Psychodynamic Voice Therapy – A Music Therapeutic Approach with Psychiatric Patients Suffering from Depression
 

Author:

Sanne Storm

Abstract:

This workshop is connected to a recently begun research project focusing on the development of a Voice Assessment Tool (VAT) in music therapy. A tool intended to be closely related to clinical practice for evaluating/rating the clients spontaneous voice expression with both quantitative and qualitative aspects.
The VAT is intended to be an assessment tool that will elicit data from which it will be possible to analyse vocal parameters, and make psychological interpretations of the clients psychological state in any given situation, based on clinical observations of how the client spontaneously expresses her- /himself with the voice.
When listening to a clients voice the listening perspective does not focus on the structure and style of the music, and interpreting the music from that point of view, but on how the client's voice quality can be described, and the potential psychological interpretations related to this. This is therefore concerned with the vocal production of the client - the sounds of their voice.

This workshop will be very practical and takes its origin in my daily clinic work with depressive people in adult and youth psychiatry where Psychodynamic Voice Therapy often is used as a method. Psychodynamic Voice Therapy builds on Inge Nygaard Pedersen’s Psychodynamic Movement, Mary Priestley’s psychoanalytical oriented approach and my own experience with voice work.
During the workshop we will come around following subjects:
-   how to build up a spontaneous voice improvisation.
-   the grounding and centering effect of simple vocal exercises.
-   singing songs, but having focus on vocal expression.
-   embodiment and integration of thoughts and feelings.
-   listening perspectives with focus on the human voice.

References:
- Newham, P (1999) Using Voice and Song in Therapy. The Practical Application of Voice Movement Therapy. London: Jessica Kingsley Publisher.
- Pedersen, Inge N., (2002) Psychodynamic Movement – A Basic Training Methodology for Music Therapists. In Analytical Music Therapy (Edt) Johannes Th. Eschen. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- Priestley, Mary (1994) Essays on Analytical Music Therapy. Phoenixvill, PA: Barcelona Publishers.

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