Voice Coaching
Voice Coaching at CWHC serves to create an access point for trans, non-binary, and gender expansive folks to both physically and psychologically adjust their vocal presentation to a way that makes them feel like them.
Voice Coaching at CWHC
We offer one-on-one virtual coaching sessions to support anyone that would like to develop a speaking voice that is healthy, confident, and better aligns with their identity. Our comprehensive approach will include client-led goals with a focus on breath-support, vocal resonance, vocal placement, and a series of integration exercises to help newfound skills translate to life outside our sessions.
With an emphasis in supporting trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive folks, clients may be struggling with how their voice responds to hormone therapy, surgical procedures, or how their voice doesn’t effectively represent their inner-identity. Voice Coaching at CWHC is NOT about changing your voice to fit what the world thinks you should sound like. We aim for every client to not just tolerate their voice, but be proud of it.
To get started with sessions, fill out this Contact Request Form.
Information about Voice Coaching Sessions
To sign up for an upcoming info session, click here.
Clients are welcome to schedule a 20-minute consultation with our Voice Coach or register for a group information session. Both of these options are available at no cost.
The structure of each client’s voice coaching will adapt to their individual needs. To support clients in reaching tangible milestones, our main structure begins with an introductory session, followed by 3 different, progressive training modules with 6 sessions each. Each Training Module is designed to take place over 6 weeks, with up to 2 sessions per week. Each session is about 50-minutes long.
Each module and it’s 6 sessions will be customized for the client. Our Voice Coach and the client will plan for regular check-ins related to the client’s progress and goals. Clients may pause and resume sessions or modules as needed.
CWHC’s Voice Coach: John Patrick (JP)
John Patrick (JP), he/him, has 20 years of experience transforming how people express vocally, revealing habits that either energize or diminish their intentions.
A driving passion for JP is working with people who encounter unique obstacles with their speaking voice. This can include epic nerves and or physiological hurdles due to surgery, trauma, hormonal therapy, or clients that seek to better align their vocal expression with their internal identity. This led JP to become "Safe Zone" trained through the LGBTQ+ Center at UNC Chapel Hill where he had the great privilege to lead workshops.
A tenured professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, JP served as Head of Voice and Speech at the Professional Actor Training Program, PlayMakers Repertory Company until 2018 before transitioning to teach currently in the Communications & Public Policy departments.
FAQs for accessing Voice Coaching services:
Q: How do I schedule Voice Coaching services at CWHC?
A: If you are interested in virtual voice coaching and would like to be contacted by our trans health program staff, the easiest way to reach us is to complete this Contact Request Form.
You can also reach us by email at transhealth@chicagowomenshealthcenter.org
Q: What is the sliding scale for these services?
A: $120 - $80 per session. Payment plans are an option. No one will be turned away for an inability to pay. For questions about payment plans, please email our Trans Health Program staff at transhealth@chicagowomenshealthcenter.org.
Q: Can these sessions be billed to my insurance?
A: No. Voice Coaching services are available through self-pay and are not billable through insurance.
Q: How soon can I schedule a session with a Voice Coach through CWHC?
A: Typically within two weeks, depending on our availability. You can learn about availability and how to schedule a session by emailing transhealth@chicagowomenshealthcenter.org.
Q: Do I need to commit to more than one session at a time to receive services?
A: No. Clients can schedule and commit to only one session at a time if needed.
Q: Can I receive the first session for free to make sure this service is a good fit for me?
A: You can request a free 20 min consultation with our Voice Coach specialist or sign up for a group info session.
Q: How do I sign up for a group info session or 20 minute free consultation?
A: For instructions on how to schedule a 20 minute consultation, contact transhealth@chicagowomenshealthcenter.org.
Q: Do I need to commit to more than one session at a time to receive services? For example, do all 6 sessions in one module need to be scheduled at once?
A: No. Although a weekly or bi-weekly schedule is recommended, clients can schedule and commit to as many sessions at a time as is best for them.
Q: Do I need prior experience working with a voice specialist before booking a session?
A: No. Come as you are, it will be a perfect place to begin.
For more information about Trans Health Services at CWHC, visit our Trans Health Services Page.
All services are offered on a self-determined, sliding fee scale, as described on our Paying for Services page.
For more information about our online client portal and check-in process, visit our Client Resources page.
Resources
Click here for list of resources for trans, non-binary and gender expansive folks compiled by our Clinical Services team.
Planning for Gender-Affirming Surgery? Steps to Consider: a guide to the surgical process, including how insurance works and generally what to expect.
Questions to Consider Asking for Any Procedure: a guide of questions to ask along a surgical journey for transition.
If you ever have any questions or concerns about navigating any of these steps, please give us a call at (773)935-6126. We are here to support you in any way that we can.
Do you provide a TGNC affirming resource that our communities should know about? If so, please email AC Noël (he/they), Trans Health Coordinator, at ar@chicagowomenshealthcenter.org so we can learn more about you.
Feedback on Trans Health Services
We value your feedback! We value transparency with our community and invite clients and community members to offer feedback and input about our services. For more information or to offer feedback, contact Erminia Williams, Clinical Services Director, at 773-935-6126 x227.
History of Trans Health at CWHC
In 2009, CWHC started the Trans Greater Access Project (TGAP), an agency-wide initiative focused on increasing access to affirming health services for trans-identified individuals at CWHC. We continue to invest in partnerships that ensure our providers remain informed and at the forefront of the emerging field of trans health.