Saskia (they/she)
Gender Affirming Voice and Communication Coach
Saskia offers gender-affirming voice and communication coaching in English for trans and gender-diverse clients across the globe. Their sessions provide a supportive and inclusive environment where clients can develop voice and communication techniques that reflect their gender expression, helping them uncover their true and authentic voice.
Saskia's background is in speech and language therapy, and they have over 13 years of speech therapy experience working in South Africa and the UK. Saskia has a speech therapy practice based in Cape Town, South Africa, the main focus of which is gender affirming and neurodiversity affirming voice and communication therapy. Their expertise as a speech and language therapist means that their voice coaching techniques are safe, sustainable, and evidence based. Their unique blend of professional knowledge and personal experience ensures that clients receive compassionate, comprehensive, and effective coaching tailored to their individual needs.
The Importance of Voice
Voice and communication are essential elements of personal identity. Instead of striving for a generic masculine, feminine, or gender-neutral voice, Saskia’s coaching journey focuses on exploring each client’s unique identity and helping them find their authentic voice. It's vital that their voice makes them feel confident, authentic, and true to themselves.
Coaching Techniques
Saskia’s coaching typically involves methods for feminising, masculinising, or neutralising the voice, but there's no one correct way to sound. Saskia believes each client is the expert on themselves, and clients will know what feels and sounds right for them.
The human voice is incredibly adaptable, and there is much that can be done in the gender-affirming journey to modify various elements of the voice to better align with the client’s identity. However, the voice is also delicate and can be damaged. Voice and speech modifications are conducted using evidence-based techniques that prioritise healthy, comfortable, and sustainable vocal changes.
Areas Voice Coaching May Target:
Vocal health
Breath support
Pitch
Resonance
Vocal quality
Intonation patterns
Articulation
Volume
Non-verbal communication
Coughing, throat clearing, laughing
Holistic Support
The journey of gender-affirming voice coaching can bring up a range of emotions. It's common for clients to experience challenging feelings as they navigate this deeply personal process. Saskia's work involves not only developing the client’s voice but also providing emotional support. They explore strategies to manage these emotions and cultivate self-compassion. It's important for clients to be kind and non-judgmental towards themselves as they progress. This journey is about finding their authentic voice and embracing their true self, including acknowledging and working through any emotional challenges that arise.
Duration of the Coaching Journey:
For the best results, Saskia recommends weekly sessions. The duration of coaching depends on individual goals and commitment to the process. Coaching can typically take 3-8 months, but this can vary. Dedication is essential to successfully modifying the voice, and daily practice outside of sessions is ideal.
Free Introductory Session:
Saskia understands how important it is to feel safe and comfortable with your voice coach, and that you might have questions that you would like to ask before you begin your voice journey. As such, they offer a free introductory session, where you can meet her and ask any questions you may have.
Cost of Sessions:
70 Euros / 50 minute session
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Saskia Lilienfeld (They/She)
Gender Affirming Voice Coach & Speech & Language Therapist
Saskia can be contacted through their website or our contact button