Hey there, I'm Renée, and I'm a gender-affirming voice teacher! Today, I want to look into a question that I get asked all the time, brought up by Jasmine in my TikTok comment section: how to deal with dysphoria while working on your voice. Trust me, I get it—it's one of the toughest aspects of trans voice training. But fear not, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve to help you navigate through this challenging journey.

1. Start with a Voice Practice Unrelated to Gender

Let's begin by detaching your voice practice from the pressure of gender expectations. Engage in activities that help you gain fine motor control over your voice, contributing positively to your trans voice efforts. Simple warm-ups or even a bit of singing can be surprisingly effective. By doing this, you create a space where the stakes are a bit lower, allowing you to make progress with hopefully less dysphoria weighing you down.

Think of it as a warm-up for your voice and your confidence. This preliminary practice not only helps you build a foundation but also eases you into the more gender-focused aspects of voice training.

To elaborate further, consider incorporating vocal exercises into your everyday life. Experiment with pitch variation while reading a favorite book or practice sustaining certain tones while humming along to your favorite tunes. These activities not only refine your vocal skills but also make the process more enjoyable.

Remember, it's okay if progress feels slow. Each small step you take is a triumph, a testament to your dedication and resilience. Celebrate these victories, no matter how seemingly insignificant—they add up, laying the groundwork for a voice you love to emerge.

2. Embrace Micropractice

Sometimes, the thought of a lengthy voice training session can be overwhelming, especially when dysphoria is rearing its head. That's where micropractice comes in handy. Instead of pushing yourself through a prolonged session, try breaking it down into bite-sized increments. Even dedicating a mere 10 or 15 seconds to practice can be a significant step forward.

Micropractice allows you to focus on specific elements without the pressure of a prolonged commitment. For instance, try experimenting with pitch modulation or working on resonance for a brief period. It's not about the duration; it's about the consistency and intention behind each microsession.

Imagine reading a book aloud for just a few moments before gently setting it aside. Every micropractice session is a win, a positive stride towards your ultimate goal. It may seem small, but the cumulative effect over time can be quite powerful. It's all about acknowledging the difficulty and taking manageable steps forward.

3. Positive Practice Triggers

Here's a clever technique to intertwine joy with your voice practice—positive practice triggers. Identify activities that bring you gender euphoria and synchronize them with your voice training. For instance, if you find bliss in doing your makeup, why not incorporate voice practice into that routine?

I once had a student who discovered immense gender euphoria during her makeup sessions. So, she cleverly integrated her voice training into this daily ritual. It not only made the practice more enjoyable but also helped alleviate some of the dysphoria she experienced when practicing voice by itself.

By connecting positive emotions with your voice practice, you're transforming it into a source of empowerment rather than anxiety. It's about finding joy in the process and making it a holistic experience that contributes to your overall well-being.

If any of these tips resonate with you or you're hungry for more trans voice practice resources, consider giving me a follow on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube - or subscribing to my newsletter!

Together, let's navigate the winding path of trans voice training, one supportive tip at a time.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and every effort, no matter how small, brings you closer to the authentic voice you deserve. Wishing you all the confidence and joy in your voice exploration!