Case Study: Ivan's Journey to Finding His Voice

Permission has been obtained to share this case, with names altered for confidentiality. Ivan, aged twenty-five, admits in a soft and subdued tone: "I struggle to present my work. Speaking, especially in front of groups, is incredibly challenging, and it's hindering my career growth."

As our conversation unfolded, Ivan recounted a painful memory from school. At twelve, his music teacher—a pianist—discouraged him from singing, citing perceived hearing issues. "Open your mouth, but don’t make a sound. You're confusing the whole class with your off-key singing," she reprimanded, prioritizing uniformity over individual expression. This experience left Ivan feeling humiliated and unwanted; he felt he had no right to voice himself, both literally and metaphorically. The teacher's harsh words resonated with the critical atmosphere of his upbringing, where praise was scarce and criticism reigned.

Singing lessons were taught by two educators; another teacher, who played the accordion, tried to instill confidence in Ivan, but he doubted her sincerity, believing her encouragement stemmed from kindness rather than truth.

I invited Ivan to visualize his voice.

He conjured an image of himself at twelve and began to articulate his feelings and desires. Ivan expressed a sense of being surplus and unwanted, revealing a reluctance to participate in choir or enjoy the songs sung at school.

In a moment of support, the adult Ivan reassured his younger self, granting him the freedom to sing as he wished. He emphasized that singing and speaking are different forms of expression. To the adult Ivan, the twelve-year-old version represented an essential part of himself, deserving of the right to express thoughts and emotions openly. He negotiated with the music teacher to excuse the boy from singing lessons so he could focus on subjects that truly interested him, like mathematics.

This newfound support made Ivan feel cherished and important, allowing him to continue his accordion lessons.

As he drew his ideal voice, the transformation became evident. The second drawing reflected a thicker, more pronounced voice line, symbolizing acceptance of a new self.

Upon embracing this new vocal identity, Ivan experienced a change in posture—his back straightened, and his head lifted. He began to breathe deeply, and his voice emerged, renewed, assured, and liberated.

Eventually, the adult Ivan embraced his younger self, integrating the image of the boy along with his newfound voice into his being. He began to sing, albeit still believing he wasn't in tune, but for the first time, he sang for himself.

Singing altered his breathing patterns, alleviating tension and fostering vocal openness. Gradually, Ivan found the courage to present his work and speak in front of audiences, improving with each attempt. With a growing sense of self-confidence, he transitioned to a more fulfilling and lucrative job.

Section 1.1: The Impact of Early Experiences on Voice

Ivan’s story highlights how formative experiences can shape self-expression. Early discouragement can lead to long-lasting effects on confidence and vocal ability.

Subsection 1.1.1: Transformative Visualization Techniques

Section 1.2: The Power of Singing in Self-Discovery

Singing not only enhances vocal expression but also serves as a therapeutic outlet, aiding in the release of pent-up emotions and fostering a sense of freedom.