Child Playing
Child Laughing
Child Playing in Leaves

What is Selective Mutism

SM is an anxiety-based disorder, which prevents children from speaking in certain settings or to specific people despite being able to talk comfortably with specific people in other situations.

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Why I do What I do

I am passionate about supporting emotional regulation while strengthening individual differences such as speech/language challenges, sensory processing and motor difficulties, as well as visual spatial issues.

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What Therapy Looks Like

My philosophy of therapy includes incorporating the family from the start. Caregivers are part of the session from the moment they come in the door. I follow the child’s lead to whichever therapy room he selects – the sensory gym, with swings, trampolines, and a crash pad; the arts/crafts room, with play doh, paints, crayons, and paper; or the pretend play room, with a kitchen, puppets, animals,books, and puzzles. Therapy goals are integrated into a child’s natural play to simulate typical development and encourage generalization to the child’s natural environment. Seeing children proud of themselves and confident in navigating the social world is why i love being a developmental and relationship-based SLP!

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Testimonials


Joleen has been a blessing in my son’s life. She was the perfect piece to Jay's team of therapists. My son looks forward to his time with her every week. Joleen is nothing short of amazing.
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Joleen is one of a kind, AMAZING! My daughter has SM and I was very leery of taking her to a therapist thinking it might exacerbate her anxiety.
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What an amazing therapist! Whether you are a colleague, a parent, a patient, or just have questions, Joleen is always a joy to talk to and learn from.
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Joleen is wonderful with our six year old son. She has been working with him weekly and we have seen tremendous growth.
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We are pleased with the attention and service that the Selective Mutism Team has provided.  They responded to our requests for help with a student fast and scheduled appointments quickly.
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Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Joleen and her team for getting Katie on the road to success.
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I will be forever grateful to Joleen Fernald and her SM clinic for the help they provided to my daughter and our family.
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All who attended the
presentation were highly impressed, very informed, and
 surprisingly at ease with the topic of selective mutism.
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