About Me
Hey there! I'm Christina Schmidt (she/her), an AuDHDer, and a dedicated Certified Practising Speech Pathologist who provides neurodiversity-affirming and strength-based practices and I pride myself in uplifting the underrepresented. I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work at my private practice, Free to Be Me Speech Therapy. My mission is to provide compassionate and personalised care to paediatric and adult clients, celebrating and supporting the unique ways in which their brains and communication styles work. Understanding and embracing neurodivergence is an enlightening journey and I provide guidance through the development of collaborative strategies to promote regulation, autonomy, advocacy and success.
Free to be seen.
I offer a range of services tailored to meet the diverse and individual needs of my clients, with a particular focus on neurodivergent communication across much of the lifespan. My areas of support include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), gestalt language processing (GLP), early intervention, articulation (speech sound production) and expressive and receptive language (use and understanding of language). My approach centres regulation needs (including emotional and sensory), executive function and the rich nuances that identity and intersectionality bring to each person's communication experience, because who we are shapes how we communicate, and that deserves to be upheld, not flattened.
Understanding the importance of accessibility and convenience, my services are available through mobile visits to inner Melbourne suburbs and Telehealth, allowing me to reach and support clients in the comfort of their own environments. This flexibility ensures that therapy can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I work with.
Free to be heard.
My motto, "highlighting the beauty of differences in brains and communication," encapsulates my belief in the strengths and potential inherent in every individual. I am committed to fostering a world where neurodiversity is not only accepted but celebrated, the environment is changed rather than the individual and where every client is empowered to thrive.
I find my balance in my life outside of work by spending time with my family, 2 miniature schnauzers, Malu and Kiko, and friends. Music and travel are two of my passions and I love to incorporate aspects of both in my sessions. Exercise and crunchy foods help to keep me regulated so I'm sure to incorporate them throughout my day.
I provide a safe space where authenticity is nurtured and all voices (no matter the modality) are listened to. If this sounds like what you're after, let's chat and explore how we can best work together.
Free to be me.
Neurodiversity
Telehealth