Talking Together Speech Pathology

Get to know Talking Together Speech Pathology

From Talking Together Speech Pathology's website.

• Our approach

  At Talking Together, therapy is grounded in a family-centred, play-based approach where learning happens in ways that are meaningful and appropriate for each child. The practice believes in working as a team with families and other professionals involved in the child's care to achieve the best outcomes. Therapists use evidence-based programs and take a strengths-based approach, focusing on what each child can do and building from there. Sessions create warm, positive, and trusting relationships between therapists, children, and families. The philosophy emphasises individualised support tailored to each child's specific needs, whether in language development, social communication, or other areas.

• Working with families

  Close communication and collaboration with parents is central to the practice's philosophy and values. The family-centred approach means therapists work closely with parents as partners in supporting their child's communication development. The practice welcomes consultations and can provide home, childcare, and kindergarten visits to help understand your child's needs across different settings and to educate carers on how to best support your child. Regular communication ensures parents understand the goals, progress, and strategies being used so they can reinforce learning outside of therapy sessions. The practice also attends school and kindergarten meetings as needed to support your child's transition and coordinate care with other professionals involved in your child's support.

• Meet the team

  The team includes Kelly Murphy, the director and founder, a Speech Pathologist with over 25 years of experience working with preschool and school-aged children across hospitals, community health, private practice, and early intervention settings. She has particular expertise in autism spectrum disorder and leads multidisciplinary autism assessments. Deb Leather is a certified practising speech pathologist with over 10 years' experience across clinical and educational settings in Australia and internationally, trained in several well-regarded evidence-based programs. Kirsten Armstrong, a certified practicing speech pathologist with over 25 years in early intervention and paediatric feeding, provides support one day per week. Jenny Biviano is the reception staff member who helps families with information about availability and appointments.

• Your first visit

  At the initial appointment, the therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your child to understand their communication needs and establish goals for intervention. This appointment usually lasts 90 to 120 minutes and includes a full written report within the fee. The therapist will gather information about your child's current skills and difficulties across relevant areas such as language, speech sounds, social communication, or developmental concerns. The assessment process helps determine whether ongoing therapy is needed and what type of support would be most beneficial. No referral is needed for standard speech pathology assessments, though a paediatrician referral is recommended if a multidisciplinary autism assessment is required.