FAQ

Whether due to gradual changes over time, aging, gender identity, you've been told you speak with "glottal fry," or have other voice complaints, we can work together to make healthy adjustments to achieve a voice that aligns with who you are and how you want to be perceived. While results (as with any therapy) cannot be guaranteed, you can rest assured that all voice strategies are evidence-based and supported by patient experience, and are designed to give you the best opportunity for healthy, safe changes and vocal development. Browse our services to learn more.

Absolutely! Any professional who has a high amount of talking on a daily basis can benefit from learning vocal health tips, exercises, and strategies to get through the day without strain or causing additional harm to your voice. Learn more about our services for the professional voice user here. Please be aware, it is recommended to be seen by an ENT if you are experiencing chronic hoarseness for greater than 2 weeks.

Voice therapy and voice training both aim to improve the health, function, quality, and stamina of the voice by making adjustments to vocal behaviors and lifestyle choices. With voice therapy, a speech-language pathologist who is trained and experienced in the area of voice and vocal injury works with you to evaluate your voice and provide individualized, evidence-based treatment based on your diagnosis. The goal of rehabilitative voice therapy is to improve your voice quality and function, enabling you to return to normal daily activities, fulfill occupational responsibilities, and/or improve your quality of life. While we can address basic singing voice concerns, you may be referred to a singing voice specialist (SVS) who can help you to regain and to protect your higher level singing voice. Therapy sessions are restricted to the state(s) your SLP is licensed in. Voice training is offered by a voice specialist (often SLP or voice coach) who provides education, strategies and exercises rooted in voice science and pedagogy to maintain optimal vocal function, help prevent future strain or injury, address vocal characteristics like resonance and tone, and improve confidence in your speaking voice. Voice training teaches techniques that are tailored to your career and voice goals to promote vocal health and wellness, empowering you professionally but also personally, as your voice is not restricted to the office! Training sessions are not limited by location as this is not a medical practice.

Voice therapy is like physical therapy for your voice. Sessions include a combination of education for a complete understanding of therapy practices and rationale, instruction for therapeutic exercises, and strategies to apply techniques to conversation. Each session lasts up to 50 minutes and ideally occurs once a week, but is adjustable to fit your schedule and needs. As you gain confidence and independence with voice strategies, appointments may be spaced farther apart. Professional guidance is provided by the clinician to help retrain your voice and apply voice strategies to your daily life. Most individuals require anywhere from 4-8 sessions, but vary per person. The number of sessions is based on each individual's diagnosis, progress, home practice, independence with strategies, and self-satisfaction. Not to worry--any specific question you have will be addressed during your free consultation. You can also read my blog post for a little more detail on what to expect!

An evaluation by an Ear, Nose & Throat physician (ENT) is NOT required for all patients or clients, however, based on your consultation and evaluation, scheduling an appointment with an ENT may be recommended. For hoarseness and certain voice complaints lasting longer than 2 weeks, it is important to undergo an examination by a physician to evaluate the health and function of the larynx (a.k.a. the "voice box") and any underlying medical conditions that may be causing or contributing to your voice, cough, breathing, or swallowing problem. The clinician will inform the patient or client if it is necessary to have the larynx visualized in order to determine the most effective and ethical course of treatment. Depending on your symptoms, starting voice therapy while you are waiting for your doctor's appointment can be beneficial.

Areas addressed in therapy may include a combination of the following, but are not limited to: Voice (Dysphonia, Gender Affirming, Voice Training): Promoting forward resonance to reduce strain in the throat and improve voice quality Exploring and achieving the best vocal register, pitch, and loudness for speaking Coordinating your voice and breath output using optimal breath support Minimizing muscle tension within and surrounding the larynx/throat Practicing therapeutic, healing exercises for the vocal cords Learning compensatory strategies to produce your best voice Receiving vocal health education ("Vocal Hygiene") Applying feminization or masculinization techniques for transgender and gender diverse people Chronic Cough: Learning behavioral strategies to reduce or eliminate coughing episodes and chronic throat clearing Understanding sources of chronic cough and underlying issues VCD/PVFM (Dyspnea/Shortness of Breath episodes): Respiratory retraining to reduce or eliminate vocal cord dysfunction episodes or shortness of breath Releasing tension in the throat and other relevant muscles Addressing underlying issues that may be contributing to VCD Swallow (Dysphagia): Strengthening exercises and compensatory strategies for safe swallow Counseling on swallow safety precautions and modifying diet as needed Long COVID: Focusing on retraining your breathing patterns and strengthening lungs and diaphragm for improved breath management for voice, speech, and daily activity Using the above interventions as needed to support your recovery based on your symptoms for prolonged voice, cough, breathing, or swallow concerns.

