Registered Speech Language Pathologist · Virtual Across Ontario · No referral needed
voice therapy
When Your Voice Doesn't Work the Way It Used To
Maybe your voice feels strained by the end of the day. Maybe it's gone hoarse, or rough, or just doesn't sound or feel like your own anymore.
That's not something to push through or talk around. It's something that can be worked with directly.
Common Voice Symptoms
Voice problems can build slowly or appear after an illness or injury. You might notice:
Vocal Fatigue
Your voice tires out or fades by the end of the day
Professional voice use
Voice changes affecting teaching, presenting, or other high-vocal-demand work
Hoarseness
Your voice sounds rough, raspy, or breathy, and it isn't clearing up
Post-injury changes
Differences in voice following a brain injury, stroke, or physical injury
Throat strain or tightness
Speaking feels effortful, tight, or uncomfortable in your throat
Sustainable vocal habits
Wanting a healthier, more sustainable way to use your voice long-term
Voice changes that last more than a few weeks should be checked by a doctor, who may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT). A medical check isn't required to start speech therapy, but it's recommended. Results can be built into your care plan. If voice changes come with trouble breathing, swallowing difficulty, or pain, see a doctor promptly.
If any of this sounds familiar, reach out.
getting start is simple
No referral needed
You don't need a referral or a diagnosis to receive speech therapy.
Start whenever you're ready.
Direct Billing Available
Cognicare direct bills most major insurers, including Canada Life, Manulife, Desjardins, and Beneva, so claims go straight to your insurer.
how voice therapy helps
Every voice is different, but treatment generally works toward:
✓⃝ Less strain: Easing tension in the muscles around the voice box
✓⃝ Breath support: Breathing that supports your voice instead of fighting it
✓⃝ Voice quality: Less hoarseness, roughness, and breathiness
✓⃝ Professional voice use: Strategies for teaching, presenting, and phone-heavy work
✓⃝ Vocal habits: Daily habits that protect your voice long term
This work draws on vocal function exercises and laryngeal relaxation techniques, alongside breath support training tailored to how you actually use your voice.
Related Conditions
If you are facing challenges with your voice after a stroke or brain injury, please review the following page to identify any concerns with your swallow as well:
what happens next
Free consultation
15 minutes. No obligation.
Assessment
A clear picture of your strengths, challenges, and goals
Treatment plan
Built around how you use your voice day-to-day
Functional application
New habits carry over into the settings where you actually use your voice, whether that's teaching, presenting, or everyday conversation
Progress and taper
Sessions ease off as you meet your goals and work towards independence. You leave with a toolkit that's yours to keep and an open door to return to if needed.
why virtual speech therapy?
Online speech therapy offers the convenience of receiving personalized treatment straight into your home. It offers increased flexibility in your schedule, removes the commute time, and accommodates your abilities and energy.
With Cognicare:
No downloads or subscriptions required
One click access. You receive a personalized link to your session in your inbox
Sessions are safe, secure, and private
Mariya is a registered speech-language pathologist based in Toronto, with a clinical background in outpatient neurorehabilitation. She treats vocal habits as connected to posture, breath, and daily demands, not something to address in isolation.
who you’ll work with
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime!
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One common reason is muscle tension dysphonia: excess tension in the muscles around the voice box that causes strain, hoarseness, or fatigue even when the vocal folds look healthy. Voice therapy is a common treatment for it.
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Yes. Sessions are virtual, so there's no travel, and evening sessions are an option. Strategies are built for your workday, such as a noisy classroom or back-to-back calls.
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Yes, virtual speech therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.
Multiple research studies indicate that the results of online sessions match those of in-person sessions. What’s more, many clients even find added benefits: practicing in a familiar home environment often boosts comfort and confidence, making it easier for skills to carry over into everyday life. Virtual sessions also offer terrific flexibility, fitting around school, work, and family schedules. This flexibility creates consistency, which is a key driver of real progress.
Virtual speech therapy isn't a compromise — it's a proven, high-quality path to meaningful, lasting communication gains!