“I was referred to Susannah for treatment for recurrent loss of voice, which was impacting on my work and family life.
Working with Susannah, I was able to try different tools and techniques to strengthen my voice, and I have not suffered any loss of voice since we began the sessions.
More than that, Susannah explored with me the causes of my loss of voice, both physical and emotional, and enabled me to understand the importance of voice in how we connect with ourselves and with others.
Because Susannah explored the underlying causes, I am now able to express myself more confidently, openly and strongly.
My all round health and wellbeing have improved, as well as my voice.
Thank you.”
H, January 2014
Voice Therapy
What happens at an appointment?
Assessment
Your first appointment will last an hour.
At this appointment I will take a detailed case history from you. This will include your medical history and lifestyle. I will take some baselines of your voice and will teach you how your voice works and will give you tailored advice on lifestyle changes that will help your voice. None of this is physically invasive.
You may be asked to consult your GP about health issues that could be affecting your voice.
Therapy
Therapy appointments will usually last half an hour and tend to include following up on previous advice and exercises to practice at home.
Therapy sessions can involve quite a lot of problem solving to work out how to make the necessary lifestyle changes needed to improve your voice.
Sometimes therapy can be quite challenging for people as they think and learn about themselves in ways they have not done before. I will support you through this process.
Voice Therapy
Are you unable to trust your voice?
Does your voice sometimes disappear on you?
Is it sometimes hoarse?
You may benefit from voice therapy sessions
What is voice therapy?
Voice therapy is a specialised area within speech and language therapy.
The focus is on finding out why you may have a problem with your voice and working with you to improve it. It is about learning strategies to support your voice.
Why do I have a voice problem?
Voice problems arise from a variety of issues. People generally tend to get away with some “bad habits” for years, but then a further strain (maybe a cold) affects the system and your voice goes hoarse, or disappears on you.
Voice therapy has to look at all aspects of voice production, from your anatomy, lifestyle and general health to your emotional state.
ENT
Sometimes a voice problem can be an indicator of a growth in the larynx (voice box). This possibility always needs to be checked out, so I ask that all of my clients are assessed by an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) consultant.
If you would like an appointment with me, but have not yet seen an ENT consultant I can assess your voice, give advice and then ask your GP to refer you to ENT for their opinion.
The ENT consultant will also be able to give useful information on the movement of your vocal cords.