Transforming Voice And Communication With Transgender And Gender Diverse People

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.

Voice and Communication Therapy for the Transgender/Gender Diverse Client: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide, Third Edition remains a must-have resource for speech-language pathologists, voice clinicians and trainers who assist transgender/gender diverse clients in aligning their communication with their gender identity. Such goals for transfeminine, transmasculine and gender diverse people are far from insurmountable given appropriate training. This third edition builds on the work of the first two editions, and meets the clinical and training needs of an even larger and better-informed core of speech language pathologists and trainers. Enhancements to this edition include significantly expanded chapters on counseling, psychotherapy, theater, non-verbal communication, singing, vocal health, medical considerations, and the historical perspectives on evidence-based research as well as a call to action to meet the needs of trans youth. Chapters cover each aspect of a communication training program, including case studies, summaries, appendices and an extensive bibliography, as well as an outline of therapy protocols and ideas for transmasculine, transfeminine and gender diverse clients. New to this edition: A new co-editor, Jack Pickering, brings a fresh perspective from extensive experience in transgender voice and communication trainingA comprehensive chapter addressing research and the voice and communication needs of transmasculine individualsA chapter focusing on the needs of trans youth, future directions in this area, and the role of SLPs with this unique populationA practical chapter on psychotherapy and the relationship between the SLP and psychotherapist/social worker and how these professionals work in tandem to help in the entire transition processA chapter on counseling for the transgender/gender diverse client, with step by step practical information that can also be used for counseling with all populations seen by SLPsA practical chapter on theater giving the perspectives from two transgender actresses' personal experiences, a cisgender actress/voice clinician, and a cisgender voice/theater coach/teacherAn expanded medical chapter outlining foundational information on terminology, development, endocrinology and surgeries as well as the physician's role and best practice in the transition process for each clientUpdated and expanded chapters on the role of multidisciplinary considerations for the transmasculine, transfeminine and gender diverse client, and assessment of these clients, in all aspects of pitch and inflection, the art and science of resonance, non-verbal communication, and group therapy and discharge This seminal text guides clinicians and trainers who work with the transgender/gender diverse population, in designing and administering a mindful, focused, and appropriate treatment plan. Speech-language pathologists, voice coaches, ENT physicians, professors and anyone working in the areas of voice, singing, and the vocal performing arts, will find this text to be an essential resource. Disclaimer: Please note that ancillary content (such as documents, audio, and video, etc.) may not be included as published in the original print version of this book.

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.

This book serves as a guide to any patient, clinician, or person who desires to understand how transgender and gender diverse individuals can be assisted in achieving voice and communication congruity with gender. Voice and communication style serve as intricate links to one’s identity and are central aspects of the gender transition process. Guiding a transgender or gender diverse patient through this transition is complex, requiring an understanding of the patient’s desires, the ability to identify and work with patients to achieve sustainable patterns of behavioral modification that affect voice in a positive manner, and an understanding of the role of newly emerging surgical techniques. This is best addressed by an interdisciplinary team, and this book makes this material available in one source. The first section of the book consists of introductory chapters written by primary care physicians, endocrinologists, and psychiatrists addressing the complex nature of transition from the medical standpoint. A review of hormonal replacement therapies, psychological evaluations, and potential effects of hormone replacement on voice is included. The second section describes the behavioral techniques available in speech and voice therapy for voice change and addresses outcomes that can be expected from behavioral intervention. Each chapter addresses the physiologic principles of therapeutic techniques for effecting change, techniques of instruction, nuances for transgender and gender diverse patients, methods of generalization, and methods of maintenance. Finally, the third section of the book details the surgical techniques available to assist patients in voice transition and their expected outcomes for voice modification. Each chapter includes an introduction, preoperative assessment, role of preoperative therapy, surgical technique, postoperative management, and expected outcome. This section also includes a surgical atlas. This is an ideal guide for otolaryngologists, speech-language pathologists, primary care providers, as well as psychiatrists and endocrinologists caring for transgender and gender nonconforming patients.

Specifically aimed at Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and voice practitioners, this book follows up from the authors' first book, The Voice Book for Trans and Non-Binary People. It sets out cultural competence, psychological and vocal skills, group activities and improvisations frameworks and exercises to helps SLTs develop their skills for working with trans and non-binary clients, including facilitation and coaching, emotional intelligence, role-play and solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy practices. It also includes many contributions from the trans community and a range of clinical professionals to emphasise the collaborative space. Written by two leading authorities on voice and communication therapy for trans people, this is an essential and authoritative resource for anyone working with trans and non-binary clients who are seeking their voice exploration.

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.

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.

How can you build unshakable confidence and resilience in a world still filled with ignorance, inequality, and discrimination? The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook will teach you how to challenge internalized negative messages, handle stress, build a community of support, and embrace your true self. Resilience is a key ingredient for psychological health and wellness. It’s what gives people the psychological strength to cope with everyday stress, as well as major setbacks. For many people, stressful events may include job loss, financial problems, illness, natural disasters, medical emergencies, divorce, or the death of a loved one. But if you are queer or gender non-conforming, life stresses may also include discrimination in housing and health care, employment barriers, homelessness, family rejection, physical attacks or threats, and general unfair treatment and oppression—all of which lead to overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. So, how can you gain resilience in a society that is so often toxic and unwelcoming? In this important workbook, you’ll discover how to cultivate the key components of resilience: holding a positive view of yourself and your abilities; knowing your worth and cultivating a strong sense of self-esteem; effectively utilizing resources; being assertive and creating a support community; fostering hope and growth within yourself, and finding the strength to help others. Once you know how to tap into your personal resilience, you’ll have an unlimited well you can draw from to navigate everyday challenges. By learning to challenge internalized negative messages and remove obstacles from your life, you can build the resilience you need to embrace your truest self in an imperfect world.