2 minute read

Finding a voice therapist

When an app isn't enough, and who to ask.

This app is ten minutes a day on your own. A speech and language therapist is a person trained to listen to your voice, work out what's getting in the way, and change the plan as you go. Many of them work with trans people on voice, and it's a recognised part of what they do.

You don't need to be struggling to see one. But some things are worth a professional's ears sooner rather than later: a voice that's sore, hoarse or tired for more than a few days, losing your voice, pain when you speak, or months of practice that don't seem to be going anywhere.

What they're called where you are

UK and Ireland: speech and language therapist (SLT).
US and Canada: speech-language pathologist (SLP).
Australia: speech pathologist.

Where to look

Start with the professional body in your country. Most have a search on their own website for finding a qualified therapist, and a qualification is the thing a general web search can't check for you.

UK: ASLTIP, the association for independent practice, lists private therapists. The title is protected, so you can check anyone on the HCPC register. Through the NHS, gender services often include voice therapy, though waits can be long.
Ireland: IASLT, the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists.
US: ASHA's ProFind. Look for the CCC-SLP credential.
Canada: Speech-Language & Audiology Canada.
Australia: Speech Pathology Australia.

Elsewhere, search for your country's speech therapy association. Many therapists also work remotely, so the right person doesn't have to be nearby.

What to ask

Have you worked with trans people on voice before, and how much of your work is that?
Do you offer sessions remotely?
Roughly how many sessions do people usually have, and what do they cost?
If something sounds wrong with my voice, will you refer me to a doctor to have it looked at?

It's fine to ask a few people before picking one. You're looking for someone who is experienced, and who you'd be comfortable making strange noises in front of.

This is practice, not medical care. Keep it comfortable: if your throat feels tight, sore or tired, stop for today. Read Looking after your voice, and see a speech and language therapist if hoarseness lasts more than a few days.