Last episode, I shared about how I’ve been dealing with something called Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion. It’s one of a whole class of functional disorders that can affect the body. We call them functional disorders because the actual body parts (the throat and vocal cords in my case) are perfectly fine. But for some reason, my brain and body are reacting to my environment in a way that keeps them from working the way they should.

I’m fortunate that I’ve had a lot of amazing helpers as I learn how to manage my functional disorder. One of them was my good friend and repeat guest, speech language pathologist Matthew Brown. Though Matthew wasn’t treating me clinically, he’s been a knowledgeable and sympathetic resource.

Talking with Matthew about the potential triggers and how to respond has been so rewarding, and I wanted you to experience a bit of his wisdom. Matthew joins me to demystify functional disorders, what triggers and treatment can look like, and why kindness to ourselves is a vital part of the process.

Michèle Voillequé is a singer and a voice teacher living in Berkeley, California.

This episode is a follow-up to Episode 50, Is Change Possible?

https://www.mvmusik.com/cant-wait-to-hear-you-episode-50

Yes, you can sound better! Opt-in for a free video training on my website: https://mvmusik.com

A transcript of this episode is available at mvmusik.com/blog/cant-wait-to-hear-you-episode-51. You can subscribe to Can’t Wait to Hear You wherever you get podcasts. If you have a question about your voice or how you’re using it, please email [email protected]. To learn more about Michèle or to subscribe to her newsletter, visit mvmusik.com.

Our music is thanks to Katya and Ada.

The show is edited by K.O. Myers at Particulate Media.