Frequently Asked Questions
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GEneral QUESTIONS
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Speech pathology services can benefit anyone experiencing challenges with communication, voice, or swallowing.
You might consider speech therapy if you're having difficulty being understood, experiencing voice changes, struggling with confidence in communication, or facing challenges following medical conditions or injuries. The best way to determine if speech pathology is right for you is to schedule a consultation where your specific needs and goals can be discussed.
Many adults also find speech therapy helpful for communication, swallowing, voice problems, or recovering communication skills after health changes. -
You can send me an e-mail or give me a call.
Alternatively, you can book an online or phone consultation; I offer a free of charge initial consultation (15 minutes) to discuss your concerns and questions. which you can book online using this link: https://bibivox.splose.com/booking
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No, you don’t need a referral to get started!
However, you can access to 5x Medicare rebated sessions per calendar year with a Medicare (EPC/CDM) plan from your GP.Ideally, you will have this plan prior to your first visit to claim the rebate amount.
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BIBIVOX neither has nor keeps a wait list.
You can book an initial consultation online through the Online Bookings page. Due to the work involved, however, the average wait time for an in-person assessment is 1-2 weeks. -
I offer 30-, 45-, 60- and 75-minute long therapy appointments, depending on various factors, such as funds, suitability, and areas of need.
If funds allow, I would recommend 60-minute appointments as this duration allows us enough practice time (essential for acquisition of new skills) and receive counselling and education without feeling rushed.
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BIBIVOX offers paediatric, teenage, and adult speech therapy services in the areas of voice concerns (including gender-affirming voice for adults), speech, language, stuttering, literacy, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and pragmatics (social communication). Sessions are conducted via Telehealth, in the community (e.g., cafe, school) or in the comfort of your home.
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Telehealth is a recognised best-practice mode of service delivery in speech pathology.
Telehealth consultations are delivered via Zoom or Google Meet, with a link sent upon appointment confirmation. A desktop or laptop computer is recommended, though an iPad or smartphone may be suitable in some cases. Headphones, good lighting, and a clear view of your face, head, shoulders, and chest are preferred to support effective assessment and therapy. -
BIBIVOX sees private-paying clients, process private health insurance and Medicare rebates (if applicable), and accept participants with NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed) funding.
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BIBIVOX is built on a foundation of inclusive, affirming care that honours every individual's journey.
As a neurodivergent and multilingual (Arabic, French, English) practitioner, I like to think that I can empathise with the diversity of communication styles and work to meet clients where they are. Drawing from an opera background as a singer, I feel I bring a different perspective to voice work and an appreciation for the artistry and magic of human expression. I use a trauma-informed and culturally-responsive approach to practice to ensure therapy feels safe and supportive. At the core of everything is an unwavering belief in client autonomy and dignity, regardless of age, combined with genuine compassion that guides sessions.
I believe therapy should be joyful, building experiences that make the heart “sing” and celebrate the beauty of human connection through communication. -
While I primarily practise in English, I can also support Arabic and French speaking families and individuals.
Paediatric services
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You may want to consider speech therapy if your child:
Is not talking as much as other children their age,
Has difficulty being understood,
Repeats sounds or words (stuttering),
Struggles with following instructions or learning new words,
Gets frustrated when communicating
If you notice any of these signs, a speech pathologist can assess your child and recommend the right support. For more information on children’s communication milestones, check out Speech Pathology Australia’s Communication Milestones for children aged 0 to 5.
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Speech therapy can begin at any age, from toddlers to school-aged children.
Early intervention is often recommended as research shows children make faster progress when therapy begins early. If you are worried about your child’s speech, language, or communication skills, it’s best to seek an assessment rather than wait. If in doubt, please speak to a speech pathologist. -
Yes, families in Australia can access rebates or funding for speech therapy:
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme): If your child is eligible, speech therapy may be fully or partly funded. Check for eligibility.
Medicare: Some children may receive rebates through GP care plans or specialist referrals.
Private health insurance: Many policies include speech therapy cover — check with your fund for details.
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The duration of therapy depends on your child’s needs, goals, and consistency of practice at home.
Some children may make noticeable improvements within a few months, while others require longer-term support. Your speech pathologist will create a personalised therapy plan and update you on your child’s progress regularly. -
Yes. Speech therapy supports a wide range of communication needs, including:
Stuttering: Helping children develop smoother, more confident speech
Pronunciation and speech sound errors: Supporting clearer communication with family, teachers, and peers
Late talking: Encouraging early language skills, vocabulary, and sentence building
Speech pathologists also support children with autism, developmental delays, social skill differences, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and literacy challenges.
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There are so many ways we (can) communicate!
Natural speech (talking) is just one of the ways available to us. Our goal is to promote and nurture language that meets your child’s communication needs whether through natural speech or by using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) (or both!). -
Scripts are meaningful communication attempts that show your child is processing complex language.
A speech pathologist works with families to investigate and understand what scripts might mean and how to honour them while moving them to develop more flexible language.
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Absolutely, yes.
What some may interpret as "meaningless repetition" or “jargon” can actually be scripts (or delayed echolalia) which are indicators that your child is working in the first stage of gestalt language development according to the Natural Language Acquisition Protocol.Your child is communicating in language chunks that are tied to emotional experiences. We honour and build on these communication attempts by understanding the intent and modelling language from a joint perspective.
ADULT Services
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Yes, BIBIVOX has a specialty interest in working with adults in the areas of language, voice, singing, and (self-) advocacy.
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BIBIVOX works with adults who experience voice issues, want to explore their authentic voice, have recently experienced a health issue, such as a stroke, that changed the way they usually communicate, and adults who are neurodivergent and need advocacy services.
BIBIVOX also offers singing lessons that are grounded in voice pedagogy principles. -
Yes!
As an opera singer, I have spent (and continue to spend) many years honing my own voice through rigorous vocal training.
I offer voice lessons to improve your breathing support, vocal stamina, vocal efficiency, and help you achieve your singing goals. -
BIBIVOX offers specialised services in gender-affirming voice.
Through safe and evidence-based methods, we explore vocal and pragmatic characteristics that feel affirming to you, and work towards achieving these in a structured yet tailored manner. -
In Australia, adult speech therapy can be covered by insurance if you have the appropriate cover through your private health fund.
You can also access 5x Medicare rebated sessions per calendar year with a Chronic Disease Management Plan obtained via your GP.
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Speech therapy with a certified speech pathologist is the most effective treatment for post-stroke speech difficulties. They can help you to regain the clarity of your speech, rebuild language skills, and suggest communication strategies.
Many people see significant improvement with consistent therapy, even months or years after a stroke.