Resonate hosts a variety of videos packed with vocal health related tips, information, and exercises--you can subscribe to be notified of new releases. Please note: when engaging in video content only, there is no patient-provider relationship. The education and materials provided are intended for informational use as a self-help tool and are not considered to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own medical provider(s). While risk for injury is low if you are following instructions and recommendations provided, all exercises and recommendations in the videos are performed at your own risk, as expressed in detail in our Terms and Conditions.

VCD stands for Vocal Cord Dysfunction: it's a generalized term that simply means the vocal cords are not functioning properly. It is typically used in relation to the diagnosis of Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) or Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM), which means that your vocal cords are moving in a way that is contradictory to what it should be doing, such as closing in an effort to protect the airway when they should be open for breathing. If this only happens during exercise, it is often referred to as EILO (Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction). There can be a variety of possible triggers for VCD/ILO, some of the more common ones being acid reflux, allergens, strong smells, weather or temperature changes, exercise/exertion, talking, and laughing. It is often a byproduct of Irritable Larynx Syndrome, which occurs when your larynx is more sensitive due to chronic irritation. Additionally, this issue can often be compounded with increased stress or excess muscle tension in the throat, and sometimes exacerbated by or misdiagnosed as asthma. Behavioral treatment includes evidence-based breathing techniques and tension reduction exercises tailored to your symptoms, triggers, and behaviors. Most individuals require around 2-4 sessions, but may increase depending on contributing factors. View more information about our services for VCD/ILO/PVFM here​.

Chronic cough may stem from a variety of causes: allergy/mucus, acid reflux, throat irritation, muscle tension, and poor vocal technique, to name a few. Once evaluated, you will learn mucus management and cough interruption techniques, vocal hygiene education, and potentially address other voice/tension/breath issues contributing to cough. Most individuals require around 2-4 sessions, but may increase depending on contributing factors. View more information about our services for cough here.

Teletherapy uses an online video conferencing platform to perform virtual speech therapy sessions. Research has shown similar clinical outcomes and benefit for voice teletherapy when compared to in-person visits. Telemedicine is a growing trend in healthcare allowing for direct patient care in the patient's environment.

To participate in online therapy or training sessions ("teleservices") you will need: 1. Computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone 2. Webcam or built-in camera on device 3. Audio capability 4. Microphone (an external microphone would be best option but not required) 5. Internet access or cellular data services with good connection 6. Email address 7. A quiet location with limited distractions 8. **Optional** Smartphone apps may be suggested by the clinician for use with home practice

New Appointment Scheduling Guide: For Voice (medical diagnosis or gender affirming care), Cough, or VCD/PVFM and Shortness of Breath, select Voice Evaluation For primary Dysphagia (swallowing problems), select Swallowing Evaluation For preventive voice care and non-medical voice training, select Professional Voice Training Evaluation

Yes! Resonate offers HIPAA compliant teletherapy.

Yes, we do! We continue to be a mostly virtual practice at this time, however, in-person sessions are available at our Therapy Space location in King of Prussia on Wednesdays. A few things to note for in-person vs. virtual appointments: Resonate operates out of Philadelphia, PA. Therefore, unless you are willing to travel, if you live outside of the Greater Philadelphia area, all sessions are virtual. It is recommended that initial evaluations for medical voice and swallow concerns should be scheduled in person. Home visits are not available at this time.

We accept Medicare, Independence Blue Cross, Highmark BCBS and BCBS PPO plans, and most UnitedHealthcare/Optum plans. Self-pay, HSA, and FSA accepted. For other insurance plans with out-of-network benefits, superbills can be provided to you upon request to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Be sure to check with your health insurance plan to learn your plan benefits and what's required for coverage before starting therapy, as policies differ. Don't hesitate to contact Resonate for assistance as needed!

Each state has separate legislation outlining requirements for holding a license to practice as a speech-language pathologist. At this time there is no single, nationally accepted license for the profession, however there is an ongoing effort at the political level to implement an interstate compact for SLP practice. Jessica Schwartz, MS, CCC-SLP is licensed in the states of Pennsylvania and North Carolina. As a result, rehabilitative sessions with Resonate that provide patient-specific, medically based therapy is restricted to Pennsylvania and North Carolina residents only.