The Therapies
Anthroposophical Therapeutic Speech
Anthroposophical therapeutic speech is an artistic therapy for both speaking and non-speaking children and adults. Using as its medium speech sounds, speech rhythms and the breath, treatment involves speaking individually tailored sequences of specifically developed speech and voice exercises combined with movement and gestures. Poetry is also used, where its inherent rhythm and requirements for breath-use are called upon to support the process. Poetry content serves as a means of expressing emotion or describing the world outside. Movement and gesture are central in the treatment of non-speaking patients. Therapeutic programmes are individually tailored and require the active participation of patients in their own developmental process.
Anthroposophical therapeutic speech addresses speech disorders, disturbances in speech development and imbalances stemming from developmental, psychological and/or pathological disturbances. It is indicated, for example, in the case of vocal problems such as lisping, stuttering and hoarseness, or the presence of vocal nodules. Therapeutic speech may also be health promoting and beneficial in treating a wide variety of physical and psychological conditions including respiratory disorders, heart and circulatory illnesses, asthma, stress-related illnesses such as panic and anxiety attacks, hyperventilation, depression, low self esteem and anorexia. Anthroposophical therapeutic speech is also helpful in the accompaniment of life threatening illnesses such as cancer and AIDS.
