Applications of Meditation and Clinical Hypnosis in Voice Care

Mindful meditation practice (MMP) and clinical hypnosis (CH) both involve a shift in one’s state of mind toward a period of absorbed, inward attention. While the former is designed to increase one’s level of mindfulness into heightened self-awareness and acceptance of the present moment, the latter combines mindfulness with suggestions in order to solve a particular problem. Both areas have long histories, varied traditions, and growing popularity, including digital wellness apps for guided- and self-led meditation and hypnosis. Likewise, both have enjoyed well-established and researched lines of work that have been applied by clinicians in various fields such as pain management, dentistry, public speaking, elite athletics, and musical performance to successfully improve attention, stress, anxiety, and changes in behavior. For clinical voice care, MMP and CH are a natural fit, given the inherent mind-body connection involved in voice work and voice use. This workshop will introduce participants to MMP and CH by exploring their relationship to voice. The presenters, who are seasoned voice clinicians with extended training in MMP and CH, will provide one-and-one and group demonstrations of MMP and CH. Participants will be able to directly experience MMP and CH through mindfulness of the vocal mechanism and guided imagery. They will also observe CH that targets anxiety and carryover of vocal techniques through imaginal rehearsal of a future vocal event. The demonstrations will serve as catalysts for discussion of the language and structure of MMP and CH, highlighting their similarities and differences. Discussion will also allow for dispelling common myths about CH and brainstorming applications of MMP and CH for vocal learning, feelings and stress related to voice, and other areas of speech-language pathology. This workshop aims to stimulate interest in the potential of MMP and CH for voice work among experienced and novice practitioners. No prior experience in MMP or CH is necessary. Participants will receive a handout of definitions, scripts for immediate use, and resources for further learning.