Woman standing at a table clearly communicating

7 Signs You or a Loved One Could Benefit from Adult Speech Therapy

September 08, 20253 min read

Strong communication is vital for everyday life, but for many adults, speech and language challenges can affect confidence, relationships, and even career success. Whether caused by medical conditions or language barriers, these challenges are treatable with adult speech therapy.

At Clear Accent Speech Therapy, we offer both in-person and virtual speech therapy options for adults in Pleasant Hill, the San Francisco Bay Area, and across California. Learn to speak with clarity and confidence under the care of a licensed, ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist.

What Is Adult Speech Therapy?

Caucasian female therapist, approximately 45 years old, attentively engaging with her student via a laptop monitor.

Adult speech therapy focuses on improving communication and related skills that may have been impaired due to medical conditions, accidents, or lifelong speech issues. Therapy may address:

- Speech clarity

- Word finding or memory issues

- Swallowing problems (dysphagia)

- Accent modification for non-native speakers

- Cognitive communication challenges from brain injuries or stroke

Led by Jennifer Jourdain, M.S., we specialize in tailored therapy for young adults, professionals, and seniors alike.

7 Signs You May Benefit from Speech Therapy

Wondering if therapy might be helpful for you or someone you care about? Here are the most common signs that indicate it's time to seek support:


1. You Frequently Have to Repeat Yourself

Do people often ask, "Can you say that again?" Poor articulation, reduced volume, or a heavy accent may be preventing others from understanding you clearly. Our speech clarity training targets these exact issues.

2. You Have Trouble Following or Participating in Conversations

Difficulty processing language or formulating thoughts can result in missed information or slow responses. This may signal the need for cognitive speech therapy, especially in those recovering from stroke or brain injury.


3. You Struggle to Communicate at Work

If professional communication is holding you back—from interviews to team meetings—you may benefit from accent modification, improved pronunciation, or fluency support. Our online speech therapy makes sessions convenient even for busy professionals.


4. You Avoid Speaking in Social or Public Settings

Speech anxiety or fear of not being understood often leads adults to withdraw from conversations. Building expressive language skills and confidence can help reverse this pattern.

5. You're Recovering From a Stroke or Neurological Event

Post-stroke individuals may experience aphasia, slurred speech, or memory loss. Our therapy addresses both speech and cognition to support complete rehabilitation through specialized adult treatment techniques.


6. You Suffer From Swallowing Difficulties

If eating or drinking has become uncomfortable or dangerous, you may have dysphagia. Our swallowing therapy provides personalized strategies and exercises to help improve meal safety and quality of life.


7. You’ve Spoken English for a Long Time, But Still Feel Unclear

This is especially common among long-time residents or professionals who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). Our accent modification program helps refine your pronunciation so you can be heard and understood without difficulty.


How We Help Adults Communicate Clearly at Any Age

Whether you're 25 or 75, our adult clients receive:

- Personalized 1:1 sessions (in-person or virtual)

- Assessment-based planning

- Custom exercises for home practice

- An experienced, supportive therapist with 30+ years’ experience

We make speech improvement accessible by offering flexible virtual speech therapy appointments as well as in-office sessions in Pleasant Hill, CA.

Real Client Stories

“After my stroke, I couldn’t find the right words to say. Jennifer’s compassionate therapy helped me recover mentally and emotionally. I’m back to leading conversations!”  

— Harold C., Walnut Creek, CA


“Even after 10 years in the U.S., I felt people didn’t really hear me. With Jennifer’s guidance in speech clarity and accent training, my confidence and promotions soared.”  

— Chinwe A., Concord, CA


Take the First Step Toward Better Communication

You don’t have to live with frustrating communication challenges. Help is available, and the results can be life-changing.

📞 Call us today for a free 15-minute consultation: (925) 940-8299  

📧 Email: [email protected]  

📍 Visit us in Pleasant Hill, or ask about our fully remote programs available across California


Empowering adults to speak clearly and confidently — in the workplace, in relationships, and in life.

I am a skilled Speech-Language Therapist with over 30 years of experience in adult rehabilitation, including speech clarity training, language and cognitive therapy, and dysphagia (swallowing disorders) therapy. I find working with clients in helping them modify their accents very rewarding. Let me help you improve your speech!

Jennifer Jourdain

I am a skilled Speech-Language Therapist with over 30 years of experience in adult rehabilitation, including speech clarity training, language and cognitive therapy, and dysphagia (swallowing disorders) therapy. I find working with clients in helping them modify their accents very rewarding. Let me help you improve your speech!

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Call: (925) 940-8299

Office: 37 Banbridge Place, Pleasant Hill CA 94523

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist: CCC-SLP #9005

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