Sound Abilities
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Speech Therapy Services - All Ages

What happens at the first appointment?
  • Your first session includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed assessment and a clear plan for therapy.
How long are therapy sessions?
  • Sessions are typically 45-60 minutes. Frequency depends on your goals and condition, often weekly or fortnightly.
Do you offer online therapy?
  • Yes! Telehealth sessions are available for speech, voice, cognitive-communication and some swallowing therapies.
Do I need a referral?
  • No referral is typically required. However, if you have a Chronic Condition Management plan (sometimes referred to as care plan) from your GP, you may be able to obtain a partial rebate from Medicare for up to 5 sessions. A referral is also needed in order to use DVA funding, as well as the new M10 pathway for speech sound disorders, stuttering and cleft lip/palate. 
Can you help with swallowing difficulties?
  • Yes. We assess and treat swallowing problems, provide exercises, recommend safe strategies and work with support workers or doctors if needed. We can also complete Mealtime Management Plans, training of staff/caregivers and ongoing dysphagia management with updated plans as needed.
Are therapy programs personalised?
  • Absolutely. Every plan is tailored to your goals, strengths and challenges, with progress reviewed regularly.
How much do sessions cost?
  • Fees vary by session type and length. Funding/rebates may be available through Medicare, NDIS, DVA or private health insurance.
How do I book an appointment?
  • Give us a call on 0481 227 871 or you can fill out our Enquiry Form online and we will be in touch with next steps!
How long does it take to see improvement?
  • Some improvements can be seen in a few sessions, but lasting changes usually take several weeks to months, depending on the condition, severity and frequency of therapy.
  • Progress is monitored continuously, and therapy plans are adjusted as needed.
Do you work with other health professionals?
  • Yes, we collaborate with:
    • Doctors, neurologists and ENT specialists
    • Dietitians for swallowing management
    • Occupational therapists and physiotherapists
    • Caregivers and family members for home support
Can I continue therapy at home?
  • Yes. We provide home programs, exercises and strategies to practice between sessions, which improves outcomes and encourages independence.

Adult Speech Therapy on Bribie

What types of adult speech therapy do you provide?
  • We offer therapy for:
    • Dysarthria & apraxia – improving clarity, articulation and speech coordination
    • Voice disorders – managing hoarseness, strain or age-related changes
    • Language & cognitive-communication – supporting memory, attention, comprehension and word-finding difficulties
    • Social communication - group speech therapy for adults to support social connection and communication
What types of swallowing therapy do you provide?
  • Modified diets & liquids – guidance on safe food textures and drink thickness
  • Swallowing exercises – tailored exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles
  • Compensatory strategies – safe techniques for eating and drinking
What techniques are used in therapy?
  • Strengthening exercises – for lips, tongue, vocal folds and respiratory muscles
  • Respiratory training – using devices to enhance breath support for speech and swallowing
  • Cognitive-communication strategies – memory aids, problem-solving tasks and attention exercises
  • Biofeedback & technology – visual or digital feedback to monitor progress and improve outcomes
  • Evidence Based Treatments  – Targets language, memory and swallowing
  • Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices: Specific devices to assist with communication that can be customised and tailored to your specific needs.
What should I bring to my first session?
  • Previous medical or speech reports
  • Medication list
  • Goals for therapy
  • Concerns/questions
  • Referral forms (if applicable)
​How do you set therapy goals?
  • Goals are:
    • Personalised – based on your communication and/or swallowing needs
    • Functional – focused on everyday activities, work and social participation
    • Collaborative – you and your therapist set targets together and review progress regularly
​Can therapy help with neurological conditions?
  • Yes. We work with adults recovering from or experiencing:
    • Stroke
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Traumatic brain injury
    • Dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions
  • Therapy targets speech, swallowing and cognitive-communication deficits.
​​What is instrumental swallow assessment, and do you provide it?
  • Instrumental assessments like Modified Barium Swallow (MBSS) or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are used to see how safely you swallow liquids and solids.
  • We can guide referrals to nearby imaging centres and integrate results into therapy plans.
How do you measure progress?
  • Regular reassessment using standardised tests and clinical observation
  • Feedback from the client and family
  • Monitoring improvements in daily communication, swallowing safety, and confidence
Our policies  |  ABN 74 653 769 889
  • Home
  • About
  • Our Team
  • Services
    • Speech Therapy for Adults >
      • Speech Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
      • Swallowing Therapy (Dysphagia)
      • Speech Therapy After Stroke
      • Voice Therapy
    • Speech Therapy for Children
    • Fees & Funding
    • Supervision
  • Contact
  • Work with us!
  • Blog
  • FAQs