Anthroposophic Therapeutic Speech

Anthroposophic Therapeutic Speech (ATS)  is based on the Art of the Spoken Word - the renewal of the spoken word also known as Speech Formation or Creative Speech - in connection with an understanding of the human being out of the insights of anthroposophy. The Art of the Spoken Word finds a range of applications in educational, therapeutic and performance settings.

Also known as Therapeutic Speech Arts, ATS is an artistic therapy in which the spoken word is explored and practiced. As with other artistic therapies, the client's own activity is stimulated, strengthening the individual in working with the sources for healing. In entering into the elements of vowels and consonants, poetic rhythms, voice placement, imagination, different styles of poetry, as well as stories and other prose texts, healing forces are engendered. The integration of gesture and other movement can further this. Via the breath, qualities specific to these elements affect physiological and psychological-spiritual processes, harmonizing imbalances that can cause illness.

Therapeutic speech arts can be of support in the treatment of constitutional challenges, attention problems, exhaustion, anemia, respiratory imbalances, aggression, eating disorders, menstrual cramps, digestive disorders, sinusitis, heart and circulatory challenges, depression, sleep disturbances, hyperactivity disorders, burnout, trauma, and speech and voice disorders. as well as in managing stress, strengthening confidence, and cultivating a healthy sense of self. Children’s developmental disorders, learning disabilities and behavioral problems can be addressed. Speaking and listening skills are developed, and concentration and imagination are furthered. Dramatic dialogue, storytelling and poetry, enhancing presence of mind and strength of expression, can be a substantial support to individuals dealing with long-term challenges.

ATS is beneficial for children, high school students and adults. In collaboration with an anthroposophic medical doctor or a Waldorf school’s care group, for example, the practitioner creates a therapy plan out of a picture of the whole human being.

Therapeutic practitioners have completed a four-year, full-time training in Speech Formation culminating in a recognized diploma. Some of these trainings have included the therapeutic component in the course of the full training. In other cases, diplomaed graduates of a full training in Speech Formation may then follow this with a year-long program, or its equivalent, in Anthroposophic Therapeutic Speech.

For more information visit our website: www.creativespeech.org

Engaging with the artistic elements of the spoken word enables us to come more fully to ourselves and take hold of our lives in new ways.

Suggested Reading

Steiner Books

Additional Links

Effects of speech therapy with poetry on heart rate rhythmicity and cardiorespiratory coordination
https://www.internationaljournalofcardiology.com/article/S0167-5273(02)00137-7/abstract

Swiss Association for Anthroposophic Art Therapies: Therapeutic Speech

http://www.therapeutische-sprachgestaltung.de 
(in German)

Association of Anthroposophic Therapeutic Arts
http://aata-uk.org