Gender Affirming Voice Therapy

It’s not all about the pitch!

Gender Affirming Voice Therapy can help transgender and non-binary people adapt not only the pitch of their voice, but other areas of communication, (i.e. articulation, inflection and mannerisms). Perception is everything so goals are highly individualized and jointly created. Each person’s voice can match their authentic gender identity, all with a beautiful healthy tone!

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A comprehensive evaluation is similar to any evaluation of the voice, which includes perceptual observations of quality, resonance, volume and pitch.

While perceptual observations with regards to posture and successful respiration during connected speech are offered, a gender affirming voice evaluation would also include observations on articulation and inflection patterns, vocabulary choices as well as body language and mannerisms.  It also includes acoustic evaluation of pitch and volume and possibly some stimulation of alternative pitches using visual cues.

Extensive background history and current medical information  (i.e. medications, planned procedures, etc.) will be gathered and assessed but more importantly, your perceptions and emotions produced by your voice will be examined. Questions like, “What do you like most about your communication and what do you like least? Are you misgendered, how often and in what context?”, will help to establish individualized goals to achieve the voice that represents you.

If requested you will receive a written report complete with formal assessment results, clinical analyses, observations, background information, recommendations, and goals for therapy. 

Therapy Options

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    Customized Therapy

    Based on the results of a voice/fluency evaluation, Meri will work with you to develop a customized therapy program to address areas of concern. Therapy is always based on current research and driven by the unique needs and interests of the patients.

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    In-Person Sessions

    One on one, in person therapy sessions are available. Voice Solutions LLC is conveniently located in North Phoenix, near the 64th Street exit on Arizona State Route 101.

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    Telepractice

    Meri provides virtual voice/stuttering therapy and evaluations, allowing you to receive this specialized treatment from the comfort and safety of your own home in any part of Arizona.

    All that is needed to participate in online voice therapy is a computer or tablet and an internet connection. All materials used are web-based, and at the click of a button, shared electronically with you right on your computer screen.

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    Consultations, Training and Inservices

    In the corporate setting, Meri has trained professional voice users (i.e. teachers, phone sales, etc.) on effective vocal hygiene and preserving voice quality in the workplace. She has also provided ASHA approved continuing education inservices for Speech Language Pathologists in the area of voice therapy and has acted as an ASHA Continuing Education Administrator. Please contact Meri if interested in a tailored educational seminar in the areas of voice or fluency.