What Are Gender Affirming & Expansive Voice Services?
Gender affirming and expansive voice services are designed to help individuals align their voice with their gender identity. Many people experience a mismatch or discomfort between their voice and how they—or others—perceive their gender. This can lead to distress, as the voice may not reflect one’s authentic self. The pitch, resonance, and overall sound of a person’s voice are determined by structural factors, such as the size and length of the vocal cords and the vocal tract.
Gender affirming voice therapy can modify these vocal attributes, allowing individuals to express themselves in a voice that feels more aligned with their identity. For some, this may involve working on aspects such as pitch, resonance, and speech patterns. Additionally, some individuals may choose surgery or hormone treatment to further support the changes in their voice. At Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic, our team of skilled speech-language pathologists specializes in gender-affirming and expansive voice therapy, providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals to work toward their vocal goals.
Assessment of Voice and Vocal Health
The assessment process for gender-affirming and expansive voice therapy is thorough and personalized. A speech-language pathologist will begin by conducting a comprehensive interview to understand your vocal health history, any existing symptoms, and how your voice may impact your daily life. Computer-based analysis is used to measure specific qualities of your voice, such as pitch, resonance, and other relevant vocal parameters.
This evaluation helps determine your voice’s current characteristics and guides the creation of a tailored therapy plan. In some cases, the speech-language pathologist may recommend further assessment from an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to ensure there are no underlying medical concerns affecting the voice. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of your vocal health is considered before beginning therapy.
Treatment for Gender Affirming & Expansive Voice
Treatment for gender-affirming and expansive voice therapy is highly individualized and is designed to meet your specific goals and needs. The number of sessions can vary, depending on the complexity of your vocal goals and the time you have available. Some individuals may see significant progress after just a few sessions, while others may need more extended therapy over several cycles.
Sessions typically focus on areas such as pitch, resonance, intonation, stress patterns, rate of speech, and volume. For those seeking to refine their speech, additional work may include speech sound production, language choices, nonverbal communication, and pragmatics (how we use our voice and body language in social contexts). At Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic, we also emphasize the importance of home practice. Regular practice between sessions is essential for continued progress, and our speech-language pathologists will provide specific exercises and techniques to support your goals.
Voice therapy is a journey, and with the guidance of our experienced speech-language pathologists, you can take the steps necessary to achieve a voice that truly reflects your identity. If you’re ready to explore gender-affirming and expansive voice services, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic today.