While individuals vary, therapy
usually takes place once a week for about eight weeks. Outside practice
is essential; progress is based on your participation. You
learn how to create voice with what's called the “optimal
laryngeal configuration.” That means you retrain the muscles associated
with voice production so that you can use them in such a
way that you get the most vocal power for the least wear and tear on the
vocal cords (the greatest acoustic output for the least vocal fold impact
force). You discover the voice you were built to have, full and
free and comfortable. That's the path to vocal health.
The goal is not to simply make your voice
“not hoarse” any more, but to teach you how to maintain vocal health and
power for the rest of your life. It is not hard; it simply
requires attention. Once you go through this process, you will
know how to:
Recognize potentially damaging vocal
behaviors
Avoid vocal injury
Use your voice healthily in any situation,
including yelling
Heal minor vocal injuries
