Therapeutic group of speech developed with total laryngectomized individuals: an experience in a Clinic-School situation

Abstract

The larynx cancer and the serious consequences on community have been intensely investigated, being also, the reason for the "Voice Campaigns" ("Campanhas da Voz"), in Brazil. The phonoaudiologic assistance for those submitted to total laryngectomy intends to provide a new type of communication as well as to facilitate social insertion, nevertheless not always possible due to the privilege of personal assistance. The purpose of this work is to present an experience with a group of total laryngectomized individuals in situation of Clinic-School of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. Ten total laryngectomized individuals who participated on group service were submitted to the present survey. The meetings were videotaped and orthographically transcribed. Episodes were selected for analysis using as criterion the themes of highest occurrence, after several readings of the material, then grouped according to the following themes: fear of death, physical transfiguration, difficulty to communicate and on interpersonal relations after total laryngectomy. The analyses were done considering the themes, the reflections and elaborations of the individuals in the group. The group work turns to be a very interesting alternative to any individual with alterations in communication of any kind, meanwhile, its importance is greatened when the individuals are total laryngectomized who, at a certain age of their lives, have to face the challenge of retaking control of their lives and their interpersonal and professional relations.