What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 9am - 3am

http://www.therapymatters.com.au/

Therapy Matters, Suite 6, 43 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Burleigh (2026)

16/04/2026

NUMBER OF CERTIFIED FACILITATORS IN LEGO ® BRICK BASED THERAPY = 11!

LEGO® brick based therapy is an evidence-based, research-informed intervention that uses structured LEGO® play to build social communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills in small groups.

We are proud to have so many of our therapists trained as certified facilitators in this therapy approach. It enables us to deliver individual, paired and groups based sessions with children to achieve their social, communication and friendship goals using LEGO® . Our team run regular Brick Club groups at our Burleigh and Murwillumbah clinics and we integrate LEGO® therapy principles in our school holiday programs.

Therapy Matters is additionally proud to be an International Training Partner with Play Included®, a worldwide leader in LEGO® brick based therapy, to bring their internationally acclaimed Brick-by-Brick® programme to Australia. Our goal is to support high‑quality, neurodiversity‑affirming practice and equip Australian therapists and teachers to deliver LEGO® Brick Based Therapy with fidelity, confidence and integrity and ultimately to improve the lives, relationships and wellbeing of neurodivergent children.

Play Included® is the only organisation in the world to be endorsed by the LEGO Foundation and exclusively permitted through to its certified facilitators to use the official term LEGO® brick based therapy.

If you would like to become a Certified Facilitator in your community and run a Brick Club program just like our team, then sign up here https://therapymatters.com.au/services/brick-based-therapy/

13/04/2026

WHAT AUTISTIC PEOPLE WANT OTHERS TO UNDERSTAND

Autistic people are not broken, incomplete, or something to be “fixed.”
We are individuals with our own personalities, interests, strengths, needs, and challenges. Autism is just one part of who we are.

Autism looks different for everyone:
✔️ Some autistic people communicate with words, others don’t
✔️ Some need higher levels of support, others less and this can change over time
✔️ Many experience sensory differences that affect how we experience everyday environments

For many autistic children, sounds, lights, textures, crowds, or busy spaces that others barely notice can feel overwhelming or even painful. What may look like withdrawal, distress, or “challenging behaviour” is often a child trying to cope with sensory overload or communicate an unmet need.

Communication may also look different. Not all autistic children use spoken language, and even those who do may need extra time to process information. Behaviour is communication. When an autistic child or adult is struggling, it’s a sign they need understanding and support, not judgement.

Autism can bring challenges, but many of those challenges are created by systems and environments that were not designed with autistic people in mind, rather than by autism itself.

Like all people, autistic individuals too want:
✨ To belong
✨ To have meaningful connections and friendships
✨ To be listened to and believed about their own experiences
✨ To be accepted and supported as they are

When communities slow down, listen, communicate clearly, and respond with patience and kindness, autistic people are more likely to feel safe, respected, and included.

This World Autism Month, let’s move beyond assumptions and stereotypes — and centre autistic voices, lived experience, understanding, and acceptance.

12/04/2026

WHEN THE VILLAGE STEPS UP TO SIGN

This weekend, our Director and Accredited Key Word Sign Presenter, Tania, had the pleasure of educating an entire extended family through our “Key Messages about Key Word Sign” workshop.

Children who communicate differently through key word sign benefit most when they are surrounded by a village — a village that understands and values their unique way of communicating. A village that takes the time to learn, practise, and engage with the child in a way that makes sense to them.

When parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins all learn key word sign together:
👉🏻Communication becomes consistent across everyday environments
👉🏻Children feel seen, understood, and included
👉🏻Families feel empowered and confident to connect meaningfully
👉🏻Shared moments in lounge rooms, at meals, and during play become opportunities for connection

Teaching key word sign to the whole extended family isn’t about adding pressure or expectations. It’s about sharing responsibility, building understanding, and strengthening relationships across generations.

Because communication doesn’t belong to therapy rooms alone.
It lives where families live ... together.

If you would like your child's extended family to learn key word sign to be that supportive village, contact our clinic to book a "Key Messages about Key Word Sign Workshop". The 2-hour workshop is available after hours or on weekends.

11/04/2026

TEAM DAY | PD & COLLABORATION

Last week our team had the privilege of learning from the talented psychologists at Head on Health — Michalle, Marni, Sarah and Alex — as part of our Team Day PD. Together we covered all things IQ and academic assessment, with a deep focus on the WISC‑V and WIAT‑III.

This was an invaluable opportunity to unpack what these assessments really mean for our clients, particularly children with intellectual developmental disorders, developmental language disorders, and specific learning disorders such as dyslexia and dysgraphia.

