November 2007 Spasmodic Dysphonia Treatment Clinic

 

Joanna – AB/SD 2.5 years

 

“I believe that my stay at this voice rehabilitation clinic has provided me with the springboard to recovery. It has given me the confidence and determination toward recovery. I have been given expert advice on how to use the necessary tools and exercises to re-educate my body and voice. I realize my voice is still there. I am the only one who can really work out my own programme.”

Christine - Mixed SD/MTD 15 years – botulinum toxin injections 10 years, traditional voice therapy

 

“I knew I had developed a lot of bad habits but didn’t know what to do about them. Now I do, and it works! Hearing my loud, strong, clear voice for the first time in 15 years was an experience I can’t even find the words to describe. Overall voice improvement was 30% but with moments of 100%. “

 

Pam – AD/SD 5 years – traditional voice therapy

 

“I have such wonderful things to say about these five days with Connie and Mike. I have learned so much from them and from the other five participants in the clinic. We have become a great big family. The group experience is the way to go! The clinic is intensive, but we also learned to relax and let go of things that restrict in many ways. We have learned to be more positive and encouraging. We have laughed, cried and grown! A dynamic experience! I realize the ability to change my voice; to drop or unlearn bad habits by replacing them with good habits and techniques. Voice improved 80%.”

 

Debbie – AB/SD 1.5 years

 

“I definitely understand the combination of breathing, voice, mental and relaxation therapy. But the essential glue to the mix is group therapy. The clinic held in Connie’s home is ideal for making sure that everyone is relaxed and supported by one another. I started the clinic with trepidations and ended up completely calm and prepared to fulfill my goals. The friendships that I formed will work toward developing into a support group that will only benefit my progress. I have seen such improvement, even when my voice still comes and goes, that I will stick to the program. I can fix my voice, improved 50% at the clinic.”

 

Adam – AB/SD – 2 years – traditional speech therapy, homeopathy

 

“For those suffering with SD, be assured you are not alone. This clinic is the perfect tool to put you on the road to recovery, run by Connie Pike, who has first hand experience with suffering SD and is now dedicated to helping others overcome SD. She is accompanied by Mike, a breathing specialist who has great knowledge and expertise to get the breathing back on track, which will contribute to good voice production. The program requires dedication and I know that I have to practice all I have been taught to enable me to fully recover my voice. For those suffering, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. For me, the journey has just begun. I wish to thank Bob and Connie Pike for welcoming us into their home and making us feel at home. I would like to thank Bob, Connie, Mike and Robbie Goss (psychologist) for the compassion and understanding shown throughout the clinic and Christine for the wonderful upper body massage – wow! OM, Shanthi, Peace!”

 

Loreen – AB/SD – 9 years – botulinum toxin injections ineffective

 

“I learned how to breathe and became extremely conscious of how bad my breathing was. Years of stress and emotion can compound to create SD. I learned that I try too hard and strain to push words out. I can change the way I approach SD and reprogram/re-groove the way I use my voice. I understand the holistic approach and that SD is truly far more than a vocal cord issue. Voice and breathing improved significantly at the clinic.”