Voice and speech are identifiable as belonging to a particular person and convey a wealth of information about you and your individual personality. Listeners draw inferences from voice related to: age, intelligence, education, occupation, regional and socioeconomic background.
A fully functioning voice is vital for work and socialising. Any changes to your voice can lead to a loss of ability to function in these settings.
Simple and effective techniques are used to enable you to regain full control of your voice. You will achieve a level of vocal function significantly higher than that of the average speaker.
A positive impact can be achieved in the following settings: work, social settings, meetings, school/further education, making and receiving phone calls, shopping, talking in public, interviews, giving presentations, gaining promotions, forming friendships and meeting new people, expressing feelings, standing up for yourself and so on.
In her NHS role, Mrs Addlestone is head of the voice service and has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating voice and speech problems. She works as lead therapist with ENT Consultants in designated voice clinics within a hospital setting and also has training in counselling, cognitive behvaioural therapy and family therapy. Mrs Addlestone has worked as a lecturer and examiner on the speech therapy graduate course at MMU (Manchester Metropolitan University) and also delivers training in counselling and assertivenss for allied health professionals.
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As a teacher, my voice is my livelihood. Sue has helped me coach my voice back to full strength after a very stressful 6 months considering other career options and being constantly exhausted after a day's work. Thankyou Sue! JH
I was initially sceptical that speech therapy could help me. The I met Sue and was impressed by her enthusiasm, commitment, expertise and engaging personality. She was able to eventually "tease out" the root causes of my speech problem. I am so grateful that I went to her. I am just a little sad not to be seeing such a sparkling, addictive personality again. JK
I was recommended to see Sue because my voice been getting more and more hoarse. I work on reception in a hospital and need to speak to patients and other members of staff almost all day. I wasn't able to go to work because of my hoarseness and had to take sick leave. Still, my voice didn't get better. I went to see Sue and was amazed that after just 1 appointment my voice started to return! The weekly exercise's really helped. I am now back at work and my voice is doing really well thanks to Sue! KS
I have had problems with my voice being hoarse for years which has resulted in surgery and much research to try and fix it. My confidence was at an all time low with both my social and work life being severely affected. I stopped wanting to see friends and family as I was so frustrated. But having therapy with Sue has changed everything and a huge weight has been lifted. I can talk without thinking about how every word is going to sound and whether my voice will actually work. My confidence is growing and it is all because Sue has an ability to understand and fix problems. I can't thank you enough Sue! You have helped me become me again, a happy chatterbox!! I love talking again!! JJ
I just wanted to thank Sue for her sessions as they have helped me so much. I was at an all time low, yet came away from the first session feeling hopeful for the first time in a long while. The way Sue instantly understood the effect my voice was having not only upon my work but upon me as a person made such a difference, as did her realistic expectations for my recovery. Now, with Sue's techniques, I feel better than I have in a very long time. I am able to do my job well again, using my voice fully at work and then at home with my children. I feel like me again. CC
I was straining my voice every time I spoke and it was affecting my confidence. I saw Sue and within 2 sessions I had changed the way I used my voice, and as I was no longer straining, my confidence has grown. Sue offered a very professional service and was really approachable and easy to talk to, and clearly understood the issues I was raising. JL
Thanks to Sue's work with me I was able to overcome a troublesome voice issue which had begun to affect my livelihood. Her effective methods quickly resolved my issues and were simple to grasp and utilise. I have now adopted her methods as a matter of course whenever I use my voice and they've already made a significant difference. AM
Due to extreme nerve-type pain, I was unable to speak without pain. My neurologist recommended seeing a speech therapist and I went to see Sue. From the first meeting with Sue I had no doubt that she would be able to help, even though I had barely been able to speak to anyone for several months. With Sue, it was a question of 'when' not 'if' which was really important for me - by the time I saw Sue I had begun to lose hope. Sue explained everything and even in the first therapy session she managed to get me to say some sounds without pain . The exercises Sue gave me to do at home were easy to follow and well explained. I was also able to ring Sue between sessions if I needed any help. Sue is a great person to get along with. She puts you at your ease from the outset and gets you to move forward - which I did! - after three sessions my speech went back to normal. PC
