The path to vocal health involves learning to get the most vocal power and flexibility for the least wear and tear on your vocal cords.
Sometimes your vocal instrument has actually been strained or injured. If you’ve received a medical diagnosis of a vocal disorder – or suspect you may have one – you need to work with a licensed speech pathologist to properly heal existing injuries and learn to prevent new ones.
The goal is not to simply make your voice “not hoarse” anymore, but to teach you to maintain vocal health and power for the rest of your life. This involves retraining the habitual patterns you’ve developed in the muscles you use for voice production.
Retraining your voice to replace damaging habits with healthy ones isn’t hard; it simply requires knowledge and attention.
It won’t happen overnight, but regular voice therapy (typically over four to eight weeks) coupled with diligent outside practice can help you discover the voice you were built to have: full, free, and comfortable.
The voice therapy process will teach you to:
- Recover and rebuild from vocal injuries
- Recognize potentially damaging vocal behaviors
- Avoid vocal injury, even when using your voice for many hours a day
- Use your voice in a healthy way in any situation, including yelling
- Catch and prevent future vocal health issues on your own, before they become issues again
Do you need vocal healing?
If you suspect or have been told you have vocal fold nodules (“vocal nodes”), vocal cord swelling, paresis, PVCD, voice changes caused by acid reflux, laryngitis, polyps, chronic hoarseness, or other vocal injuries, healing is possible! Contact me today to start your journey toward health.
What people say about working with me for Voice Therapy…
I was referred to Kate DeVore after being diagnosed with severe laryngitis and paresis of the right vocal cord. I had trouble producing my voice, and I was afraid of losing my capacity to teach and lecture. The day we met, I told Kate, half jokingly, that my voice was my soul, and Kate replied that for that reason she liked so much her work as a speech therapist. It was obvious to me from the beginning that she enjoyed every minute of her work and was an extraordinary professional.
Graciela Reyes
Professor, University of Illinois, ChicagoI was referred to Kate by my ENT doctor after a bout with laryngitis which caused me to experience difficulty singing. Kate immediately put my mind at ease and explained using clear examples what was going on with my voice and how the problem could be remedied. Within a few sessions and through following through on Kate’s “homework assignments”, my voice returned and is stronger than ever. Kate is very patient, caring, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I highly recommend her.
Marianne
HomemakerI noticed my voice starting to fail when I went to a new church and tried singing along with the choir. Since casual singing had always been a joyful part my life, I was not pleased with the weak and flabby condition of my vocal cords! Working with Kate became something I really looked forward to because she was knowledgeable, patient and inspiring. I see her as my vocal psychologist and guru because she gave me the tools to keep my voice fit. I feel younger and enjoy singing again. Five stars for Kate.
Margo M.
Retired from Nonprofit Management and LeadershipAs a full-time performer, I was unknowingly injuring my voice onstage until I could no longer speak. Kate helped me recognize my vocal nodules, and gave me the necessary tools to help heal my voice in a personalized program. Kate takes the time to address the root issue instead of finding a “quick fix”. She provided me with life-long vocal care, so that I could not only heal, but go on in my career with a stronger, healthier instrument. Anyone can benefit from working with Kate because she helps you find your voice, and empowers you to use it correctly! I am a transformed, better performer because of Kate and the work she does!
Leila G.
Actor/ImproviserKate exudes healing. She IS healing. She heals because she exists. She brings healing to everything she touches or encounters. Always been that way, always will be. Her dedication to the formal work of healing has only deepened her innate skills, which are part of who she is.