Summary
Intensive schedules in behavioral voice therapy and training have been proposed to
have a range of positive benefits including enhanced outcomes, high client and clinician
satisfaction, and reduced client attrition. In the sub-field of behavioral voice training
for trans and gender diverse clients, intensive schedules may also present a means
of increasing service access opportunities for a vulnerable population. Despite the
proposed benefits there has been limited research investigating client experiences
in intensive voice training programs. The current study utilized a mixed-methodological
approach to compare participant experiences in an intensively scheduled (three 45-minute
sessions per week, over 4 weeks) versus a traditionally scheduled (one 45-minute session
per week, over 12 weeks) voice training program for trans and gender diverse participants
aiming to develop a perceptually feminine-sounding voice. Participant experiences
were compared using a satisfaction questionnaire delivered to both training groups
as well as thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with participants
in the intensive group. Results suggested that individuals in the intensive training
program had both positive and negative experiences related to the intensive schedule,
but all viewed the program favorably and expressed a preference for intensive training
based on their experiences. However, it was also found that overall satisfaction and
attrition did not differ significantly between the intensive and traditional training
groups and that many factors contributing to participant satisfaction in the intensive
program were unrelated to the intensive schedule. Results from the current study also
suggest that experiences in intensive programs may be highly variable and mediated
by factors such as clients’ individual personalities and preferences. The current
study concludes that intensive schedules present a viable alternative to traditional
schedules in practice, with additional considerations and directions for future research
also discussed.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 02, 2021
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: none.
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© 2021 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
