If you’re considering speech therapy for your child, you probably have questions. What does a session look like? Will your child feel comfortable? Will it feel more like play or more like work?

At Gigi’s Kids, we understand how uncertain therapy can feel for both you and your child in the beginning. So we’ve broken down the process to help you feel more informed, prepared, and reassured.

Getting Your Child Started with Speech Therapy 

We make it easy to start speech therapy by breaking the process down into three simple stages.

  • Complimentary consultation

Getting started is as easy as picking up the phone. We’ll talk with you about your child’s speech and language development and the reasons you’re seeking therapy. If we both agree to move forward, we’ll schedule an in-person evaluation.

  • Comprehensive evaluation: 

This is your child’s first official visit and a chance for us to get to know each other. We use play-based observation, picture naming, listening tasks, and interactive games to evaluate your child’s speech and language skills. Immediately after the evaluation, we meet with you to go over the results, answer any questions, and explain whether therapy is recommended. 

  • Therapy planning:
    Once we agree on a treatment plan, we match your child with a therapist based on expertise, communication style, and personality. Each therapy program is tailored to your child’s unique goals and learning preferences. We also work closely with you to build a schedule that fits your family’s needs.

What to Expect in a Speech Therapy Session

While every session is personalized for your child, the structure usually follows a consistent flow designed to build trust and support progress.

  • Warm-up and rapport building:
    Each session begins by helping your child feel safe, seen, and ready to engage. This might include a short game, playing with a favorite toy, or a few minutes of light conversation.
  • Targeted skill work:
    The bulk of the session focuses on your child’s specific speech or language goals, using interactive activities like picture cards, board games, apps, toys, and pretend play to keep them engaged during treatment. This is especially beneficial for children with autism, who often have unique communication needs.
  • Repetition and feedback:
    Your child will be gently guided to practice new sounds, words, or conversational skills through repetition and age-appropriate, real-life conversations. This approach helps build confidence and gives your child a sense of accomplishment as their skills improve over time.
  • Parent communication:
    At the end of each session, your child’s therapist will review their progress with you and share strategies you can use at home to support their treatment. We view parents as valuable partners in the therapy process.

Why Speech Therapy Feels Like Play at Gigi’s Kids

Speech therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all program, and it isn’t supposed to feel like work. At Gigi’s Kids, we believe that play is one of the most powerful ways for children to learn. That’s why we use toys, stories, movement, and games to teach new skills in a way that feels natural and fun.

For a toddler working on first words, that might mean naming toy animals or asking for a snack. For a school-age child building social skills, we might role-play scenarios using puppets or games. Our therapists adjust their methods to match your child’s age, attention span, and personality.

The Parent’s Role in Speech Therapy

We know that children thrive when their caregivers are involved and empowered. That’s why we make sure you’re never left guessing about what happens in therapy or what you can do at home.

From the very first phone call, we take time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and talk through what to expect. During treatment, we keep you informed and offer practical tools and exercises to help extend your child’s progress between sessions. We also welcome your insights, because nobody knows your child better than you do.

Every family is different, so we adapt our approach to respect your culture, values, and day-to-day routine. Whether you’re juggling work, school, siblings, or all of the above, we’ll work together to make therapy fit your life, not the other way around.

How Long Does Speech Therapy Last?

That depends on many factors, including your child’s age, needs, goals, and how often they attend sessions. Some children make significant progress in a few months, while others benefit from a longer course of therapy.

At Gigi’s Kids, we regularly assess your child’s progress and adjust their goals accordingly. Our aim is always to build independence and confidence so your child can thrive in everyday situations.

Connect with Gigi’s Kids Today

Take the first step and call (248) 735-8080 to speak with a therapist. We’ll walk you through the process and help you decide if Gigi’s Kids is the right fit. The sooner we begin, the sooner your child can start building strong communication skills for a lifetime of confidence.