About Me
Hello, I’m Heeral.
I’m a Speech and Language Therapist with over 15 years of experience helping children become calm, clear, and confident communicators.
I specialise in supporting children with speech sound and stammering (fluency) difficulties — children who know what they want to say but need help making their speech clearer, smoother, and easier to understand.
I believe communication is deeply personal and shaped by our culture, family, and community. Guided by values of service, compassion, and connection, I see this work as part of a greater good — helping children, families, and communities to thrive together.
My approach is gentle, evidence-based, and collaborative. Therapy sessions are designed around each child’s needs and interests, with practical strategies that fit naturally into family life. I work closely with parents so that progress continues between sessions, not just during them.
I’m based in South London, offering sessions across Croydon, Bromley, and neighbouring boroughs, during school hours (9am–2pm).
My hope for every child I work with is simple — that they feel understood, capable, and confident in their voice.
Portfolio of Work
I feel fortunate to have contributed to a range of meaningful projects — you can explore some of them below.
Qualifications and Early Practice
I qualified in Speech Science at University College London (UCL) in 2009 and began my career in South London, working across community clinics and primary schools as part of the NHS. Since then, I have worked in secondary schools, resource bases, and later as a clinic lead and clinic manager. These roles deepened my commitment to children, young people, and their families, and shaped the way I practise today: with care, consistency, and the belief that communication underpins confidence and connection.
NHS Commitment and Consultancy
I worked in the NHS for over 15 years, gaining invaluable experience and insight from colleagues, children, and families. That time continues to influence my approach today. I remain connected to the service by consulting on Best Start in Speech, Language, and Communication — a national preventative campaign supporting families to access clear, supportive, and accurate information about language development.
Advocacy and Professional Recognition
I am an active member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and currently serve on the Professional Practice and Policy Committee. Advocacy for children, families, and the profession is central to my ethos, and I am proud to contribute to shaping practice at a national level.
Sharing Knowledge and Engagements
I’ve had the privilege of guest lecturing at Coventry University, supporting students on the Return to Practice course, and contributing as an apprentice board member at HCPC and in an advisory capacity at Speech and Language UK. More recently, I spoke at the Early Years Summit 2023, where I shared insights on early language development and how we can work collectively towards more inclusive practice.
Therapy and Coaching
Alongside direct therapy with children, I offer coaching for parents. I have seen how powerful it is when families feel confident to use strategies at home — it allows communication skills to grow in natural settings, with support that is both consistent and sustainable. My role is to guide and empower parents so they can embed techniques with ease in their daily lives.
Impact and Aspiration
What motivates me most is impact — creating real, lasting change for children and their families. Whether through therapy, coaching, or system-wide advocacy, my aim is always the same: to ensure every child has the best possible support to communicate, connect, and thrive.
Ongoing Professional Development
Continued learning is a core part of my practice. Over the years, I’ve trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches, including:
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The Lidcombe Program – stammering therapy
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Palin PCI – stammering therapy
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It Takes Two to Talk (Hanen) – early language programme
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Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
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The SCERTS Model
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Parent Child Interaction (PCI)
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Parent Advisory Training – King’s College London
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BRIEF Solution Focused Therapy
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Diploma in Life Coaching