Therapy Partners

30/01/2026

Mealtimes should be nourishing and an enjoyable time for the family, so coughs during meals deserve attention, not gentle dismissal 😮‍💨

Coughing can mean different things. For many, it’s a normal protective reflex that clears food from the airway. For others, it may signal swallowing difficulties and a risk that food or liquid is going the wrong way. For those really struggling, Speech pathologists are skilled at identifying any underlying causes and recommending practical strategies that make mealtimes safer and more enjoyable for all 🥗💚🎉

But if you’re caring for someone who coughs at meals, next dinner time you could try:
✅ Adjusting textures
✅ Slowing the pace of meals
✅ Ensuring comfortable posture
✅ Reviewing medications and dental health with your clinician

Small, steady changes can make a big difference 📈

Learn more from our recent post: https://therapypartners.com.au/blog/speech-pathology/voice-and-swallowing/coughing-when-eating-what-carers-need-to-know-to-keep-mealtimes-safe?utm_source=social

19/12/2025

🚨 Warning 🚨
Some of our participants have told us about receiving an unexpected phone call from a private number. The caller may describe it as a routine check-in or quick catch-up.

But we’ve seen situations where a brief, informal phone call is later followed by a revised NDIS plan – even when the participant wasn’t expecting a review. Potentially impacting future access to supports.

Find out what to do if you receive one of these calls in our latest post:

Some of our participants have told us about receiving an unexpected phone call from a private number. The caller may describe […]

30/10/2025

Many people can find requesting assistive technology from the NDIS daunting: what is the “right” device? How do you compare solutions from different providers? And what considerations are often missed?

When selecting what assistive technology brand or provider that is most suitable for you, usability, comfort and acceptability are all equally important. A technically excellent device may fail if it is uncomfortable, unattractive or socially awkward to use. Think about aesthetics, weight, portability and how discreet the technology is in public or workplace settings. For children and young people, consider school environments and peer interactions; for adults, consider workplace requirements and commuting demands 🚗

Here’s 7 key considerations to check or consider before a purchase or prescription:
1. Compatibility: will the technology / device work with existing equipment, seating systems, software or communication aids?
2. Transportability: can it be transported in vehicles used regularly, or will adaptations be needed?
3. Power & battery life: for powered devices and electronics, how long does the battery last and what are charging requirements?
4. Service & warranty: what is included in warranty, who provides repairs, and how quickly can faults be fixed?
5. Maintenance & consumables: what ongoing costs (filters, batteries, consumables) should be factored into the plan?
6. Privacy & data security: for digital assistive technology, how is personal data stored, who has access, and does the device comply with privacy expectations?
7. Training & support: what training is available for the person and carers, and is follow-up training included?
8. Trial-ability: is a trial period possible so the device can be tested in real-life settings before committing?

22/10/2025

For children, whose understanding of the world is continually evolving, structure and routine emerge as vital pillars of behaviour modification. Establishing a consistent routine provides a framework within which children can anticipate and understand daily events, setting the stage for stable, predictable interactions 🎯

Designing effective family routines requires a blend of predictability and adaptability that acknowledges the unique rhythms and goals of your household. Begin by conducting an evaluation of the daily dynamics that influence your family life, pinpointing moments where structured routines can alleviate stress and foster improved behavioural patterns. To facilitate smoother transitions and enhance family harmony, consider establishing family routines for:

🌤️ Morning preparations
🌙 Evening wind-downs
🎓 After school routines
🍽️ Mealtime schedules
📚 Homework / study routines
🧽 Chore routines

You can learn more about encouraging positive behaviour through daily family routines from our post below, or speak with your therapist during your next session!
https://therapypartners.com.au/blog/encouraging-positive-behaviour-through-daily-family-routines

09/06/2025

Sometimes progress starts with the smallest of steps - a child managing big feelings, a teenager navigating social situations, or an adult reclaiming their sense of independence ✨

Tenzin understands these moments. As an OT based in Lota, he works alongside people of all ages to make those steps feel possible - and meaningful. He’s more than an occupational therapist - he’s part of the community. From Wynnum to Carindale, Tenzin works alongside families, caregivers and support teams to create real-world change that sticks 🧩

If you’re in , Manly, or anywhere nearby and looking for paediatric or adult support that’s down-to-earth and genuinely client-centred, reach out to us or start your referral to connect with Tenzin today!
Learn more about Tenzin: https://therapypartners.com.au/team/occupational-therapist/tenzin/
Start your referral: https://therapypartners.com.au/referral

02/06/2025

Say a big welcome to Lauren, our 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 at Therapy Partners! 🍃
We're thrilled to have her join our team and bring her compassionate and culturally responsive approach to the Central Gold Coast region ✨

Lauren is deeply passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially children and young people facing complex behavioural, emotional, or developmental challenges; holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Cultural Anthropology, as well as a Master’s in Educational Psychology

Some of the things Lauren can support includes:
- Paediatric behaviour support
- Adult behaviour support
- Interim & Comprehensive Behaviour Support plans
- Functional Behaviour Assessments
- Individualised Behaviour Support Intervention Sessions

