DR Z PHD Interviews Eryn Gitelis.
In this essential interview for anyone considering voice feminization, Dr. Z speaks with Eryn Gitelis, a licensed speech-language pathologist who founded Pride Speech Therapy and has specialized in transgender voice modification for seven years. With 98% of her clients being trans women seeking voice feminization, Eryn brings extensive clinical expertise to this conversation—though she also works with trans men seeking masculinization and non-binary clients seeking androgynous voices.
Eryn explains that voice modification uses many of the same therapeutic techniques as treating vocal pathologies (nodules, polyps), including semi-occluded vocal tract exercises through straws or cups that help with resonance. The key difference is targeting modification rather than healing, and the good news: any healthy voice can be modified. She's never encountered someone who absolutely couldn't achieve their vocal goals with proper technique and—most importantly—belief in themselves.
This conversation dismantles the myth that higher pitch equals more feminine. Eryn reveals that resonance (changing the shape of the vocal cavity through larynx position, tongue placement, lip spreading) matters far more than pitch. She's had clients go quite low in pitch who still sound perceptibly feminine because of proper resonance. Many clients initially think they need to go "super duper high" but discover they love androgynous voices instead—and the target changes accordingly.
Key topics include: why the beginning phase feels "sing-songy" and like being an imposter in your own body (this is normal and temporary), the critical importance of recording every session and focusing only on what you like (not spiraling into negativity about drops or low moments), managing the inevitable "bad weeks" that happen even after progress, why being misgendered after a great session feels devastating but is just feedback not failure, and the two major "humps" in voice training (initial insecurity, then later setbacks after feeling confident).
Eryn addresses practical concerns: typical timeline is 2 months to 2 years depending on age, anatomy, whether you're living as yourself full-time, and—most importantly—confidence level. Weekly sessions aren't mandatory; monthly check-ins work for many clients. You can absolutely train solo using YouTube resources or apps (Eryn created one), but having a professional guide prevents developing bad habits and provides crucial cheerleading during difficult moments. She recommends at minimum getting scoped by an ENT to ensure vocal health if training independently.
On vocal surgery: Eryn recommends trying voice therapy first. Surgery raises pitch and may change resonance, but you still need behavioral work for intonation patterns, speech fluency, and truly sounding how you want. Satisfaction rates have improved (used to be 50%, now higher), but surgery can limit your range. She notes many clients love having full range—being able to drop super low is "fun" and provides contrast.
This interview reveals the psychological core of voice work: the hardest part isn't the technique but learning to love yourself. Eryn now focuses more on building self-concept than actual vocal exercises because once someone believes in themselves and feels confident, "that voice comes quick." She describes the beautiful moment when clients hear one word or phrase they "don't hate"—that's the buy-in, the motivation, the proof it's possible.
Eryn shares how working with trans clients for seven years completely changed her as a person, teaching her self-love through being someone else's cheerleader while they simultaneously became hers. She emphasizes that the "phone passing test" (being gendered correctly over the phone) is harsh and strict, but ultimately clients decide when they're done based on living fully as themselves without being misgendered in daily life.
This conversation offers hope, realistic expectations, practical guidance, and the truth that voice feminization is absolutely achievable—but the real journey is falling in love with yourself along the way.
