Intensive Holistic Voice Rehabilitiation
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Professional Spasmodic Dysphonia FacilitatorsLeft to right: Chris, Massage Therapy / Yoga; Dennis, breathing coach, neuromuscular therapy, certified NLP, nutrition; Connie, Speech Pathologist / Administrator; Robbie, LMHC, psychological consultant. |
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Holistic evaluation of voice includes assessment of the sub-systems of voice production as well as breathing patterns, neuromuscular dynamics, psychosocial issues, and overall life-style contributions. Intensive individual and group treatment includes voice recovery and breathing techniques, neuromuscular treatment and mindbody explorations aimed at finding a new “groove” for the voice.
The “Free to Speak” clinic is designed as a holistic program of voice rehabilitation that often results in a rapid, significant improvement in voice production for those with Spasmodic Dysphonia, Muscle Tension Dysphonia and functional or idiopathic voice disorders. It also offers an individualized program for continued and maintained long-term improvement. It is a cognitive-behavioral program with emphasis on changing patterns of voice and breathing behaviors and voice image. After overcoming this disorder, then working with hundreds of people with SD, Connie’s theory is that this approach utilizes neuroplasticity to change brain activity by changing thoughts and behaviors. The SD/MTD voice has lost the normal pattern in the brain, which is being shown on sophisticated brain scans. However, what is seen is abnormal brain “activation patterns” and brain activity can be changed. 
Since voice and breathing are highly automatic processes, nervous system state has a huge impact on both. Most people with SD have poor breath support and use a lot of effort to produce voice. Easier voice production patterns result when the nervous system is more relaxed, and right-repetitive voice and breathing can result in permanent changes. One must learn not to rely on the automatic wrong groove and to gain control, creating a new groove for the voice.
The clinic includes voice analysis and the development of individualized strategies to improve voice production. Connie provides both individual and group sessions, including mindbody explorations, Alexander technique, and training with a computerized voice analysis program for home use. Video taping throughout the clinic is transferred to a DVD which further reinforces the program. Dennis Price uses his extensive life coaching dynamics and expertise in neuromuscular therapy, along with Neurolinguistic Programming and coaching in breathing to work on the mindbody aspects. A psychosocial assessment is conducted and translated into lifestyle “projects” by Robbie Goss, a Licensed Mental Health practitioner. A 45 minute upper body massage, daily lunches and snacks are also included. The group dynamics and peer support is priceless.
The program begins on Wednesday at noon with introductions, lunches and assessments. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, sessions are from 9-6 and include individual and group training. Saturday evening there is a social event with catered dinner and Karoke. The facilitators understand that it is important to balance the intensity of the work with fun, laughter and relaxation as well as introspection and rest. The clinic notebook contains a lot of material that can be worked through individually. Sunday is primarily group time and re-assessments. Each person completes a compliance contract that contains their personal program in writing on the last day of the clinic. Three hours of follow-up in person or by phone is provided during the first six months following the clinic by both Connie and Dennis.
Efficacy studies show that 85% of those attending have significant improvement long-term. We commit to each participant the best of what we have to offer to see that “overcoming SD” is accomplished, and that our holistic program meets that goal.
Approximately 40 minutes drive from the Tampa airport, Apollo Beach and surrounding areas have affordable accommodations, airport shuttles and easy rentals at the airport or locally. There is the possibility of sharing transportation and lodging to save costs.
See Clinics Held for more information.
Credit Card, Check or Paypal accepted. Itemized insurance receipts provided for possible reimbursement.
I am also available to treat any adult voice disorders other than laryngeal cancer/laryngectomy patients who benefit from a medical setting. This can include nodules, polyps, and functional voice disorders.
While I am not board-certified in treating Fluency disorders or Stuttering, I approach this disorder much as I do SD; holistically. Stuttering involves breathing, motor re-training and emotional aspects and I find stuttering to be very similar to SD in many ways.
I am also equipped to treat adults with social phobias regarding speaking, or with Asperger’s syndrome as it relates to communication skills.
Dates for UK Consultation Opportunities are announced throughout the year
Connie is registered as a Speech Therapist with the Healthcare Professions Council in the UK.
If you would like to be on an email list to receive notices of UK consultations, please email Connie with UK consultation notification in the subject line.
Next London date is April 24 - May 2, 2012
Cost for consultations is 125 British Pounds per hour, or the equivalent in USD. Credit Cards accepted.
Connie will be available for private consultaions with SD or MTD patients. New clients will need to have a 3 hour minimum. Existing clients, 1 hour minimum at 20% discount. 100 British Pounds per hour.
Email cpike200@gmail.com or call 1-813-641-1212
See article by Peter Meager, Scotland Manager, The Dystonia Society