Gender affirming voice and communication training is a service for clients of ALL gender identities (transgender, nonbinary, cisgender, etc) who wish to transition their sound and communication style to better align with their unique gender expression. We provide education on how to create healthy voice habits and establish correct voice use. Evidence based exercises are taught to safely alter specific areas of voice which communicate gender: resonance, pitch and intonation patterns. For those who desire to address total communcation; coaching is offered on nonverbal and spoken language characteristics. Therapist incorporates regular feedback from client in order to help guide them to find the sound that feels most in line with their unique identity (since everyone's gender journey is different, this treatment is very individualized).
Voice evaluation appointments are scheduled for an hour to ensure adequate time to complete testing and address client concerns. Client will be provided with paperwork and participate in interview in order to complete thorough case history and clarify their communication goals. Voice therapist will then conduct recordings for acoustic testing as well as baseline speech samples. Initial training in provided to show client how to use pitch app to make recordings and analyze measurements. Additional assessment of spoken language and nonverbal communication will be included. Nonverbal communication includes: posture, gait, gestures, facial expressions, physical presentation, proxemics. Spoken language includes vocabulary, sentence structure and social use of language.
A personalized training plan will then be recommended to address client's goals. Clients who report or show signs of voice disorder may be referred to ENT for additional testing to confirm diagnosis prior to initiating treatment. Vocal health and establishing correct voice production is crucial for obtaining client's desired sound. New Leaf Voice is licensed to serve patients in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
​
Worried about being able to afford services? If you are a gender diverse resident of Mecklenburg county, 16 or older, and uninsured or underinsured---you may be eligible for assistance! Apply here: Providing Access to Trans Healthcare (PATH)