Vocality Speech-language Services

24/12/2025

🎄 Christmas Break Notice 🎄

I’ll be taking a short break over the Christmas period. A heartfelt thank you to my wonderful patients, who show up with energy, enthusiasm, and determination in their healing journeys — you truly make my work so worthwhile — and to my amazing colleagues for your support, teamwork, and for the fun we have that makes even challenging days that little bit brighter.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a relaxing holiday filled with rest, joy, and time with loved ones ✨

27/11/2025

Looking for a private speech-language therapist? 🗣️

Log in to the NZSTA website → select Find a Therapist → and use the quick link to access our Private Practice Directory.

Connect with qualified, registered SLTs offering services across Aotearoa. 🌿

23/11/2025

Absolutely loved seeing Anna van Riel in action today at her Vocal Mechanics 101 workshop! 🎤✨
Walked away with so many fresh tips and tricks to bring back to my clients. Anna has a magic way of making the voice come alive—practical, hands-on, down-to-earth, and seriously fun.

Huge thanks, Anna! Can’t wait to learn more and hopefully collaborate in the future. 🙌💛
Nook Road Productions

19/11/2025

Can’t wait for Anna’s workshop this weekend! Curious what happens when a Vocal Coach meets a Voice Therapist? Watch this space… sparks may fly while we explore a potential collab! Grab your ticket on her website. Nook Road Productions

Central Otago, come sing with me this weekend!
Join me at the Bannockburn Coronation Hall from 2-4pm this Sunday. Just $10 thanks for Creative Communities and
Ideal for ages 14+
Bring a water bottle and arrive well-hydrated.
Registration link in my bio.
See you there!

PS don’t miss my live concert with a full band at the same venue. Head to for details.
…

31/10/2025

💪 Living with Parkinson’s? Speech-language therapists can help improve your voice, swallowing, and cough strength.
I provide both LSVT LOUD and EMST therapies right here in Aotearoa — proven to make a real difference.
👉 Check out this NZSTA article to learn more!

31/10/2025

🗣️ Stroke affects more than movement — it can affect how we talk, eat, drink and connect.
Speech-language therapists are here to help rebuild those vital skills. 💙

🧠 Today is World Stroke Day - and we’re reminding everyone in Aotearoa that every minute counts.

As speech-language therapists, we know how vital communication and swallowing are to life after a stroke. If someone shows Face drooping, Arm weakness or Speech difficulty (F.A.S.T), call 111 immediately.

At NZSTA we stand with survivors, ngā whānau, and the professionals supporting them.

Together, let’s spread awareness and celebrate the resilience of our stroke community. 💙

14/10/2025

Happy World Allied Health Day :)

Today we celebrate World Allied Health Professions Day! 🌟

Speech-language therapists are proud to be part of the allied health community, working alongside incredible professionals to support communication, swallowing, and overall well-being across Aotearoa.

Today, we acknowledge and thank the amazing allied health teams who make this work possible. We see you. We appreciate you. Thank you, allied health heroes. 💙

10/10/2025

👐 Manual Therapy: Helpful or Hype?

Manual therapy (like massage or soft tissue work) can reduce discomfort, calm the nervous system, and support your therapy sessions — but it’s not a magic fix.

It doesn’t “realign” joints or permanently “release” muscles — and it shouldn't replace targeted exercises or functional therapy.

In speech and swallowing therapy, manual techniques can be a great support tool, but progress still comes from consistent, active work 💪

👉 Curious how we use hands-on techniques in our sessions? Let’s chat in the comments!

✋ Manual therapy is a controversial topic in the rehab world, with many contrasting claims about what it does.

🤔 Want to learn once and for all what manual therapy CAN and CANNOT do?

In this well-balanced blog we clarify exactly that for you.

Not based on opinion or anecdotes, but based on what the EVIDENCE has to say.

👉 Read it now: https://www.physio-network.com/blog/what-manual-therapy-can-do/

09/10/2025

Ever wondered how Speech-language Therapists can support people who are unable to communicate verbally? AAC, also known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication is one of the ways we can help.

In celebration of AAC Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on the power of communication beyond words and encouraging everyone to learn more about how AAC can transform lives. Together, we can create a world where every voice is heard and valued.

Join us in celebrating the diversity of communication and advocating for accessible supports! 💙

23/09/2025

🌟 A Look Back at Last Year: Presenting at the TSANZ/ANZARS Respiratory Conference 🌟

Last year, I was privileged to be asked to speak at the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and Australian and New Zealand Association of Respiratory Science (ANZARS) Respiratory Conference. It was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the often-overlooked role of Speech-Language Therapists in cough control.

Many people don’t realise that as Speech-Language Therapists, we work with patients to manage and control chronic coughing, which is a crucial aspect of respiratory health. This is an area I’m incredibly passionate about, and it was wonderful to present to doctors, nurses, and other respiratory professionals about the positive outcomes I see when working with my patients.

I also had the pleasure of collaborating with Catherine George (The Lunch Mechanic), a highly skilled respiratory physiotherapist. It was amazing to work together and combine our knowledge to better support our patients.

A big thank you to TSANZ and ANZARS for the opportunity to speak and for helping raise awareness of the valuable role Speech-Language Therapy plays in respiratory care! 🙌


The Lung Mechanic