Where Words and Meals
Come Together
At Table Talk Therapy, I help take the stress out of communication and mealtimes so families can feel more confident and connected again.Whether your child is finding speech and language tricky, or mealtimes have become stressful, stuck, or unpredictable, I’m here to support you with practical, evidence-based strategies that fit your everyday life.Support is available in your home or via telehealth, wherever your child feels safest and most settled.
Helping children and families build confidence in communication and enjoy calmer, happier mealtimes together.
Registered NZSTA member with over 14 years of clinical experience, offering practical support through home visits or telehealth.
Let’s Make Mealtimes Feel Easier
If mealtimes feel stressful, unpredictable, or like a daily battle - you’re not alone.Many families reach out feeling:- Worried about what their child will or won’t eat
- Frustrated with ongoing mealtime struggles
- Unsure how to support communication or feeding needs
- Exhausted by pressure, refusal, or anxiety around foodSupport is available, and change is possible.
At Table Talk Therapy We Believe
Mealtimes should feel safe, not stressfulChildren do best when we follow their cues and build trustProgress looks different for every childFamilies don’t need to navigate this alone
Supporting Children to Feel Confident and Capable with Eating
We help children build a calm, positive relationship with food by respecting their hunger and fullness cues and reducing pressure at mealtimes.Children are supported to explore new foods in their own way, become more comfortable with different textures, and gently build flexibility over time.Families are included throughout the process, with simple, practical strategies that support trust, safety, and more enjoyable meals together.
Here is What We See When "Picky Eating" is Becoming More Than a Phase?
Picky eating is often a normal part of development, but there are times when it can become more persistent or start to impact a child’s wellbeing and mealtimes.It may be helpful to seek support if your child:Eats a very limited range of foods most of the time
Avoids whole food groups or has strong reactions to certain textures, smells, or appearances
Struggles with chewing or swallowing certain foods
Becomes anxious at mealtimes or avoids situations where food is involvedRecognising these patterns early can make it easier to support your child and reduce stress around mealtimes over time.Wondering if this sounds like your child?You’re welcome to get in touch. I’m happy to talk things through and help you figure out what might be going on.
50%
of parents in New Zealand say their child is a picky eater. Feeding challenges are incredibly common and you’re not alone in navigating them.
20% – 80%
of children experience feeding difficulties. Around 20% of typically developing children , and up to 80% of children with additional needs, experience feeding difficulties.
94%
of parents report stress related to their child’s feeding challenges.
Mealtimes can affect the whole family, not just the child at the table.
Areas We Support:
Picky or selective eating
Anxious or avoidant eating
Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)
Limited “safe” foods or very restricted diets
Fear or refusal of new foods
Sensory sensitivities to textures, smells, and flavours
Difficulty progressing from purees to more textured foods
Challenges with chewing or managing food safely in the mouth
Gagging, choking, or strong oral aversions
Tube feeding alongside oral feeding
Stress, anxiety, or pressure around eating (including social situations)
How We Work:
We begin by getting to know your child - their strengths, challenges, and what mealtimes currently look like for your family.From there, we work together to create practical, responsive strategies that fit your child and feel manageable in everyday life.
Fees & Options
I offer a range of assessment and therapy options to support children with communication and feeding needs.Fees vary depending on the type of support and the length of sessions, and are provided as a general guide.Every child and family is different, so finding the right starting point often comes down to your goals and what feels most helpful for you right now.If you’re unsure, you’re very welcome to get in touch. I’m always happy to help you work out the best next step.
Initial assessments from $230 + GST
Feeding assessments from $340 + GST
Therapy sessions from $120 + GST
Travel fees apply for home, school, or community visits within Hamilton and the wider Waikato region.
Speech & Language Therapy
We support children and adults with speech, language, communication, and swallowing needs through individualised assessment and therapy.Sessions are shaped around each person’s strengths, needs, and personality, so therapy feels engaging, meaningful, and relevant to everyday life.Whether it’s helping a child build confidence in their communication or supporting an adult through rehabilitation, the focus is always on practical strategies that make a real difference.
Welcome to the Table!
Kia Ora! I’m Katherine, the heart behind Table Talk Therapy.I’m a Speech-Language and Feeding Therapist based in Hamilton, New Zealand, with over 14 years of clinical experience supporting children and families.There is something really special about sitting around the table - talking, eating, and connecting with the people you love. That’s why I created Table Talk Therapy: to help make those moments feel easier, calmer, and more enjoyable.My approach is practical, evidence-based, and always tailored to the individual child and family. Therapy should feel engaging, meaningful, and relevant to everyday life.Over the years, I’ve worked across the Ministry of Education, Te Whatu Ora (Child Development and adult acute and rehabilitation services), CCS Disability Action, and ACC services.Outside of work, you might find me spending time with my husband and our three kids, reading a good book, or trying to squeeze in yoga when life allows!I am a registered member of the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA).
Get In Touch
Have a question or wondering how Table Talk Therapy could support you?
We’d love to hear from you.If you’re not sure whether therapy is the right fit, you’re very welcome to reach out for a relaxed, no-pressure chat.Referrals are also welcome from parents, caregivers, teachers, doctors, and other professionals.