Sue, what an amazing lady. To say that I had no confidence in myself when I first met Sue would be an understatement. On first meeting Sue I didnt think I would ever get my normal voice back following ENT surgery. With Sue's help and support I have been able to over come this fear. Sue is always on hand pre & post appointment. Nothing is too much trouble. From the mid appointment supportive text through to the actual appointment time itself. The techniques Sue has provided me will also support other areas of my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you I really do not where I would be without you Sue. Thanks also for your kindness and compassion and helping me to understand how the voice works, without all the technical jargon and restoring my faith in my voice would return one day. We had tears laughter and dancing ! But you were always there for me. Thanks. Joanne Greaves
Sue has helped me to gain confidence in regular presentations, which has a huge impact on my studies and career. I came to see Sue initially for help with speech and presentation skills. However Sue was immediately able to target and get rid of a problem which I have had a for several years but have been unable to stop. Since seeing Sue, my speech is considerably clearer! It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend Sue. I cannot thank her enough! CS
When I first went to Sue, my voice had been affected for almost a year. I had had various treatments given to me by doctors and nothing had worked so I had lost faith that I would ever get it back. Sue was brilliant; not only did she cure my voice but she gave me the confidence to know that, if ever in the same situation again, I could do it myself. More than anything, our meetings were fun which made the whole process very easy. I couldn't thank her enough! DC
Having developed a problem with my vocal cords through a stress related illness, speaking for long periods of time was placing a real strain on my voice and giving me a really sore throat. Having had only a handful of sessions with Sue my voice has returned back to where it was 7/8 months ago. Her sessions are fun, sometimes unconventional but, always rewarding and you leave each session both with plenty of exercises to rectify your condition but also with a real sense of purpose. Sue is a real inspiration and I can't thank her enough. Stuart N
I wish I approached Sue a lot sooner than I did. I had problems with my speech for years and with one hour of teaching from Sue these problems were quickly fixed. I now find myself speaking clearly, with confidence and enjoying conversations much more since my visit. I have noticed such a big difference and couldn’t be happier. I'd recommend anyone to see Sue if they aren't completely happy with their speech. It's the best money I've spent all year! PD
For 6 years I had continued to speak in a childlike voice with my parents after it had changed, even though I was speaking in my real voice outside the family. Having this double life caused considerable strain on me, and I didn't know where to turn.After all the damage it had caused me, I finally told my parents, and they arranged therapy with Sue. Initially I was scared of being misunderstood, but was astounded how genuinely friendly, and caring Sue was. She gave me the understanding, and advice I had needed so many years ago, but never had the courage to get. Sue, I can't thank you enough for the help you gave me, now I can finally move on with my life. PT
I found the speech therapy sessions incredibly useful. They were tailored based on careful discussion and a deep look into what could be the underlying causes of my speech issue. Once this was found, we worked together with very well-prepared material to solve the problems. Sue's friendly demeanour and patient approach makes for a very stress-free time and after just 5 sessions, everything has been sorted. I am now more confident when I speak to people and have no problems with public speaking and being understood. Both psychology and physical mechanics are dealt with in a way that has allowed me to be more aware of what I am doing when I speak. I cannot speak highly enough of my experience!! Many thanks! BK
A few months ago, I was losing jobs and not earning money because of my voice. I am a translator and do lots of dictation - sometimes speaking into my computer for up to 6 hours at a time . I ended up straining my voice and couldn't dictate any more, so I contacted Sue. Sue’s help made a big difference for me, and I am now able to work again. Many thanks Sue for all your help. SE
I went to see Sue for help with my speech, which was really helpful. Sue is a complete professional and a real expert in her field. She also has a fun and exciting personality - I loved the session!
