FAQs
Many people arrive here with thoughtful questions about voice, communication, or nervous system regulation.
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about BRAVE Voice Under Pressure, Clinical Voice Therapy, and the Safe and Sound Protocol.
If you’re unsure where to begin, a Clarity Call can help determine the most appropriate starting point.
BRAVE VOICE UNDER PRESSURE FAQs
What if my voice changes when the pressure is on?
Many capable professionals notice that when the stakes rise — during presentations, difficult conversations, or moments of conflict — their voice tightens, speeds up, or disappears altogether.
BRAVE focuses on helping your voice remain steady, clear, and responsive, even when the pressure is real.
The goal isn’t to perform better.
It’s to help your communication stay connected to who you are, even in challenging moments.
Who is BRAVE designed for?
BRAVE is designed for professionals whose work depends on communication.
Participants often include leaders, facilitators, and professionals who rely on their voice to influence, guide, or teach.
Many are already skilled communicators who simply notice that under pressure their voice doesn’t always respond the way they want it to.
What happens in a typical session?
Sessions combine practical voice work with awareness of how breath, body, and nervous system patterns influence communication.
This may include:
• breath and vocal coordination
• communication under pressure
• noticing patterns that affect clarity or tone
• applying the work to real-world conversations
The goal is communication that feels grounded and authentic rather than performed.
Do I need to have a voice disorder to participate?
No.
Many BRAVE participants do not have a voice disorder. They simply want their voice and communication to feel more reliable in high-stakes situations.
If a clinical voice condition is present, voice therapy may be recommended alongside or before this work.
Is BRAVE a quick fix for communication confidence?
BRAVE is not designed as a quick-fix confidence program.
Many people who join have already tried communication strategies, mindset work, or presentation training. While those approaches can be helpful, they don’t always address what happens physiologically when pressure rises.
BRAVE focuses on building the underlying capacity that allows communication to remain steady when it matters most.
I’m not sure if this is actually my problem. How do I know?
Many people aren’t completely sure at first.
They may simply notice moments where their communication doesn’t quite reflect who they are — especially when the stakes rise. The voice tightens, words come out sharper than intended, or clarity disappears.
A short Clarity Call gives us the opportunity to explore what you’re noticing and whether BRAVE would be a supportive next step.
Sometimes the answer is yes.
Sometimes another pathway makes more sense.
The goal is simply to help you find the most appropriate support for your communication.
CLINICAL VOICE THERAPY FAQs
Where do you offer service?
I’m licensed to practice in Ontario, Canada. I offer in person sessions in Toronto (High Park/Junction) & Owen Sound. Virtual services province wide.
What ages do you work with?
I work with both children, teens and adults who are experiencing voice challenges.
Are you a Registered Speech Language Pathologist?
Do I need to see a Doctor or ENT prior to therapy?
You do not need a Dr’s referral to access private voice therapy services, although some insurance companies may require it. Ideally having an Ear Nose and Throat specialist take images of your vocal folds prior to therapy (stroboscopy) helps us rule in/out factors that may be impacting your voice. If timely access is not available to you and/or you have no idea where to access a laryngologist (someone who specializes in the larynx/throat, the T- of ENT), we can start sessions and create a plan for you to get imaging.
Is voice therapy covered by OHIP?
Preschool children may be able to access voice services through the Ontario’s Preschool Speech and Language Program.
School aged children- contact your child’s principal to discuss a voice screening with an SLP to determine eligibility for voice therapy (note an ENT evaluation is often required).
Adults- there are a handful of hospitals across the province where you can access publicly funded voice services.
Will my health insurance cover voice therapy?
Voice therapy provided in private practice is not covered by OHIP, but many extended health plans include coverage for speech-language pathology services.
You will receive a receipt after each session that can be submitted to your insurance provider.
How long are the sessions, and how many do I need?
The number of sessions and length varies depending on the nature of the voice concern.
Some people benefit from a short series of sessions, while others prefer ongoing support while they develop new voice patterns.
Voice therapy works best when approached as a collaborative process over time.
What are your fees and how do I pay?
See my online booking site for current rates. https://partnersinexpression.janeapp.com/
Payment is required following the service. I accept cash, e-transfers, credit cards and cheque.
Do you provide written reports?
SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL (SSP) FAQs
What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a music-based listening intervention by Unyte Health.
Specially filtered music helps support the nervous system in shifting toward a state that makes connection, listening, and communication easier.
Who might benefit from SSP?
SSP may be helpful for individuals who notice:
• difficulty regulating stress
• vocal tension related to nervous system activation
• challenges with social engagement or listening
For some people, it creates the physiological foundation that allows voice or communication work to become more effective.
How long does the protocol take?
The full protocol includes approximately five hours of listening, completed gradually over a number of sessions.
The pace is adjusted based on how each person’s nervous system responds.
Can SSP be delivered remotely?
Yes.
SSP can be delivered remotely with guidance and support throughout the listening process.
General FAQs
What is your cancellation policy?
Your appointment time is reserved for you/your child. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists’ day that could have been filled by another client.. As such, we require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged 50% of the full rate for that session. If you cannot attend your in person or video session due to COVID-19 related issues and find yourself unexpectedly within the 24 hours’ cancellation policy, or you need any help at all, don’t hesitate to contact me.
