Aphasia

At Expressable, we’ve supported many individuals and families affected by aphasia as they work toward more confident, meaningful communication. Our speech therapy approach is rooted in evidence-based techniques and personalized to each client’s goals—whether that’s saying a loved one’s name, joining a conversation, or navigating daily tasks with more ease.

Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write. It’s most commonly caused by a stroke or brain injury, but it can also result from progressive conditions like dementia. Aphasia can appear suddenly or develop gradually, and it often varies in severity.

People with aphasia may:

• Have trouble finding the right words (expressive aphasia)

• Struggle to understand what others are saying (receptive aphasia)

• Experience challenges with reading and writing

• Face a combination of these difficulties

Aphasia does not impact intelligence. A person with aphasia still has their thoughts, memories, and personality. It’s the language pathways in the brain that need support and rehabilitation.

With the right strategies and consistent practice, communication can improve. This guide explains Expressable’s clinical approach to evaluating and treating aphasia. You can also view our complete guide to aphasia to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and types of aphasia, as well as how loved ones can play a key role in the recovery journey.

1Why is speech therapy important for aphasia? 2How Expressable treats aphasia 3Practice communication strategies at home with the Expressable portal 4The benefits of online speech therapy for aphasia 5See what people with aphasia and their families are saying about our speech therapists 6Get matched with a speech therapist today

Why is speech therapy important for aphasia?

Aphasia can deeply affect a person’s daily life. When it’s difficult to communicate, even simple conversations with loved ones can become frustrating. It may be harder to stay socially connected, return to work, or participate in favorite hobbies. These challenges can take a toll on a person’s confidence and independence.

That’s why early, consistent speech therapy is so important. At Expressable, our aphasia treatment program is designed to:

• Improve quality of life by strengthening communication skills and reducing frustration

• Use evidence-based techniques backed by the latest research in aphasia treatment

• Build confidence through strategies to express wants, needs, and thoughts more clearly

• Include and support caregivers so they can play an active role in the recovery process

• Make it easier to practice language skills at home and in real-life situations

With the right support, many people with aphasia can make meaningful progress in their communication and feel more connected to the people and activities they care about.

How Expressable treats aphasia

At Expressable, we match individuals and families with a licensed speech therapist trained to evaluate and treat aphasia. All therapy is delivered online through live, face-to-face video sessions on Zoom.

Multiple studies show that online speech therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions for treating aphasia. Virtual therapy offers greater flexibility and access to specialized therapists—no travel required. Plus, it makes it easier for family members to be part of the recovery process.

Caregiver involvement is an important part of aphasia treatment. At Expressable, we encourage caregivers to attend sessions whenever possible. This allows your speech therapist to demonstrate communication strategies in real time, and it gives caregivers the tools they need to support and reinforce progress at home. Whether you’re a spouse, adult child, or friend, being part of therapy can help you feel more confident in supporting your loved one.

Expressable’s clinical approach to evaluating aphasia

Speech therapy for aphasia begins with a comprehensive evaluation. This helps your speech therapist understand your specific strengths and challenges, so they can create a personalized plan that meets your communication goals.

At Expressable, your therapist may use a variety of standardized tools during the evaluation, including the Quick Aphasia Battery (QAB). This assessment looks at different aspects of language through tasks such as:

• Conversational speech samples

• Picture naming

• Sentence comprehension

• Repetition tasks

• Reading aloud

Your therapist may also evaluate your ability to follow directions, express your thoughts, and write. Each area is carefully assessed to determine how aphasia is affecting your communication.

Once the evaluation is complete, your speech therapist will develop a tailored care plan designed to build on your strengths and address your needs. Most clients attend two speech therapy sessions per week, but the frequency can vary depending on your goals and availability. Your therapist will guide you every step of the way and adjust your plan as you make progress.

Evidence-based strategies to treat aphasia 

At Expressable, speech therapy for aphasia is customized to each person’s communication needs, goals, and daily routines. Whether you’re working to regain language abilities or learning new ways to communicate, our therapists use proven, evidence-based strategies to support your progress and quality of life.

For individuals with mild to moderate aphasia, treatment may focus on improving everyday communication. Your speech therapist will build on the language skills you currently have, like using words, gestures, or short phrases, and help you strengthen these abilities over time. Together, you'll practice using more complex language in real-life situations, like responding to emails, reading appointment reminders, or chatting with a friend.

For people with more severe aphasia, therapy may include alternative ways to communicate. This could involve using gestures, writing, pointing to words or images, or using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, such as communication apps or picture boards. The goal is always to help you express yourself more easily and reduce frustration.

