Navigating Trans Voicing

"This book is a resource for those new to the field of trans voicing. It summarises 50 key points needed to work collaboratively and effectively with trans and non-binary people, covering sections on Trans cultural knowledge, sensitivity and awareness Vocal pedagogy and the therapeutic relationship Fundamental know-how and voice therapy principles and exercises in trans voicing Written and developed by both a leading consultant speech and language therapist in trans voicing, and a psychologist and counsellor from the trans community, the book centres a unique collaboration of clinical and lived experience expertise and is deeply trans-affirmative in approach"--

This book is a resource for those new to the field of trans voicing. It summarises 50 key points needed to work collaboratively and effectively with trans and non-binary people, covering sections on: Trans cultural knowledge, sensitivity and awareness Vocal pedagogy and the therapeutic relationship Fundamental know-how and voice therapy principles and exercises in trans voicing Written and developed by both a leading consultant speech and language therapist in trans voicing, and a psychologist and counsellor from the trans community, the book centres a unique collaboration of clinical and lived experience expertise and is deeply trans-affirmative in approach.

The Singing Teacher's Guide to Transgender Voices is the first comprehensive resource developed for training transgender and nonbinary singers. This text aids in the development of voice pedagogy tailored to the needs of transgender singers, informed by cultural competence, and bolstered by personal narratives of trans and nonbinary singing students. The singing life of a transgender or nonbinary student can be overwhelmingly stressful. Because many of the current systems in place for singing education are so firmly anchored in gender binary systems, transgender and gender nonconforming singers are often forced into groups with which they feel they don't belong. Singers in transition are often afraid to reach out for help because the likelihood of finding a voice teacher who is competent in navigating the social, emotional, physical, and physiological challenges of transition is minimal at best. This text equips teachers with a sympathetic perspective on these unique struggles and with the knowledge and resources needed to guide students to a healthy, joyful, and safe singing life. It challenges professional and academic communities to understand the needs of transgender singers and provide evidence-based voice education and real-world opportunities that are authentic and genuine. The Singing Teacher's Guide to Transgender Voices is the first book of its kind to provide thorough, organized information on the training of trans singers for educators in both the academic and independent teaching realms.

Written by two specialist speech and language therapists, this book explains how voice and communication therapy can help transgender and non-binary people to find their authentic voice. It gives a thorough account of the process, from understanding the vocal mechanism through to assimilating new vocal skills and new vocal identity into everyday situations, and includes exercises to change pitch, resonance and intonation. Each chapter features insider accounts from trans and gender diverse individuals who have explored or are exploring voice and communication related to their gender expression, describing key aspects of their experience of creating and maintaining a voice that feels true to them. This guide is an essential, comprehensive source for trans and non-binary individuals who are interested in working towards achieving a different, more authentic voice, and will be a valuable resource for speech and language therapists/pathologists, voice coaches and healthcare professionals.

Here's How to Teach Voice and Communication Skills to Transgender Women is a detailed guide to help speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide instruction for male-to-female (MtF) transgender women during their transition process. This program guides SLPs to safely modify a MtF transgender woman's voice through behavioral modification therapy. SLPs can teach this population how to modify their voice through good vocal hygiene, vocal relaxation, breath support, pitch, resonance, breathiness, and verbal and nonverbal communication exercises. This text presents the Voice and Communication Program for Transgender Women (VCMtF Program), which was developed to train graduate speech-language pathology students how to deliver voice and communication services. The purpose of this text is to share the VCMtF Program with other SLPs who will provide voice and communication services to transgender women. The VCMtF Program is unique because it is easy to use, manualized, and systematically targets voice, verbal communication, and nonverbal communication. Included in this text are resources for the clinician, an introduction to the VCMtF Program, methods and materials for assessment, and comprehensive program sessions. The VCMtF Program is divided into eight sessions with step-by-step instructions for every exercise. Each session is organized using material lists, approximate times, teaching methods, check-ins, feedback, and homework. There are check boxes to mark off the completion of exercises in each area of the program and there is space for the SLP to make clinical observations. Exercises and targets are set up within a hierarchy so that the level of difficulty may be tailored to each client's abilities and how far she has advanced in the VCMtF Program. Also included are videos to support the exercises used in the program.

This book is an essential resource for those new to, developing and established in the field of trans voice. Presented in a workbook style and packed with practical exercises for the practitioner to engage with, it explores and explains how to work with clients effectively, while also developing vital cultural knowledge and fundamental skills in voice coaching that will help the practitioner develop insight into and support each person’s unique journey. Matthew Mills and Sean Pert draw on their wealth of experience to encourage the reader to consider what gender means to them, and how gender performance may be taken for granted by people whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth. The key learning points of this book are illustrated by guiding comments from trans and non-binary people with lived, practical and clinical experience Based on the latest expert practice and informed by the experiences of the clients themselves, Working with Trans Voice allows speech and language therapists and other professionals interested in supporting trans and gender-diverse people to develop the confidence to work with their clients in partnership and solidarity.

Transforming Voice and Communication with Transgender and Gender-Diverse People: An Evidence-Based Process is written for speech-language pathologists and voice teachers to guide transgender and gender-diverse people through communication transformations. It follows a chronological progression from preparations through techniques, acknowledging all gender presentations throughout the text. A client-centered process is emphasized through case examples illustrating each step. The first section, “Start Smart,” begins with a chapter about developing and monitoring the provider’s self-awareness because a mindful provider is crucial for the safety and success of the process. Information about the populations is provided next to develop the provider’s cultural humility and sensitivity. This section closes with practical considerations for working with marginalized populations and ways to mitigate barriers to their accessing care. Service delivery models for five types of settings are described by practicing speech-language pathologists who developed successful programs. The second section, “Press On,” guides the provider through the best practice standards for gender-related voice and communication services. Procedures and provided forms are tailored to the circumstances and needs of the client and extend the assessment beyond basic vocal function. Three chapters dedicated to the phases of intervention highlight the importance of taking time to establish a collaborative and informed evidence-based plan and prepare the client’s body and mind before launching into direct voice work. Stimuli lists, photographs, and figures are provided to assist the client’s practice. The final section, “Finish Strong,” offers several real case examples of navigating the more unique challenges in this process. Five essays about communication transformation written by gender diverse people end the book on an inspirational note. Clients who wish to transform their voice and communication navigate physical, mental, and emotional work. This text is a guide for speech-language pathologists and voice teachers to inform and facilitate transformation. Throughout the book, real examples from the authors and colleagues demonstrate how this work can be done well with informed, thoughtful planning.