Integrative Voice Therapy
What is Voice Therapy?
Voice therapy, offered by a speech language pathologist, supports people with voice issues through exercises and education. Following a voice assessment a personalized therapy plan is created.
Your therapy plan may involve exercises that improve vocal function, some clients say it’s like physiotherapy for the voice. Exercises vary depending on the cause of the vocal problem. You may find yourself exploring your breath, releasing muscle tension, making silly sounds to strengthen your vocal folds, and exploring techniques that promote optimal vocal fold vibration.
Your personalized plan may include education around vocal wellness. You may find yourself tracking your vocal dose (how and when you use your voice and how you feel), changing things in your environment to reduce strain and improve vocal function, exploring ways to hydrate your vocal folds and shifting how you feel about your voice.
Partners in Expression takes an integrative, eclectic approach to voice care, using evidence based voice therapy practices while weaving in somatic movement practices that include the whole body. Whether you choose 1:1 and/or group therapy, you’ll find support to rebuild your relationship with your body, heart and voice.
Voice therapy may be for you if…
- you’d like your voice to last through the day
- you’ve seen an ENT and been diagnosed with vocal nodules/ polyp/cyst, muscle tension dysphonia, vocal tremor, chronic cough, irritable larynx syndrome (or something else)
- you’d like it to be easier to speak in noisy restaurants
- you want your voice to reflect who you are in the boardroom, in relationship, on stage, etc
- you’d like support with your voice issues
- you’re looking for a vocal accountability partner to support you to consistently do your voice care practices
Voice therapy may be for your child/teen if…
- they experience vocal fatigue/pain when speaking
- they’ve seen an ENT and been diagnosed with vocal nodules/ polyp/cyst, vocal tremor, throat clearing, irritable larynx syndrome (or something else)
- they seem to always have a hoarse voice and often shout and use a loud voice
- they are pulling back socially because of their voice
- they are reluctant to participate in activities like plays, cheerleading, debate etc because of their voice
- they have difficulty being heard
What to expect
Whether you (or your child/teen) have been diagnosed with vocal nodules, muscle tension dysphonia, irritable larynx syndrome (or something else by an ENT), or are experiencing vocal strain/fatigue, all new clients start with an assessment.
Prior to our session, I’ll send out questionnaires that help me learn about your voice issues and you’ll send me voice recordings to a secured link so that I can analyze your current voice.
During the assessment, we will gather more information about your voice and together create a voice care plan that may include therapy and vocal wellness tips.
During voice therapy, we’ll explore tools and techniques that support your voice care needs. Expect to make silly sounds, I’ll make them right along with you! Expect to practice in between sessions, we’ll create a home play plan together. Expect to explore changing habits to ones that are more supportive for vocal function. Expect that healing is often a spiral process, sometimes messy. It’s not linear, so we take an integrative approach to find what works for your body, heart, and voice.
How it Works
1. Send Voice Recordings + Fill out questionnaires
Share your voice concerns and wishes for our time together.
2. 60-75 min Assessment (in person/virtual)
Includes a thorough voice evaluation, gathering of relevant history of voice use, vocal issue, exploration of voice care practices and advice for vocal wellness
3. Personalized Treatment Plan
Together we’ll create goals for your voice and a therapy plan, which often includes home play/practice.
Why Partner With Me?
I provide committed partnership so you’re not left alone with your voice issues. Allow me to be your vocal accountability partner, supporting you to consistently do your voice care practices. I’ve practiced as a registered speech language pathologist for over 20 years, working with educators and students in a variety of settings. I take an Integrative, eclectic approach to voice care, using evidence based voice care practices along with somatic movement practices that include the whole body. Partner with me for support in rebuilding your relationship with your body, heart and voice.
Not sure if Voice Therapy is for you?
In person services available in Toronto and Owen Sound, virtual services across the province. See FAQ for additional info. Book a free connection call to see if we’re a good fit.
Hi, I’m Martha!
A voice enthusiast, movement teacher and speech language pathologist who understands what it’s like to experience vocal strain and fatigue during a teaching day.
I’m passionate about multiple forms of expression, using movement and music as co-teachers in voice care work. I’m dedicated to supporting people to rebuild their relationship with their body, heart and voice so they can achieve their dreams and live whole-heartedly.
Stay connected with me