Vanessa Murray Speech Pathology

Get to know Vanessa Murray Speech Pathology

From Vanessa Murray Speech Pathology's website.

• Our approach

  Sessions at Vanessa Murray Speech Pathology begin with a thorough initial assessment to understand your child's presenting condition and establish goals for treatment. During follow-up sessions, new strategies and exercises are introduced and practiced, with the expectation that children will continue practising these at home. Sessions are kept to 45 minutes to allow for optimal engagement and learning while reducing muscular and vocal fatigue. The service delivers gender-affirming, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed care in a safe and supportive space that respects each child's communication style and lived experience. Treatment is functional and holistic, tailored to individual needs whether that involves language skills, social communication, swallowing strategies, voice training, literacy support, or AAC options.

• Working with families

  The service provides targeted family-centred therapy, recognising the important role families play in supporting children's progress. Parents and carers are expected to support home practice of strategies and exercises introduced in sessions, which is essential for optimal outcomes. The provider communicates with families, schools and other professionals as needed, and is willing to make referrals to other professionals where appropriate. The practice values authentic relationships with families and maintains respect for each family's privacy and confidentiality.

• Meet the team

  Vanessa Murray is a fully certified practising speech pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia, holding a Master of Speech Pathology and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Asian Studies and Linguistics from La Trobe University. She has over twenty years' experience teaching English as a Second Language to diverse populations locally and internationally. Vanessa is also a member of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH), the Australian Association of Trans Health (AusPath), and the Australian Voice Association, regularly engaging in professional development to maintain current evidence-based practice. She provides all clinical services directly.

• Your first visit

  The initial consultation involves a thorough assessment of your child's presenting condition, during which goals for further sessions are established where necessary. A comprehensive assessment report is available on request. The assessment helps identify specific areas of need, whether related to speech, language, voice, communication, swallowing, or other concerns. Following this initial session, treatment plans are developed with clear objectives, and children are given strategies and exercises to practise at home between sessions. No referral is necessary to book an appointment, though your GP may choose to provide one.