What does supportive, affirming voice care actually look like? And how do you find a provider who’s the right fit for you?

In this interview, I sat down with Nora Mahon, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in gender-affirming voice and co-founded the Vocal Congruence Project. Together, we unpacked what makes a voice provider supportive, what red flags to watch out for, and how to know when it’s time to move on.

Watch the full interview below:

Meet Nora Mahon

Nora’s journey into gender-affirming voice work began during her undergraduate studies, where she first observed the transformative potential of voice sessions with a trans client. That experience lit a spark that guided her into voice-focused clinical work, deeper community engagement, and eventually her own transition.

She now combines her lived experience and clinical expertise to offer client-centred, flexible, and affirming voice care. She also co-founded the Vocal Congruence Project, a free resource hub that includes the largest searchable map of gender-affirming voice providers.

Who Can Support Your Trans Voice Journey?

Nora and I talked about the wide range of professionals who support gender-affirming voice training today: speech-language pathologists (SLPs), singing teachers (like me!), peer mentors, and even self-taught guides.

This diversity exists because people have very different needs, and because voice care shouldn’t only be accessible through the medical system.

So, how do you choose?

• If you’re experiencing vocal strain, pain, or potential pathology, you might want to work with an SLP who’s trained in voice disorders.

• If you’re focused on performance or singing, a voice teacher may be better suited to your goals.

• If you’d like to work with someone who shares your identity or lived experience, you might prioritize finding a trans provider.

• If affordability is a concern, you may want to explore YouTube tutorials, scholarships, sliding-scale services, or university-based clinics.

Ultimately, the type of provider matters less than whether their approach aligns with you.

Green Flags: What to Look For in a Voice Provider

When you’re shopping around, here are some signs you’ve found someone great:

• You vibe with them. Voice sessions should feel enjoyable and affirming, not awkward or draining.

• They follow your lead. A good provider lets you set the goals and meets you there.

• They know when to refer out. Whether it’s to a singing coach or a medical specialist, a great provider understands their scope and collaborates with others.

• They’re engaged with the community. Especially for cis providers, involvement in trans communities matters.

• They’re transparent. It’s okay to say “I don’t know”, and a trustworthy provider will do just that when needed.

Red Flags: When Something’s Off

On the flip side, watch out for:

• Sessions that feel like a chore. If you dread them, that’s a sign.

• Outdated or prescriptive ideas. “This is what a woman sounds like” is a major red flag.

• Inflexibility. A provider who doesn’t take your feedback or won’t adjust to your needs isn’t serving you.

• Gatekeeping. If someone tells you you need to be on hormones or socially transitioned first, that’s a problem (unless it’s an insurance requirement, not the provider’s).

• No clear end in sight. Providers should aim to help you become your own voice expert, not rely on them forever.

What Client-Centred Voice Care Actually Looks Like

Nora shared their framework for goal setting in three parts:

1. Acoustic goals: These include things like pitch, resonance, and vocal weight.

2. Congruence goals: This is how your voice feels—confident, sexy, youthful, feminine, masculine, etc.

3. Functional goals: Can you use this voice all day without strain? Is it sustainable?

Rather than chasing an “ideal” sound, client-centred care focuses on direction over destination. It’s about exploring what’s possible and dialling in what works best for you, not checking off a box like “passed voice class.”

What If You’re Not Clicking With Your Provider?

It’s completely okay to walk away from a provider who isn’t working out.

But before you do, try having an honest conversation:

• “I’m not sure I’m making progress.”

• “I don’t understand the techniques.”

• “I can’t use this voice outside of our sessions.”

A great provider will welcome that dialogue and help troubleshoot. But if the chemistry isn’t there or your needs aren’t being met, you’re allowed to move on.

Your time and money are valuable, and voice care should be a source of confidence, not dread.

Affordable Options for Voice Training

Voice training can be expensive, but Nora outlined several accessible options:

• Sliding scale or self-pay discounts – Always ask!

• University clinics – Often free or low-cost, run by supervised graduate students.

• Scholarships – Many providers (including me!) offer them.

• Grants – Some transition grants now cover voice work.

• Free resources – YouTube videos, group workshops, online guides.

• Mix-and-match models – Start with self-paced resources and then book individual support if needed.

Final Advice for Anyone Feeling Overwhelmed

Nora’s advice? Just start playing with your voice.

Explore the full range of what your voice can do. Try gliding to your highest pitch, imitate a character, or experiment with an accent. Voice training doesn’t have to begin with a plan—it can begin with curiosity.

Whether you’re working with a provider, training on your own, or just beginning to think about this journey, every small step counts.

Find Out More

You can explore Nora’s work and free provider directory at vocalcongruence.org or learn more about their private practice at noramahon.com.

And if you’re looking for gender-affirming voice courses, scholarships, or free practice resources, I’ve got a whole library right here.

If this post resonated with you, feel free to share it with someone who could use it. 💛

That’s all for today. I’ve been Renée, and I hope this helps.