Voice in the speech therapy clinic: therapeutic group as a possibility

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the therapeutic procedures and results obtained from the practice of group treatment to the dysphonic. The subjects of the study were seven speech therapists. The instrument used was an interview, which was later transcripted. The questions delt with the following aspects: year and location of graduation, the time of work experience with voice and groups, time that the specific voice group exists, how and for what reasons it was constituted, group formation principles; procedures for voice assessment and therapy, results and record of therapy results and procedures; discharge, positive and negative aspects pointed out by the interview subjects; and, finally, considering the reality of the work done, what would be the ideal work conditions. After several eradings, the material was categorized and the convergences and divergences among the interviews were highlighted. According to the subjects, the group was initially formed through therapy demand. As for criteria for group formation, some use age, pathology/ surgery indication, degree of voice alteration, or gender. In turn, others use only the patient‘s life history, with no other specific criteria. The discharge is a decision shared with the patient. The results of group intervention are said to be significant, however poorly recorded and with little publishing. As for the positive aspect of this kind of intervention, emphasis is layed on the dynamics of the group itself, since it leads the patient to realize several aspects related to his voice. Among the negative points, some aspects related to the therapist‘s attitude and conduct were mentioned. Facing the reality in which they work, the Speech Therapists refer as the ideal work conditions focus or improvement of physical and material resources. The data revealed group treatment as a powerful strategy for dysphonia treatment.