Clinical psychology and voice disorders
Tuesday 8th October 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Voice disorders are conditions affecting the production and quality of voice. There is longstanding interest in the interplay between psychological characteristics and voice use, with existing psychological conceptualisations (see recommended reading list below) proposing interactions between cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal, and personality factors and voice symptoms.
What is this short course about?
This presentation aims to provide an overview of research investigating psychological features in voice disorders. It will discuss psychological factors which may be relevant in the development and maintenance of voice disorders. It will introduce psychological principles and considerations which may be useful to understanding and working with voice difficulties.
Who is the short course for?
The presentation might be of interest to anyone working with people who experience voice difficulties or vocal health challenges. It might be of interest to those interested in increasing their familiarity with psychological concepts related to voice use. While based mostly on clinically oriented research and practice, the presentation may be of interest to those working both within and outside clinical contexts.
What is the format?
The presentation will include lecture-style content and case examples. It aims to provide a balance between theory and practical application, including suggestions for the use of psychological skills when working with people experiencing voice difficulties. There will be opportunity for questions and discussion in the final 10 minutes of the presentation.
Recommended reading list (full references to be given in presentation):
Aldridge-Waddon, L., Hiles, C., Spence, V., & Hotton, M. (2023). Clinical Psychology and Voice Disorders: A Meta-Analytic Review of Studies Assessing Psychological Characteristics Across Individuals With and Without Voice Disorders. Journal of Voice.
Baker, J. (2008). The role of psychogenic and psychosocial factors in the development of functional voice disorders. International journal of speech-language pathology, 10(4), 210-230.
Butcher, P., Elias, A., & Cavalli, L. (2007). Understanding and treating psychogenic voice disorder: A CBT framework. John Wiley & Sons.
Gray, H., Coman, L., Walton, C., Thorning, S., Cardell, E., & Weir, K. A. (2021). A comparison of voice and psychotherapeutic treatments for adults with functional voice disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Voice.
Kollbrunner, J., & Seifert, E. (2017). Encouragement to increase the use of psychosocial skills in the diagnosis and therapy of patients with functional dysphonia. Journal of Voice, 31(1), 132-e1.
Miller, T., Deary, V., & Patterson, J. (2014). Improving access to psychological therapies in voice disorders: a cognitive behavioural therapy model. Current opinion in otolaryngology & head and neck surgery, 22(3), 201-205.
🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
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📜 Certificate of attendance available
Dr Luke Aldridge-Waddon
Dr Luke Aldridge-Waddon (he/him) is a Clinical Psychology Trainee at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford. His current role is within Psychological Medicine, focusing on supporting people experiencing persistent physical health conditions such as chronic pain and ME/CFS.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
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2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Do you find your students lean towards a particular accent when they sing? Is there a discrepancy between their spoken and sung accent, or have they have been instructed to change their accent when they sing? Changing an accent can change the way a song is sung, and may unearth unforeseen technical vocal challenges. Join Jennifer Rhodes as she unpicks the latest research on this topic!
Wednesday 26th November 2025
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Voice Study Centre Online Symposium 2025
Join us for our very first online symposium, dedicated to bridging the gap between artistic training and athletic conditioning for performers! Bridging the gap between artistic training and athletic conditioning, a diverse group of speakers and researchers will be delivering presentations and papers, focusing on promoting longevity and health of musical theatre performers. This symposium aims to elevate awareness surrounding the unique demands of performers, define best practices for training and care, and bridge the gap between different disciplines.