In 2025 I had the pleasure of being in conversation with Libby Hill, where we explored what it truly means to take a holistic approach when supporting children with selective mutism.
As a multilingual speech and language therapist specialising in selective mutism and multilingualism, my work has always been guided by one key belief — communication is about so much more than speech. It is about how a child feels in their body, how safe they feel in their environment, and how confident they are to express themselves in any form.
During this conversation, I shared my Brave Muscle Method, an approach that focuses on starting from what a child can already do. Too often, the focus is placed on what is not yet happening. Instead, I believe in recognising strengths first, and then gently building from there. When children feel successful, even in small ways, their confidence begins to grow and with that, their readiness to communicate.
We also spoke about my Steps to Brave Talking programme, which offers a structured yet flexible pathway for children to gradually find their voice. It is designed to be pressure-free, supportive, and tailored to each child’s individual pace. There is no forcing, only encouragement, patience, and trust in the process.
A key part of my work is the Family Dynamic Approach. Families play such an important role in a child’s journey, and when parents and caregivers feel supported and empowered, the impact is profound. By providing practical tools, guidance, and understanding, I aim to help families create environments where children feel safe enough to take those brave steps.
Another aspect we explored was my integration of primitive reflex work into therapy. By addressing underlying motor and sensory challenges, children can develop improved emotional regulation, body awareness, and overall readiness for communication. This allows us to support not just the visible behaviours, but the deeper foundations that influence them.
This conversation was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how we can move beyond a narrow focus on speech, and instead support the whole child – building resilience, self-esteem, and independence along the way.
I’m so grateful to Libby for creating a space where these important conversations can happen.
If you’d like to learn more about
You can listen to the full conversation here:
A reminder that communication is not just about finding a voice — it’s about feeling safe enough to use it.
Anna Biavati
Speech Therapist, Creator of the Brave Muscle Method, Founder of Steps To Brave Talking
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