I have not spoken for 2 years. I was seeing another speech therapist and after a number of appointments I was told that there was nothing else she could do for me. I was referred to Sue - I only had one appointment with Sue, but with the help she gave me I am now able to speak again. I cannot thank her enough. Many thanks for your help and understanding. Howard T
Having a few issues with public speakng (breathing and projection), I found the session with Sue very helpful to appreicate what was the issue and how to remedy this going forwards. Daniel Stephenson
I met Sue last night and I was nervous to begin with, she soon made me at ease and taught me how to correct me speech, Thanks Sue....... I will be back for more lessons if what you have taught me does not rectify my fault. Adam Bradshaw
I was referred to Sue for help with my voice and my singing. I am a singing teacher but had been suffering with both my speaking voice and singing voice. It was making my work very difficult. Now I have had therapy with Sue I am so much better. Thanks to Sue so much for her support and expertise in regaining my singing and my voice. Thank you, Sue, for showing me that my voice can still cope with the demands I put on it! HW
Sue is amazing at finding the positivity in you. She brings it out in a way that makes you forget you can feel any other way. SG
Sue Addlestone is a wonderful speech therapist. She has all the technical knowledge of the workings of the voice, so she can improve voice problems and help people back to singing. She also has a deep understanding of how non-physical problems can hinder the voice, such as stress and anxiety. Her caring approach improved my voice in all areas. Her care is second to none. PU
I am extremely grateful to God Almighty Who has led me to such a dedicated professional as Sue. I was completely mute following a tragedy nearly three years ago. The quality of the therapy that i received from Sue has resulted in me speaking once again. I travelled all the way from Pakistan to receive treatment in the UK and can confidently say that anyone who has a speech impediment or has ever suffered trauma to their speaking ability should seek assistance from Sue Addleston. May family and friends are all indebted to Sue for the time and effort that she has expended on me and helped me to communicate verbally. On a personal note Sue, I am deeply honoured to have met such a lovely professional as yourself. Your humbleness coupled with the determination and patience that you offer to your patients is surely the key their achieving what they either never had or as in my case regaining that which was lost following an unfortunate incident. My prayers go out for you and your family. Ishtiaq Ahmed
Voice therapy following thyroid surgery I was referred to Sue following my thyroid surgery when I realised that I was having problems speaking after my operation and there appeared to be no improvements. I was very low and frustrated and felt like nobody understood my problem. I was very nervous about my first appointment and was desperate for some help. Sue very quickly put me at ease and made me feel very comfortable about the exercises and tasks she encouraged me to do. I cannot thank Sue enough for her kindness, professionalism and understanding of my condition and her encouragement towards my recovery! SA
Sue is a wonderful teacher that really gets the idea's that you have to learn through in a clear way. The techniques that I have learnt from her will help me develop my voice with confidence. If anyone needs a voice therapist I would highly recommend her, I would not hesitate to go back to her in the future if I needed additional help. SM
I had been unable to speak for a long time. It made me very down and lonely. I didn't want to go out or see anyone. I had given up hope of ever being able to speak again so my daughter contacted Sue. I could not believe how it took her only three weeks to teach me how to speak again! I can't begin to explain how grateful I am to Sue - she has helped me get my life back. AG
Sue was amazing. She taught me how to improve my speech by giving me little exercises to do daily that really took up no time. After 2 sessions I was well on my way to getting better. She gave me support outside of the consultations too, either by calling me or by emailing me. I found her to be kind and sincere, and the empathy she showed made me feel she really wanted to help me. I would not hesitate to recommend Sue. She does great work. JS
Of all the speech therapists I have dealt with I found Sues methods to be far more helpful for my problem. She obviously has a natural ability to empathise with all her clients. Marita M
I went to Sue at a time when my speaking voice was hoarse and my singing voice almost non-existent, something that made me extremely sad as singing had been a huge part of who I was. Initially I was sceptical, thinking that there was no hope but through a series of exercises both for the voice and for my thinking, the hoarseness began to disappear and my singing began to improve. Sue, with her enthusiasm and insight, helped me to see that I could regain control of my speaking and develop the range in my singing again which was wonderful. I still do the exercises she has recommended and try to remember her advice at the very beginning when she got me to completely reverse my negative thinking and made me see there would be a day when my singing voice would reappear, under my control.....and she was right! Thanks to Sue for all (her) encouragement and advice. MD
It has felt a long road at times, but with your patience, enthusiasm and determination, I feel so much more confident. I am truly grateful to have both met and worked with you. You are a true professional, showing great warmth and compassion. So "thanks a million"! CL
I was really quite nervous about what it would be like to sit and explain how I felt to someone, but Sue put me at ease as soon as I met her - over the next sessions it felt more like talking to a friend than a formal visit. The past couple of years have been very difficult for me, and I thought I might have to just live with my symptoms. However, Sue showed me really good techniques so that I could learn to control the signs of stress by using these techniques, which were easy to learn and made me feel as if I was back in control again. Thank you so much Sue for all your help. SF