Accent Modification | Carter Speech Pathology

How do you want to sound?

Efficient professional coaching for accent.

We will never share your information

Efficiency

Working on your own can be hard. Professional coaching means an accelerated timeline for reaching your accent goal.

Convenience

We come to you: we meet you at home, over coffees, at a library or online — whatever habitat is best for your progress.

Personalized Service

You are working with the same SLP start to finish.

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

“[…] his warmth and genuine care and compassion shine through in his interactions — which is rare in someone with his level of efficiency, knowledge, and additional professional certifications.”

Reena Parhar Clinical Practice Leader
Fraser Health Authority

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

I am very happy with the speech therapy provided for my son. My son enjoys the sessions even though he’s challenged to work hard.

Jean W.

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

Nathan is a professional and great at what he does. Would wholeheartedly recommend his services!

J. C.Google Review

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

“I highly recommend Nathan for anyone seeking speech therapy services. He is incredibly professional, friendly, and knowledgeable in the field. His warm and approachable nature makes each session comfortable and engaging. His flexibility truly sets him apart; he tailors his approaches to meet individual needs and easily accommodates scheduling challenges. His expertise and dedication have made a significant difference, and I am grateful for the support he provides[…]”

L.G.Google Review

Advanced FEES course:
SA Swallowing Services (Dr. J. Ashford)

Registered SLP

ILP certified

12+ years experience

FAQ

What is involved in an accent coaching course from Carter Speech Pathology?

Our accent course is based on the internationally known Compton P-ESL method. Your first session involves a complete test of your current accent, recording and inventorying each sound together with your speech therapist. From there, a customized course is developed based on the aspects of your accent that will make the biggest difference in how you sound. We work on the most productive target sounds first.

Can I talk to an SLP for free?

Yes! We’d be happy to talk with you, find out what you need, and determine whether accent modification coaching would be of value to you. A speech pathologist will contact you directly by email or by phone.

Is the cost covered by MSP?

No – the service is a private one and so does not qualify for coverage under MSP. But much like private physiotherapy or massage therapy, extended health plans will often provide some level of coverage for speech pathology services. It is worth checking with your extended health provider to see whether the cost of pursuing your accent goals can be offset with coverage you already have. If your accent modification goals would benefit your work, employers will sometimes want to support you with your plan — it’s worth checking.

Is it expensive?

This is a subjective question and depends on how you value the outcomes you are looking for. Some people find private SLP accent coaching too expensive, and others are relieved to find our help more affordable than a service they had used before. We charge $150/hr for coaching. Our hourly rates are not considered high for SLP services in BC, and we offer half-hour increments in some circumstances. Because we are a fully mobile service, there is a per-km fee ($0.50) and a travel rate (one-third of the normal hourly rate) for your speech therapist’s travel if the sessions are in-person. Each person will weigh the value of improved communication and confidence against the cost of therapy and come to a decision that is right for them. We are happy to speak with you at no cost to share any information you might need.

Will my accent become 100% standard Canadian?

This would be rare – the ability to perfectly take on a new accent is very rare even among highly trained actors. However, the ability to change how you sound in a really meaningful way is not rare, and you should expect to show substantial changes after a structured course like the one we offer.

Shouldn’t people just embrace their accents and not try to change them?

There is a really wide debate on this topic currently. Some people say no-one should try to change an accent because it is an integral part of a culture, an up-bringing, or a positive echo of the people who taught them the language. Others say that accent lands in the category of things that are fun to tinker with — like clothing, posture, etiquette, fitness, or new physical skills. We tend to align more with the second view. We have a positive view of accents, find them interesting, and enjoy the prospect of adding new accents to your repertoire for whatever reason is driving you. Your original accent is not ‘lost’ or ‘reduced’ after coaching — it is joined by a new one that you have cultivated for yourself.