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Gender-affirming Voice and Communication

About the Program

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y., offers a gender-affirming voice and communication program for individuals who are transgender and gender diverse.

The program takes place on Mondays from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and includes both group and individual components. Graduate student clinicians serve as coaches and communication partners for program participants. Clients have the opportunity to explore their goals in a safe, welcoming environment.

Program Structure

The program includes a variety of activities:

  • Check in and mindfulness
  • Vocal warm up
  • Individual time to focus on individual needs
  • A group activity that promotes the exploration of voice
  • Gratitude

Throughout the evening, participants explore aspects of voice, like pitch, inflection, resonance, articulation and loudness. Broader aspects of language and communication are also covered, with attention to language and nonverbal communication. Our clients have also suggested that we attend to behaviors such as coughing, sneezing, and throat-clearing, because these often affect listener perception of gender.

Program Direction and Supervision

The Voice Modification Program is directed by Jack Pickering, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. Laura Dresdner, M.S., CCC-SLP and Fiona Thompson, M.S., CCC-SLP are the program’s clinical supervisors. Tom Murphy, Ph.D., LMHC is a mental health counselor who collaborates with the participants, student clinicians, and supervisors.

Contact Dr. Pickering (pickerij@strose.edu or 518.454.5236) for information.

References

  • Adler, R.K., Hirsch, S. & Pickering, J. (2019). Voice and Communication Therapy for the Transgender/Gender-Diverse Client: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide (3rd edition). San Diego: Plural Publishing.
  • Davies, S., Papp, V.G., & Antoni, C. (2015). Voice and communication change for gender non-conforming individuals: Giving voice to the person inside. International Journal of Transgenderism, 16(3), 117-159.
  • Hancock, A. B. & Siegfriedt, L. L. (2020). Transforming Voice and Communication with Transgender and Gender-diverse People: An Evidence-Based Process. San Diego: Plural Publishing.
  • Kayajian, D., & Pickering, J. (2017). Connecting clinic and classroom to enhance group transgender voice and communication training in a college environment.  SIG10 Perspectives in Higher Education, 10(2), 116-122.
  • World Professional Association of Transgender Health, Standards of Care Version 8. SOC8 Homepage – WPATH World Professional Association for Transgender Health