Beth provides effective evidence based therapy for adults and children.
Below are some FAQs about therapy, which will hopefully answer any questions you may have.
​Please contact us if you have anything further you would like to discuss. 

What is voice therapy? 

Voice therapy is like physiotherapy for your voice. Through training and practice, you can learn to use your voice muscles in the most efficient and healthy way. This can help you overcome voice problems such as a voice that is too quiet or unpredictable, or a voice that gets tired and uncomfortable after a long period of talking.
 
During therapy, Beth will provide you with education about:
  • How a healthy voice works 
  • The nature of your voice problem
  • Environmental and/or behavioural factors which may be contributing to your voice problem
  • How medical issues may be affecting your voice
  • Exercises to improve your voice
  • Ways to use your improved voice in your everyday life
 
There is also likely to be discussion about:
  • The reasons you have come to therapy and what your goals are
  • The practice commitments needed for effective therapy
  • Ways to address environmental or behavioural factors contributing to your voice problem
  • Ways to prevent a voice disorder in the future
 
As you start therapy, there will be some exploration of which voice exercises are right for you. Successful voice therapy depends on your active participation in sessions and your willingness to be flexible and try new things. It also depends on your commitment to practice and make behavioural and environmental changes outside therapy.
 
Some disorders respond better than others to voice therapy. There will be discussion about the likelihood of your voice improving in your first appointment.

How do the appointments work? 

Voice therapy is delivered one on one with Beth. Your initial assessment will last for approximately 1.5 hours. Subsequent therapy appointments last for one hour. Weekly therapy appointments are recommended. Generally you will require one or two appointments to see if therapy is right for you. Most people attend  4 – 6 appointments.
 
A therapy appointment involves teaching you voice exercises aimed at helping you reach the voice goals identified in your initial assessment. When you are ready, we will talk about how to start using your new healthy voice in your daily life.

What are the exercises like? Who will see me do them? 

Although the exercises you do will depend on your specific voice problem, it is likely they will focus on posture, breathing, reducing the effort needed to make your voice work, and ways to get the loudness and pitch you desire. The goal of the exercises is to train your voice to work as well as it can.
 
The only other person who will see you do the exercises is Beth, however you are welcome to bring another person to the appointment for support if you like.

What do I need to do outside of therapy? 

​Voice therapy alone is not a “quick fix” for your voice. Regular practice outside appointments is needed in order for you to see any improvements. It is important that you practice in a mindful and focused way. This can be achieved by minimising distractions around you and referring to your voice therapy practice schedule to read the reminders that Beth has given you for certain voice exercises.
 
You will also be supported by Beth to make the necessary behavioural changes (for example using your voice less throughout the day or using amplification if you are a teacher) and modifying your environment to support your voice outside appointments. 

How much will I need to practice?

Evidence shows that an ideal practice regime includes short periods of practice throughout the day. This might involve practicing for 5 minutes, 3 times per day. ​

Where can I see Beth for therapy? 

Beth sees people for voice therapy in a number of locations, as well as offering online sessions. Where possible, it is best to attend the assessment session in person, so that Beth can meet you and see how you are using your body and your voice first hand, however it is possible to have all of your sessions online.
It is recommended you contact Beth to discuss whether in-person or online sessions would suit you best. 
  

How can I arrange therapy? 

You will need to be assessed by an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) Specialist Doctor before you can have voice therapy. Beth is happy to recommend ENTs if you need help to find one. This doctor will ask you about your voice and conduct an laryngoscopic assessment (A camera on a small tube which looks at your larynx). The information provided by the ENT is vital for Beth to plan the therapy which is just right for you and your voice.