top of page

Therapy

Selective Mutism is often closely linked with social anxiety, meaning challenges can extend beyond speaking. Therapy focuses on building comfort and confidence across social interactions, using practical strategies that support both the individual and those around them.

PM Content (4).png

Build Social Comfort

In most cases, Selective Mutism stems from social anxiety, with silence acting merely as the most visible sign of deeper underlying difficulties. Beyond the struggle to speak, individuals frequently experience significant internal distress in any social setting where participation is anticipated. This often results in them being misunderstood as simply being shy. Consequently, thorough assessment and treatment must consider the full impact of anxiety on a person's life. Our therapeutic model focuses on developing comfort across all types of engagement, rather than just verbal speech. By applying holistic strategies that support both the individual and their wider environment, we cultivate a supportive and empathetic space for sustainable growth. This rounded approach ensures that every child receives the necessary tools to navigate social situations with newfound confidence and ease.

For certain individuals, Selective Mutism is specifically related to the act of speaking. Despite appearing confident in many environments, they remain unable to verbalise. In order to share thoughts, they often utilise non-verbal tools such as gestures or writing.

Across both scenarios, we must acknowledge gains in speech alongside improvements in general conduct tied to broader anxiety. This ensures we provide ongoing support for the growth of our children and their families.

A holistic approach to social ease incorporates a variety of clinical techniques. Engaging a multidisciplinary team of clinicians is helpful when addressing diverse developmental needs. This section explains the common contributions of various medical specialists within a tailored intervention designed for selective mutism.

Schum, R. L. (2002, 24 September). Selective Mutism: A Unified Approach to Treatment. The ASHA Leader. Available at: http://www.asha.org/about/publications/leader-online/archives/2002/q3/020924ftr.htm

bottom of page