or feel confident communicating in different situations. I have a strong interest in neurodivergent communication and work predominantly with individuals where autism, social communication differences, anxiety, selective or situational mutism, or other communication differences may be affecting everyday life, relationships, education or independence.
My approach is practical, flexible and highly individual. I draw on a range of communication tools and approaches rather than relying on one fixed programme, adapting support around the person and what is meaningful for them. I aim to create a calm, low-pressure environment where clients feel able to communicate in a way that works for them.
Support may include work on communication confidence, social interaction, self-advocacy, expressing thoughts and feelings, managing misunderstandings, navigating relationships and developing greater understanding of an individual’s own communication profile. I also offer consultation and liaison with families, schools and other professionals where this is helpful.
I have extensive experience in formal speech and language assessment, including assessment and recommendations to support Education, Health and Care Plans. I also have specialist experience working with people with Down syndrome, including those with overlapping neurodevelopmental profiles.
Outside of clinical work, I am developing “Communication in Real Life”, a project focused on helping people think differently about everyday communication and the many different ways people understand, express and connect with others.
Age Range:
Children, Adolescents and Adults
Registration:
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Membership:
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)
Enhanced DBS
