Gender Affirming Voice & Communication Program

Our Mission:

The Robbins Speech, Language and Hearing Center is eager to assist Boston-area transgender and gender diverse individuals in expressing themselves more authentically through voice and communication modification.

Consultation

When we first meet with you we would like to hear about your goals for your voice. We will then analyze your voice and discuss elements such as pitch, resonance, and intonation and how we can make modifications to better align your voice and gender. We will then develop a plan and monitor your progress over time. Additionally, a follow-up written report is provided to document results and recommendations.

Individual Sessions

Individual sessions teach individuals on the gender spectrum to feminize, masculinize, or androgenize their voice and communication style to align with their gender identity. In these sessions we might work on resonance, pitch, or intonation in naturalistic communicative contexts. Home programs are also utilized for maximum generalization.

Sessions are tailored to your specific needs in-person or via telepractice. Clinicians use a variety of techniques and strategies to facilitate progress.

Group Sessions

We provide small group instruction designed to further develop communication skills at the conversational level. Offerings also may include using drama based techniques or groups that concentrate on the use of communication strategies in the workplace. Many of our clients find these groups to be highly supportive and a necessary step towards generalizing skills. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable with your voice and communication in all situations.

Intensive Programs

These week long programs provide our clients an opportunity to learn in both individual and group settings in an immersive environment. Training takes place for 3-4 hours per day, so that you can quickly make your new skills part of your daily habit.

More information about our program

The Robbins Center has a commitment to providing high-quality services to members of the community regardless of their ability to pay. Sessions are $30 and a sliding scale fee is available. Sessions are free to members of the Emerson community.

To inquire about our programs, email Donna –> Robbins_Center@emerson.edu

Emerson College is Committed to Gender Diversity

Click here to learn more about Emerson College’s policies related to gender diversity

1. Emerson Has Inclusive Restrooms

Emerson College has signage on single and multi-stall restrooms to make sure that all members of the Emerson Community/visitors have access to restrooms consistent with their gender identity. To read more about this, click here.

Within the Robbins Center, all of our restrooms are single-stall with inclusive signage.

2. We want you to feel safe at The Robbins Center

All visitors to the Robbins Center need to show their ID which provides for a safe environment for all. When you enter the building at 216 Tremont, you’ll notice a security guard stationed by the elevator. You’ll need to show your ID and tell them that you have an appointment in the Robbins Center. 

3. All Graduate Students and Staff of the Robbins Center receive Cultural Responsiveness Education and Training

Graduate students in our program take coursework and receive specialized training in working with trans and gender diverse individuals.

4. We protect your privacy

All documentation is housed in a HIPPA compliant data storage system. This means the information you provide us is safe. Additionally, our sessions are held in private spaces or over Zoom.

5. Emerson College is ranked one of the most LGBTQ friendly colleges in America.

“After surveying 136,000 students representing 380 colleges nationwide, the Princeton Review named Emerson College amount the most LGBTQ-friendly higher education institutions.

Emerson College is the nation’s only four-year college devoted exclusively to the study of communication and performing arts. Named the most LGBTQ-friendly college by the Princeton Review for the third consecutive year, the Boston-based college is known for its safe and welcoming campus culture.

Emerson achieves this inclusive environment by providing resources to the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ Student Life, a division of student affairs at Emerson, commits to maintaining a safe and inclusive atmosphere in which all community members feel valued and respected, according to Emerson’s website.”