What is voice and communication therapy for transgender/transsexual clients?
In general, men and women communicate differently. For example, most men tend to speak with lower pitched voices, while women use higher pitched voices. Women often use more gestures when they speak. Men may use shorter sentences that get more to the point. Individuals who are transgender/transsexual often elect to have voice and communication therapy to help them use their voice in a safe way and communicate more like the opposite gender of that in which they were born. The Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA) has established standards of care within the area of transsexual medicine for individuals wishing to have genital reconstructive surgery (GRS). GRS is a surgical procedure that transforms the body to the gender opposite of that in which the person was born. An individual who chooses to have GRS must see a psychologist for 2 years and live full-time in the new gender role. Voice and communication therapy services are recommended during this time.
