Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication Training

Philosophy 

I believe that everyone deserves a voice and communication style that feels true to them. My focus is on helping you find a voice that authentically represents you in all aspects of your life. I prioritize your personal connection to your voice, rather than the perception of others, as we work together to create an ahentic vocal identity that aligns with your gender identity. 

What to Expect in a Session: 

In an initial session, we will discuss your background, your experience with voice exploration, and your goals. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you develop a voice and communication style that feels authentic to you. Training sessions are client-focused, with exercises and strategies designed to help you modify your communication style in a way that fits your gender identity. 

Areas of Focus in Voice Training: 

As you work with your clinician, you will explore different aspects of voice modification. Common areas we focus on include: 

• Pitch Modification: Pitch refers to how high or low your voice sounds. We'll work together to find a pitch that fits your needs, whether that’s a higher, lower, or androgynous pitch—or any combination that feels right for you. 

• Resonance: Resonance is the "color" of your voice, which depends on where the sound vibrates in your body.  

• Intonation: Intonation is the rise and fall of pitch as you speak. This includes adjusting how melodic your voice sounds and how emotion is expressed in your speech. 

• Pronunciation: The way you produce words, and the pacing of your speech can also be adjusted to help you meet your gender goals. 

• Breath Control: Proper breath support is essential for voice modification. We will train you in diaphragmatic breathing techniques to help you build a healthy voice. 

• Range: We will work on expanding your vocal range so that your speaking voice can reach both higher and lower pitches, giving you flexibility in how you express yourself. 

• Real-world Practice: Sessions include practice exercises for using your new voice in daily life. This includes conversational practice and real-life situations like ordering food, making phone calls, or adapting your voice for different environments. 

Why Choose My Services: 

Gender-affirming voice services are supervised by me, a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist with dedicated experience in gender-affirming care. I will work closely with you to help you meet your voice goals. After each session, we reflect on your progress to ensure we’re meeting your needs. Join me at NIU to explore your voice and work with a dedicated team to create a voice that truly feels like yours. 

 If you have any questions or would like any additional information about these services at NIU, please go to go.niu.edu/GAV