OBJECTIVE: Emerging research suggests that mindfulness can be beneficial for voice. However, no prior survey studies have examined the state of mindfulness knowledge and practice among voice practitioners. We aimed to determine what practitioners know about mindfulness and whether/how they incorporate it into their work.
METHODS: We administered a survey to laryngologists, voice-specialized speech-language pathologists, singing voice teachers, and speaking voice coaches. Questions addressed 1) demographics, 2) current type, frequency and consistency of mindfulness practice, 3) utilization of mindfulness practices within voice sessions, and 4) whether the provider recommends mindfulness to patients/clients.
RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven respondents included: laryngologists (4, 2.8%), voice therapists (83, 57.2%), singing voice teachers (80, 55.2%), and speaking voice coaches (13, 9.0%). The majority of respondents (75%) personally practiced mindfulness. Twenty-nine (19.2%) participants practiced mindfulness activities weekly or more frequently. Fifty-seven (37.7%) participants had received structured training in mindfulness for five hours or more. These participants were statistically more likely to both encourage patients to use mindfulness outside of sessions and to incorporate mindfulness techniques into sessions directly. Very few people reported practicing or recommending practices outside of breath meditation, body scan, yoga, and Feldenkrais/Alexander Technique. Four laryngologists responded. Three of the laryngologists practiced mindfulness. Two reported recommending mindfulness to help patients tolerate awake procedures. Speech therapists primarily used mindfulness within sessions to address muscle tension dysphonia and to increase body awareness. Singing voice teachers and acting coaches used mindfulness at similar rates to increase body awareness, monitor vocal tension, improve the student/teacher relationship, and improve the relationship to the voice.
CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness was found to be used across voice professionals with beneficial outcomes both directly and indirectly for voice users. There are forms of mindfulness, such as qigong and lovingkindness, that are underutilized but have been found to be highly effective for voice users. Furthermore, the survey revealed unexpected possibilities for clinical use by laryngologists and patients during awake procedures. There appears to be a need for education regarding the positive impact that the implementation of mindfulness can have for voice care.