Voice therapy..how does one find a therapist?

[JaimeJJ]

I am starting out on transitioning and my biggest worry is my voice.  I have heard a lot of people say they had voice therapy to make them sound more feminine, but nobody actually states how to find such a therapist?

Are they just specialised therapists that deal with transsexuals? Or can all speech therapists help?

I am in the North West of the UK, anybody know of any here?

[Jenni P]

Hi Jennifer

I have had voice therapy. I was referred to the Voice Therapists by my GP. She worked in the local hospital and I saw her for 1 hour per fortnight. She gave me a lot of 'homework' to do.

The therapist that I saw was a general voice and speech therapist.

I think the easiest way would be to ask your GP, always assuming that your are on the 'RLE' and have changed name etc.

Jenni

[JaimeJJ]

I have only just recently went to my GP with my problem, and he is still trying to figure out what to do and where to send me etc.  I want to get started on my voice asap becuase I can imagine it being my biggest fall back.  I have looked at videos on youtube etc but I think I need somebody in real life to tell me what to do etc!

[Jenni P]

Hi Jennifer

yes, I know what you mean. I found that feedback from the therapist was incredibly valuable. If you cannot ask your GP then maybe searching for 'Voice and speech therapists' in your local area will help. Sorry but I can't comment on what it might cost as a private client.


Jenni

[shoegazer]

The British Voice Association website has a downloadable list of voice clinics (which also indicates if they take private patients). Unfortunately I haven't made enough posts to link it right now, but I'm sure you can find it through Google

[lilacwoman]

I have only just recently went to my GP with my problem, and he is still trying to figure out what to do and where to send me etc.  I want to get started on my voice asap becuase I can imagine it being my biggest fall back.  I have looked at videos on youtube etc but I think I need somebody in real life to tell me what to do etc!

here in Uk it is usual for a newbie to get GP to refer to a shrink to make sure youe aren't crazy and then get referred to a gender clinic  and tehn they will refer for speech but if you pester really strong you may find that the GP may be allowed to refer you direct for speech - but don't count on that.
In the meantime you just prcatice speaking into a recorder and trying to lift your voice.

[CChristian]

Jennifer,
I believe that you'll be able to raise your pitch. Back in my senior year of high school, I used to sing tenor 1 part for quartets and in regular chorus. If you can practice religiously on pushing your voice higher, you'll get there. The best time to practice is in the morning by singing scales to warm up. Start on a comfortable note and end on a note that's a little to high. If you push yourself to hard to sing notes you don't have, you can damage your voice. So take it slow. Usually singing can translate into you regular speaking voice. If you don't practice every day, you'll loose it. I did unfortunately but I'm practicing again. I know the original question was about you looking into getting voice therapy but that tid-bit will help you along the way.

Good luck to ya!

[JaimeJJ]

Thanks guys