The voice is the most powerful and widely used instrument in music
therapy. This book demonstrates the enormous possibilities for personal
change and growth using a new, voice-based model of psychotherapy where
the sounds of the voice are expressed, listened to and interpreted in
order to access unconscious aspects of the self and retrieve memories,
images and feelings from the past.
Combining theory with practice, the book explains the foundations of
vocal psychotherapy and goes on to explore its usage in clinical
practice and the various techniques involved. The book integrates
important concepts from depth psychology such as regression, reenactment
and working with transference and counter-transference with the practice
of vocal music therapy. Drawing on over twenty years of research, the
author uses case studies to illustrate specific vocal interventions,
including improvisation techniques such as vocal holding, free
associative singing and psychodramatic singing.
Vocal Psychotherapy highlights the value of voice work as an integral
part of the psychotherapeutic process and provides a model of advanced
clinical work that will be essential reading for music and creative arts
therapists.