SEST TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS

Learn to listen for the story underneath the behavior

SEST Training teaches SLPs how to use the Story Emotion Social Therapy approach.

The Foundation

SEST is a mindset to grow into.

To use and to advertise that you use the SEST or the WholeStory Approach in your practice, you are required to complete SEST Training first.

SEST works differently from traditional therapeutic models. It asks you to shift from results-oriented to child-oriented and child-focused. And it asks you to do something most training never will: practice the fundamentals on yourself first.

SEST’s WholeStory ME-First principle

You can't guide a child through their WholeStory until you've walked through your own. Training protects the integrity of the approach, so every practitioner using the SEST name uses it as intended.

Is This You?

This training is for you if...

You're an SLP tired of handing kids scripts that don't stick
You want a framework grounded in research and real clinical experience, not guesswork
You're ready to shift from chasing behavior to listening for the story underneath it
You believe children deserve support that protects their dignity and emotional safety
You're willing to do the inner work first, so you can offer it to the children you serve

SEST is designed for speech-language pathologists working 1:1 with children ages 6+, in private practice or a team setting. Full eligibility is spelled out in the Guide.

"If telling kids what to do worked, they'd already be doing it. The same is true for us adults. Real change starts with the therapist, not the technique."
— Dr. Rochel Lieberman

The Structure

Two levels of SEST Training

Taken in sequence.

Principal Training

For neurotypical children — for children with emerging perspective-taking and those with weak social communication, weak group-dynamic skills, or who are shy and steer away from connection.

On completion: SEST Approved Practitioner, Level 1 – Neurotypical Children.

Advanced Training

For deeper social-emotional support — for children with social learning, social-emotional, or social-anxiety needs. Including SCD, ASD Level 1, or no diagnostic label at all. Advanced Training teaches you to work holistically with parents.

On completion: SEST Certified Practitioner. (Opens after Principal Training.)

How to Apply

Applications are reviewed personally and intentionally.

Everything you need is in one place. 

The Guide to Training Opportunities walks you through the approach, both levels, requirements, fees, and the application form, and it’s all in a single download.

Questions first? Email office@wholestoryspeech.com — happy to help before you apply.

We review completed applications as they’re received, and you’ll hear back on your status within four weeks.

The Practitioners

SEST Approved Practitioners

Completed Principal Training

Sisters Who Speech

SEST Approved Practitioner, Level 1 — Serel Frankel & Reisey Frankel

THE VIDEOS

Access your SEST training videos

Free videos accompany each SEST exercise in the SEST Fundamentals textbook — exactly as promised inside the book.

Own the book? Your videos are waiting.

QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know

Yes — to use it in your practice and to advertise that you do. This protects the fidelity of the method and everyone who practices it.

Because SEST asks for a genuine mindset shift, not just new tools. You experience the fundamentals firsthand, so you can guide children through them with real understanding.

Everything- like eligibility, what’s included, fees, payment, and more is laid out in the downloadable Guide.

Ready to train in the WholeStory way?