As an Early Start Denver Model Certified Therapist, and with a strong background in published research on early intervention for children with autism, Lauren is dedicated to fostering meaningful, lasting change grounded in evidence and tailored to each person’s unique strengths and goals. She believes that empathy is a vital clinical skill, central to truly understanding and supporting the individuals and families she works with 🫶

Lauren currently has 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 for Positive Behaviour Support in the 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁, starting from July 2nd. To connect with Lauren or to learn more, click below or start your referral today!
https://therapypartners.com.au/team/behavioural-support-practitioner/lauren

30/05/2025

Ever wondered how weighted blankets work their magic? 🧐
These comfort tools, once mainly found in clinical settings, are now helping countless people find calm and ease in their daily lives. They offer a wonderfully drug-free way to soothe both body and mind 🧠

It all comes down to Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS). Imagine the comforting embrace of a warm hug – that's the gentle, firm pressure a weighted blanket provides. This sensation activates your body’s "rest and digest" system, helping to slow your heart rate, reduce anxiety, and even boost those feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, all while cutting down on stress-related cortisol. No wonder so many people find them incredibly helpful for a deeper, more restful sleep, as the pressure naturally calms the nervous system for a smoother transition to rest 😴

Beyond sleep, this consistent, grounding pressure is fantastic for emotional regulation, helping your brain to shift from a state of high alert to one of calm, proving incredibly valuable during moments of anxiety or emotional overwhelm 💥
This sense of security and stability can often be beneficial for individuals with autism, ADHD, chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety disorders alike. Learn more about the value and science behind weighted blankets on our blogs page

22/05/2025

Say hello to 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, our newest 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 joining the Therapy Partners team! 🍃 We're so excited to have her bring her expertise to the 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 ✨

Emily is a 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁 who is incredibly passionate about empowering people to understand themselves and grow. She believes that by understanding the "why" behind behaviours, and creating an environment where individuals feel truly heard, incredible progress can be made 🧩

With a wealth of experience, Emily excels at creating individualised support plans, from 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 to 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, and has completed additional training in Autism and ADHD, further enhancing her ability to connect and support individuals of all ages

𝗘𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 in North Gold Coast - to connect with Emily or to learn more, contact our team or start your referral today!

Learn more about Emily:
https://therapypartners.com.au/team/behavioural-support-practitioner/emily
Start your referral:
https://therapypartners.com.au/referral

08/04/2025

Did you know Therapy Partners has more than 5x the national average for male representation in occupational therapy?

In Australia, only 8% of OTs are male. But at Therapy Partners, we believe diversity in our therapy team isn’t just a checkbox - it’s a strength that directly benefits our clients. That’s why we’re proud to be one of the few therapy providers with a team of 8 amazing male practitioners as part of our occupational therapy support team…more than 5x the national average! 🏆🇦🇺

Our male OTs are not only excellent clinicians, but they also broaden our capacity to support individuals of all genders, backgrounds and preferences. When clients feel seen and understood by their therapist, they are more likely to see meaningful therapy outcomes. It can help foster trust more quickly, create a sense of relatability, and promote stronger engagement in therapy sessions

To learn more about each of our OTs, including our male OT team, visit the Team tab on our website!

🔔 If you are seeking a male OT on the Gold Coast or Brisbane, seeking support for a teenage son, or want a therapist who just “get’s it”, reach out to our team to find out more!
📍 Some of our male OTs currently have capacity for new clients around South Gold Coast & South Brisbane

24/03/2025

When children experience speech and language delays, everyday social interactions can become daunting challenges.

Speech delays affect more than just pronunciation – they impact a child’s ability to engage with the world around them, often making playground interactions difficult since they’re unable to effectively express their:
🍃 Thoughts
🍃 Feelings
🍃 Needs

Understanding and responding to peers during playtime becomes a complex task, as does following the social cues and unspoken rules of conversation that come naturally to others 💬

In therapy sessions, we use a variety of evidence-based techniques woven into playful activities. Social stories help children understand complex social situations by breaking them down into clear, relatable narratives. These stories often feature characters facing similar challenges, helping kids to recognise that their experiences are shared by others

Role-playing exercises then allow children to put these stories into practice, experimenting with different social responses in a safe, supportive environment

19/03/2025

Welcome to the newest team leader to join the Therapy Partners, Sarah, who will be leading our Behavioural Support team!

As passionate community-based practitioner, Sarah is experienced in working with clients of various ages, diagnoses, and backgrounds, discovering her passion for behaviour support early in her career 🩺

As a Behavioural Support Practitioner for over 5 years, Sarah is a firm believer that there is no "one-size fits all" approach to positive behaviour support, recognising that each person requires a positive and personalised approach to therapy 🫶

Sarah will be supporting kids & adults with behaviour support across the Gold Coast & at our Robina Clinic. If you are looking to start Positive Behaviour Support Sessions or schedule a Behaviour Assessment, start your referral to connect with Sarah now or speak with our team to learn more

04/03/2025

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