The Theory and Practice of Vocal Psychotherapy

Reviews / Votes

I highly recommend this book. I hope that it will help readers to focus on the human voice as an important instrument within music therapy, and that it will be an inspiration for other music therapists to do as Austin has done - to write about their vocal approaches in their clinical work. There is a tremendous need for a range of different approaches to be described as well as for more research on the subject. We have much to learn and document about the human voice within music therapy: its nature, possibilities and effects. -- British Journal of Music Therapy This much anticipated publication details not only Austin's theoretical and clinical practice, but is also packed full of her years of work and life experience. I think it is an intensely personal book and, on reading it, one feels close to her passion and commitment to the work, to music and to people. In the first half Austin draws upon the physical, philosophical, theoretical and technical aspects of vocal work, viewed from the different stances she has integrated into her method. In the second part practical and specific areas are addressed, and specific questions posed about vocal psychotherapeutic work in general. Characteristic of Austin's work, the client is always present and there are case examples throughout, along with her personal reflections upon the ways in which she makes use of her own self in the clinic room, for one of the most valuable aspects of the book is that the songs of the Self in the title are not only those of her clients but also of herself. This depth of the therapist's personal engagement and its contribution to the therapeutic process is a fundamental characteristic of our work, but detailed reflection about this is often absent from music therapy publications. It is well represented here... I recommend to any reader, at any level of practice. -- Nordic Journal of Music Therapy Diane Austin has achieved no mean feat in this commendable book. She does indeed manage to integrate key concepts from depth psychology with vocal psychotherapy whilst keeping it real... how do I feel now about the use of voice and music in the Play room? More enthusiastic, more open to experimentation, in which case, Ms Austen would possibly consider her job done! -- Play for Life Diane's pioneering work with the voice in music therapy is an inspiring and much needed contribution to our field. -- Dr. Clive Robbins, Founding Director of the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy at New York University