More Than Words: Voice as an Expression of Identity
When first starting out as a Speech-Language Pathologist (S-LP), I solely provided assessment and treatment to patients in hospital experiencing swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). In 2024, I moved myself and my small family back to Nova Scotia. Returning to Nova Scotia not only felt like coming home but also opened opportunities within my professional and personal life.
One of these opportunities was the chance to re-discover my love for voice therapy. My journey back to voice therapy has been deeply intertwined with the science of voice, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and passion for music. But most importantly, it has reminded me that our voice is an expression of communication and identity.
Communication is key to connecting with the people around us, and the voice plays a vital role in this process. When there is a breakdown in the function or quality of our voice, the negative impacts can be felt in our professional life, in the activities we enjoy, and in our connections with our community. However, the number one thing I hear from clients who walk through our doors is: My voice doesn’t sound like me.
Each voice is unique. Having a voice that doesn’t align with your identity and gender is difficult. For transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, a misalignment between voice and identity can negatively impact their mental health, safety, and well-being.
What can we do when our voice is not aligning with our identity?
Gender-affirming voice therapy is a specialized area of voice and speech therapy that helps transgender and gender non-conforming individuals develop a voice that aligns with their identity. Effective communication involves more than words. It includes voice pitch, resonance, intonation, weight, and non-verbal aspects of speech. Understanding the importance of gender-affirming voice therapy and the role voice therapists play can help individuals achieve a voice that reflects their true self. This enhances confidence and overall quality of life.
Rediscovery voice therapy has reminded me of the importance of connection, patience, and the individualized nature of learning and growing. If each voice is unique, then our approaches to therapy must also be equally bespoke to support an individual navigating their voice. We can only get there by actively working to understand and connect with our clients, as well as showing them the patience to allow their voice to find its strength and flexibility.
Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy in Halifax and Nova Scotia: We can help!
Unfortunately, there are few clinicians practicing in the area of gender-affirming voice in Halifax and all of Nova Scotia. Public services are limited and waitlists for these services are lengthy. There are also a few private clinics, ours included, providing gender-affirming voice therapy. However, with private practice comes costs that may not be accessible to all Nova Scotians seeking this service. There are several ways that voice therapists can support accessibility across Nova Scotia.
One way is by fostering the learning of student clinicians by offering student placement and learning opportunities. At One Bite At A Time (OBAAT), our student clinicians have shown amazing interest and growth in their knowledge and clinical skills in providing voice therapy, including gender-affirming voice therapy, to Nova Scotians. They have truly demonstrated the pillars of OBAAT including high-quality, evidence-based, inclusive, and client-centered services.
A second way to support accessibility is by providing access to resources, information, and learning opportunities. At OBAAT, we make efforts to provide free talks and guest lectures. We will also be providing an accessible March Break Series on gender-affirming voice to transgender and gender non-confirming individuals who are seeking to learn more. Teens interested in learning more can sign up for our gender-affirming voice March Break Series here or check out our flyer.
For fellow speech-language pathologists, voice teachers, and vocal health specialists, I cannot overstate the value of engaging deeply with the barriers facing Nova Scotians and thinking creatively on how to implement meaningful change. Community connections and collaborative care not only enhance the impact of our services and the removal of barriers in our health care; it is also at the heart of what we signed on for as communication- and connection-based therapists.
For anyone seeking to explore their voice or learn more about gender-affirming voice therapy, we are always happy to connect. Our complimentary discovery calls are a great first step to learning more about our services. If you’re looking for voice therapy that will help you feel more confident and at home with your voice, let’s chat!
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