Voice therapy is both an art and a science, blending clinical techniques with creative methods to enhance vocal health. For practitioners looking to improve their skills, "Exercises for Voice Therapy," edited by Alison Behrman, PhD, CCC-SLP, and John Haskell, EdD, CCC-SLP (2008), is a treasure trove of practical exercises and insights. Here are some key takeaways from the book to help you elevate your practice.
Chapter Highlights
1. Clinical Voice Therapy Concepts
This chapter offers a quick overview of selecting treatment targets and facilitating generalization of skills outside the clinic. The hierarchy of stimuli ranking based on sound, linguistic, and cognitive loads is particularly useful.
2. Pre- and Post-Surgical Exercises
These exercises are designed to diminish post-surgical phonatory trauma and cool down the voice after heavy use. DeJonckere's vocal plasticity approach stands out, guiding clinicians to seek voice quality improvement by modifying variables such as posture, breathing, and loudness.
3. Teaching Speech-Breathing Support
This chapter provides breath pacing exercises and methods to increase awareness of the relationship between airflow and phonation. Spencer's breath sensitivity training, which includes body movements paired with breathing exercises, is particularly noteworthy.
4. Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises
These exercises, such as lip and tongue trills, increase the interaction between the airflow directed by the vibrating vocal folds and the resonance features of the vocal tract. Though brief, the chapter provides essential techniques for effective voice therapy.
5. Resonant Voice Techniques
This chapter focuses on optimizing forward focus and tuning the vocal tract. Exercises like chanting and nasal vocalization are classic staples, while Pinho's Spaghetti exercise helps lower the larynx for patients with high laryngeal carriage.
6. Integrating Voice Production with Body Movement
This chapter explores the integration of voice production with physical exercises like the Alexander Technique and yoga. The importance of guided elimination of habituated patterns is emphasized, although some techniques should be performed in conjunction with an Alexander teacher.
7. Articulatory Freedom
Exercises in this chapter focus on diminishing jaw and tongue tension through techniques like the chewing method and tongue protrusion.
8. Teaching Loud Voice Production
This chapter argues for the practicality of teaching clients to achieve a loud voice in a healthy manner. Techniques like crescendo-diminuendo and the Aussie Bushman's Call (Cooee) are highlighted.
9. Facilitating Efficient Vocal Fold Closure
This chapter brings forth exercises focused on hard glottal attacks, glottal fry, and resistance to subglottic pressure.
10. Pediatric Voice Therapy
This chapter covers exercises tailored for children, emphasizing the different approaches needed for pediatric clients.
11. Special Cases
This chapter includes exercises for vocal fold dysfunction, transgender voice, and puberphonia.
Why This Book Matters
The book's interdisciplinary approach and inclusion of exercises from various traditions like singing vocalises, dramatic arts, and yoga breathing techniques make it a comprehensive guide for voice therapists. It also acknowledges that many exercises are not based on research evidence but reflect the oral tradition of passing on knowledge in vocal pedagogy.
Conclusion
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced voice therapist, this book provides valuable exercises and insights that can be tailored to suit your practice. For a deeper dive into these exercises and to explore the original research, follow this link:
Exercises for Voice Therapy - Edited by Alison Behrman, PhD, CCC-SLP and John Haskell, EdD, CCC-SLP (2008).