One of the most powerful takeaways from the day was the importance of shared clinical insight in the diagnoses of dyslexia and dysgraphia. For many children, especially those with persistent reading and writing difficulties, the pathway to diagnosis and intervention can be long and costly. As speech pathologists, we hold deep expertise in understanding the oral language foundations that underpin literacy. However, the picture is not complete without the input of psychologists, whose intellectual and academic testing provides critical insight into how a child learns, alongside their learning strengths and areas of difficulty.

When psychologists and speech pathologists work together, assessment becomes clearer, diagnoses are more robust, and recommendations are more meaningful for families and schools. For many children, collaborative assessment isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

We’re excited to integrate this learning into our clinical pathways and to better understand the learning profiles of our clients with language, intellectual and learning difficulties.

A heartfelt thank you to the team at for such an engaging and practical PD. We value these rich learning opportunities and the partnerships that ultimately lead to better outcomes for children and families.

07/04/2026

Speech Pathologists, it’s time to vote …. AGAIN!

This time, voting is now open for Speech Pathology Australia members to elect one (1) candidate to fill a vacancy on the Speech Pathology Australia Ethics Board.

A message from Tania Teitzel (Founding Director and Principal Speech Pathologist)

"I am proud to be considered as a candidate for the Ethics Board. With 35 years of experience balancing roles as a treating clinician, supervisor, leader and director, I have built my career on a foundation of ethical, high‑quality practice. Leading Therapy Matters, for the past 31 years, has afforded me extensive experience supporting speech pathologists to uphold ethical standards and contribute meaningfully to quality care for children. Additionally, I am proud to still be an active treating clinician. This affords me a unique insight into the everyday ethical issues experienced by clinicians.

The Ethics Board is responsible for promoting the highest standards of integrity and ethical practice across our profession and when necessary, investigating complaints and making recommendations to the Board of Directors in line with the Association’s Code of Ethics.

I am a long‑standing advocate for ethical recruitment, employment, supervision and advertising that respects the integrity of our profession, the needs of business and the privacy and dignity of clients. I have led our team on the prudent use of Artificial Intelligence. My service for Speech Pathology Australia in the past on the Private Practice Advisory Group and more recently on the Emerging Practice Models Advisory Group has strengthened my understanding of governance, member needs, and the evolving ethical landscape within speech pathology. I am proud to have been an enduring member of GOSPIPP (Gold Coast Speech Pathologists in Private Practice) for over three decades, building a strong collegiate organisation on the Gold Coast.

Throughout my career, I have consistently spoken up respectfully and fairly on ethical issues that may impact the integrity of our profession or the wellbeing and rights of clients, particularly people with disabilities. I also hold strong values on the importance of therapist wellbeing and sustainable work practices, to enable our profession to thrive in life-long careers. At such a rapid time of change in technology, funding schemes and global events, strong ethical governance is important. I bring sound judgement, balanced reasoning and a deep commitment to safeguarding ethical practice.

I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my experience and advocacy to the Ethics Board. I encourage you to take the time to review all candidates and consider if they reflect your perspective on what is important. If my experience and values resonate, I would be grateful to have your support."

See link for statements from all six candidates.
https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Members/Get-involved/Ethics-Board-Noms-26/Ethics-Board-candidate-statements.aspx

Voting closes Wednesday 22nd April 5pm AEST. To vote you must use the True Vote link that will be sent to you via your SPA email.

06/04/2026

INTERMEDIATE KEY WORD SIGN WORKSHOP
Saturday 18th April at Therapy Matters
Are you keen to add to your key word sign fluency and vocabulary?
Do you know your colour signs for the region you are in?

Come join our speech pathologists Jacqui Sullivan and Tania Teitzel for a fun, interactive workshop!
👉Build your knowledge of key word sign and gesture in familiar, everyday activities, routines, games and songs.
👉Create a sign environment using strategies and resources
👉Enhance signing accuracy and fluency through individual, small group, and whole group activities.
👉Revise the signs of the Interactive Vocabulary learned in ‘Getting Started with Key Word Sign’
👉Learn between 80 -100 NEW signs including alphabet, colours, animals, food, action words, describing words, people and places.

This workshop is the second rung on the pathway of workshops designed by Key Word Sign Australia. Attendance at a Key Word Sign Accredited Basic Workshop is a pre-requisite for eligibility to register for this intermediate workshop. Knowledge of the Interactive Vocabulary and foundations of key word sign are assumed as foundations for this course.

Contact Therapy Matters if you are interested but you are unsure if your skills and knowledge are a match for the course.

Go to our Sticky Tickets page to register: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/95ITXR

05/04/2026

WHAT VACANCIES ARE AVAILABLE IN APRIL?

Immediate vacancies are available for families with flexibility.

☑️In school hours therapy sessions on certain days at Burleigh
☑️After school therapy session on a Thursday at Burleigh
☑️Initial Assessments on a Tuesday or Wednesday in April

Popular services with high demand continue to include our parent planning pathway for children with disabilities, Murwillumbah services and on-site school services. Our team are working hard behind the scenes to accommodate the needs of these families.

