Voice Disorders: Impact, Stigma & Healing Through Mindfulness

This episode discusses voice disorders, their impact on singers and voice users, the stigma around having a vocal injury, and how mindfulness can help with healing.  

Catherine is a singer, adjunct voice instructor, mindfulness teacher and researcher.  She holds a graduate certificate in Applied Mindfulness and she offers online meditation courses specifically designed for singers and people with voice disorders.

Catherine recently completed a study (which was published in The Journal of Voice) to determine whether an 8-week mindfulness course could increase mindfulness and lower stress levels in people with voice disorders. She shares with us the details and outcomes of the study.  She also reveals that mindfulness doesn't have to be complicated and that practices can be customized to how your brain works. 

00:00:03 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:00:14 - Discussing Voice Disorders and Mindfulness 00:00:36 - Introducing Guest Catherine Kay Brown 00:01:08 - Mindfulness in Voice Therapy 00:01:37 - Catherine's Personal Vocal Injury Story 00:04:06 - The Healing Journey and Mindfulness 00:07:55 - Pursuing Mindfulness Teaching and Research 00:09:30 - Stigma Around Vocal Injury 00:10:04 - Advocating for Singers with Voice Disorders 00:12:02 - Comparing Singers to Athletes 00:12:43 - The Multifactorial Nature of Voice Disorders 00:13:05 - Voice Training and Mindfulness Resources 00:14:06 - Defining Mindfulness 00:15:07 - Research on Mindfulness and Voice Disorders 00:17:09 - Emotional Impact of Voice Disorders 00:18:15 - Results of the Mindfulness Study 00:19:10 - Significance of the Study's Findings 00:21:17 - Acceptance and Mindfulness 00:22:43 - Group Dynamics in Mindfulness Practice 00:24:09 - Practical Mindfulness for Singers 00:25:08 - Sharing Personal Stories in Mindfulness Course 00:26:02 - Addressing Stress, Tension, Isolation, and Grief 00:30:03 - Mindfulness Practice and Training 00:33:19 - Mindfulness as a Skill 00:37:21 - Tips for Successful Mindfulness Practice 00:38:03 - Meditation and Mindfulness Misconceptions 00:40:00 - Mindfulness Practice Recommendations 00:42:26 - The Importance of Mindfulness Practice 00:44:19 - Mindfulness Resources and Courses 00:46:09 - Mindfulness Meditations for Sale

Catherine's website: catherinekbrown.com

Instagram:  @ckbvoice

Click here to access Catherine’s body scan meditation specifically for singers. 

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