Gender Affirming Voice Therapy at Norman Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation

Norman Regional’s speech-language pathologists are dedicated to helping individuals find their authentic voice through gender-affirming voice therapy. These personalized sessions are designed to align each patient’s voice with their gender identity while ensuring vocal health and avoiding strain or injury. This transformative therapy helps patients feel more confident and comfortable when communicating.

What is Gender Affirming Voice Therapy?

Gender-affirming voice therapy is tailored to individuals transitioning to male, female or non-binary identities. This therapy focuses on adapting the voice to reflect the patient’s gender identity—whether more masculine, feminine, or androgynous—through practice and personalized guidance. Although many patients who utilize this therapy are in transition, this therapy is suitable for anyone aiming to make their voice more closely align with their preferred gender identity.

How Voice Communicates Gender

A common misconception is that pitch alone defines the gendered quality of a voice. In reality, gender-affirming voice therapy incorporates a wide range of vocal and non-vocal elements, including:

• Pitch: Adjusting frequency for a masculine, feminine, or androgynous voice.
• Resonance: Refining how sound resonates in the vocal tract.
• Articulation and Pronunciation: Modifying how words are formed and spoken.
• Vocabulary and Expression: Adapting tone, length of sentences, politeness, and emotional expression.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Incorporating body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and posture.

A Patient-Centered Approach

Each patient’s therapy plan is unique, focusing on their individual goals and preferences. Therapists use tools like the Voice Tools app, which measures voice frequency and compares it to ranges associated with feminine (200-300 Hz), masculine (80-150 Hz), or androgynous (160-180 Hz) voices. The goal is to help patients achieve a natural voice that feels effortless.

“We work closely with our patients, partnering with them to adapt their voice to reflect their true identity,” Hartzell says. “This process builds confidence and fosters a sense of authenticity.”

A Welcoming Environment

At Norman Regional, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all services. Our speech-language pathologists are committed to creating a welcoming, judgment-free space. Patients are encouraged to bring a supportive friend or family member to therapy if it helps them feel more at ease.

Learn More About Gender Affirming Voice Therapy

If you’re interested in exploring gender-affirming voice therapy at Norman Regional, visit our Outpatient Rehabilitation page or call the Physical Performance Center at 405-515-HEAL for more information. Let us help you find your authentic voice!