Vocal therapist Heather Gross: “Working with my gender-affirming voice clients brought a feeling of alignment and connection”
BY ORLY LYONNE
Heather Gross, MS CCC-SLP, RYT is a vocal therapist, singing voice specialist, and vocal coach, specializing in gender affirming and trauma informed voice.
“Working with my gender-affirming voice clients brought a feeling of alignment and connection. My sense of safety within the LGBTQ+ community inspired a deep-seated need to help gender-diverse individuals through a trauma-informed lens,” states Gross in an interview with THE FIGHT.
“Many of my clients who experience voice dysphoria describe their voices as feeling ‘tight,’ ‘locked,’ and ‘tense.’ Trauma can cause physical and emotional responses that manifest as a locked or tight feeling in the throat and can silence people’s voices. This is a survival mechanism triggered by adverse events, such as hearing a voice that does not align with one’s inner sense of self. The voice is deeply connected to the mind, body, and spirit, so addressing vocal issues involves working with the whole person,”explains Gross.
“… I use a trauma-informed approach to create a safe space for exploration and healing, which allows clients to access their true voice and experience a sense of vocal freedom.”
“Unlocking the voice involves releasing physical, spiritual, and emotional barriers to achieve authentic self-expression. I use a trauma-informed approach to create a safe space for exploration and healing, which allows clients to access their true voice and experience a sense of vocal freedom.”
“My clients often find that voice coaching helps them discover their true voice and expand their vocal range, aligning their voice with their inner sense of self,” reveals Gross. “This holistic approach not only addresses technical aspects but also fosters a deep connection to one’s true voice within a safe and supportive community.”
While most of Gross’ clients are members of the LGBTQ+ community, she also works professional voice users.
“I utilize the same whole-person, integrative approach for everyone. Whether working with professional voice users or those seeking gender-affirming voice coaching, the focus remains on vocal health and sustainability, implemented through a holistic, mental health-informed approach. The primary difference lies in the application; sessions may emphasize singing or acting techniques for professional voice users to meet their specific needs, while others may prioritize the speaking voice. The ultimate goal is to tailor voice training to each individual, ensuring it’s functional and supports their personal and professional goals, whether that involves singing, audition preparation, or other performance-related activities.”
For more info please visit: www.livevocally.com.