At Expressable, our speech therapists use evidence-based treatments for aphasia such as:

• Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia (ORLA): Reading aloud to improve comprehension, fluency, and confidence

• The Sentence Production Program for Aphasia (SPPA): Structured practice to help form and say complete, meaningful sentences

• Restorative techniques: Exercises that aim to rebuild language skills, like naming objects or repeating words

• Compensatory strategies: Tools and techniques to get your message across when speech is difficult, such as using a phrase bank or gestures

Sessions are functional and goal-oriented. Depending on your needs, your speech therapist may work on:

• Naming objects in pictures or around your home

• Repeating target words and short phrases

• Sorting and categorizing words by their meanings

• Rehearsing practical conversations, like making an appointment or ordering at a restaurant

Your therapist may also include family members in sessions to teach them helpful communication techniques, like how to simplify questions, give extra time to respond, or use visual cues. Aphasia affects more than just speech—it affects relationships. Speech therapy is designed to support the whole communication environment, so you feel more confident and connected in daily life.

Practice communication strategies at home with the Expressable portal

At Expressable, speech therapy doesn’t stop when your session ends. You’ll have ongoing text messaging support so you can ask questions or get tips from your speech therapist between sessions. You’ll also have access to our client portal, which makes it easier to practice communication strategies at home. The more often you practice, the faster you’ll make progress!

In the portal, you’ll find Learning Paths that explain and reinforce what you’re learning, such as verbal cueing or strategies for word finding:

You can watch videos where our experts demonstrate techniques for meaningful communication, such as the Visual Action Therapy (VAT) approach:

Your speech therapist will assign easy ways to practice communication strategies during your everyday routines, such as using Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) while reading a book:

The benefits of online speech therapy for aphasia

Online speech therapy has been shown in numerous studies to be just as effective as in-person speech therapy. In fact, many people find that online therapy better fits their lifestyle and recovery goals. Here are some of the reasons it works so well:

1 Access to specialized aphasia therapists

Aphasia is a complex condition, and it’s important to work with a speech-language pathologist who understands how to treat it. With online speech therapy, you’re not limited to therapists in your immediate area. You gain access to a broader network of licensed professionals, including those with expertise in aphasia recovery. This is especially helpful for people living in rural areas or regions where specialized services may be hard to find.

2 Convenience that fits your routine

Recovering from a stroke or brain injury often involves juggling multiple appointments, therapies, and life responsibilities. Online speech therapy eliminates travel time and scheduling stress. You can choose times that work for you—whether it’s early in the morning, in the evening, or on weekends. At Expressable, speech therapy fits into your life, not the other way around.

3 Comfort and confidence at home

Aphasia can make communication frustrating, especially in unfamiliar settings. Online therapy allows you to participate from the comfort of your home, where you feel more relaxed and confident. Sessions often feel more natural and meaningful when they take place at home. Therapists can also tailor therapy to real-life communication needs, like using your home calendar or reading your own mail and labels.

4 Family involvement

Family and caregivers are an essential part of aphasia recovery. Online sessions make it easier for loved ones to join therapy, observe techniques, and learn how to support communication at home. This helps ensure consistent practice between sessions and strengthens carryover of skills into daily life.

5 More affordable care

Because online therapy avoids many of the overhead costs of brick-and-mortar clinics, it can be more cost-effective. While pricing varies by provider, many people find online therapy to be a more affordable option—without sacrificing the quality of care. You’ll still receive the same personalized, evidence-based treatment from a licensed professional.

See what people with aphasia and their families are saying about our speech therapists

We’ve treated hundreds of individuals with aphasia around the country. Our speech therapists consistently earn ratings of 4.9 out of 5 stars from their clients. Here’s just a sampling:

“Her encouragement was just what we both needed” “We were not sure how well having speech therapy via Zoom would work, but Karyn was able to put our fears to rest and help my husband and I work through the difficulties he faces as he progresses with aphasia… We appreciated the helpful tips she passed along regarding the [AAC] device and the vocal exercises that are helping his voice become stronger. Her encouragement was just what we both needed.”

“Very instructive and helpful” “Very instructive and helpful toward my goals of reaching 100% of pre-stroke function.”

“She is so calm, caring, & competent!” “Kelsey is so great with my husband, following his brain tumor surgery. He has both severe aphasia and apraxia, yet she is so patient with him as he tries to provide words, sentences, etc. Also, Kelsey is quick to switch to a different question or activity if needed, and is very aware when my husband is becoming tired. She is so calm, caring, & competent! Lastly, she is always affirming to both the patient & the caregiver. I recommend her without hesitation!”

“She understands me” “...I have aphasia, and [my speech therapist] understands me.”

Get matched with a speech therapist today

We’re here to support you or your loved one on the path to clearer, more confident communication after a stroke or brain injury. Whether you're working to regain speech, understand language, or find new ways to connect, we’ll match you with a speech therapist experienced in aphasia treatment. Find the right speech therapist for your needs here.