Parent planning sessions are held with our Director for all children with complex care needs and disabilities. These parent planning sessions are the entry into our service for children with already identified disabilities in need of careful matching to our team and consideration of their intervention needs.

Therapy Matters invests time and care to carefully match child to therapist in terms of temperament, availability, family preferences, location and therapist expertise. The more information parents share about their child's needs, the easier it is for our team to make that just right match. While we have listed all of our available vacancies here today, some children may have more complex needs that require a match with a more experienced therapist. Our team will always be honest and transparent about these recommendations in our matching matters process.

Call us on 0755207860 to book today OR
Email us on info@therapymatters.com.au

04/04/2026

Wishing all our clients, families, colleagues and team a very Happy Easter filled with joy, connections, communication and some egg-citing surprises!

01/04/2026

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

The 2026 theme is "Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value," advocating for inclusive environments at home, school, and work.

At Therapy Matters, we work with autistic children every day and one thing is always clear.

Autism is not something to “fix”. It’s a different way of thinking, learning, communicating, and experiencing the world.

Autism is a spectrum, meaning every autistic child has their own unique strengths, challenges, and ways of expressing themselves. Some may communicate without speaking. Some may seek sensory input; others avoid it. Some thrive with structure and predictability.

What remains consistent is this ... autism is a natural and valuable part of human diversity.

This month, we honour autistic voices, celebrate strengths, and advocate for understanding that leads to inclusion - not just in April, but all year long.

31/03/2026

LIVING OUR VALUES | APRIL
WE ARE PASSIONATE

At Therapy Matters, our work is driven by genuine passion for children, learning and making a real difference in people’s lives.

We are committed to advocating for the rights of people with communication differences to have a voice, using whatever communication methods work for them. We strive to create an inclusive society where everyone is valued for their contributions and supported to achieve their goals, free from stereotypes or prejudice.

Our passion also guides our approach to therapy. We embrace a Neurodiverse Affirming perspective, recognising that differences such as Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia are part of the rich spectrum of human diversity. This shapes how we connect, teach and empower children and families every day.

By staying purpose-led, energised and hopeful, we continually strive to improve, evolve and champion the communication and wellbeing of every child.

Driven by purpose. Inspired by possibility.

30/03/2026

FUTURE VISION FEATURE: COLETTE

At Therapy Matters, this year we’re anchoring the theme of Future Vision. Despite the changes in the world at present, our team is looking ahead with hope, innovation, and wonder.

In both life and work, the way we think about the future shapes our wellbeing. Approaching tomorrow with curiosity and optimism sparks possibility, creativity, and motivation: not only for ourselves, but for those around us. A future-vision mindset reminds us that growth is something we create together, one thoughtful step at a time.

Today we celebrate Colette, our Client Care Manager who works together with our client care team to make sure our clients and team members are supported, welcomed and kept in the loop about all our services.

When we asked Colette about her future-vision ideas, she wisely shared:

“The world is forever changing. You don’t always have to be moving forward. Sometimes you just need to float for a while to catch your breath and enjoy all of the beautiful things you miss when you’re rushing to get ahead"

Colette has been part of the Therapy Matters team for almost 10 years. She is recognised for her calm, grounded proactive diligence in supporting our clients and team as well as an infinite listening ear and masterful tetris juggling talents.

Colette shapes the future for our clients, team, and community through her strengths in care, diligence and resilience.

Curious to learn more about Colette (and her favourite therapy toy pictured)? Head to https://therapymatters.com.au/about-us/our-team/.

Remember, the future isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we make, together.

29/03/2026

MORE KEY WORD SIGNERS FOR THE GOLD COAST!

On the weekend, we welcomed another awesome group of diligent signers to kickstart their key word sign journey at a Key Word Sign Basic Workshop. The first official workshop in the Key Word Sign Australia Training Pathway.

A full day workshop learning the why, how and what of signing to make a difference in the lives of people with community difficulties. 80-100 signs all tailored to ensure key word signers can bring their skills into everyday routines with their clients, family and students seamlessly and fluently.

So what's next in the Key Word Sign training pathway?
Join us Saturday 18th April for an INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP

We only offer this workshop once a year so register NOW to secure your place.

This workshops builds knowledge of key word sign and gesture in familiar, everyday activities, routines, games and songs. You will learn about how to create a sign environment using strategies and resources to encourage and support the use of sign.

The focus of this course is building your skills in signing accuracy and fluency through individual, small group, and whole group activities. You will revise the signs of the Interactive Vocabulary learnt in the basic workshoip and learn between 80 -100 NEW signs.

REGISTER NOW https://therapymatters.com.au/key-word-sign-intermediate/

Therapy Matters

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Monday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday	9am - 3am