Introducing ACT Into the Field of Voice Therapy

Voice disorders are multidimensional phenomena involving anatomical and physiological features alongside emotional, behavioral, and psychological aspects. Although the literature acknowledges the relevance of psychological factors in voice disorders, the structured incorporation of psychological approaches into voice therapy remains limited. This article addresses that gap by presenting a preliminary framework for integrating acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) principles into voice therapy. ACT is a well-established psychological approach with demonstrated adaptability across various professions and contexts. The six core processes of ACT are briefly outlined and contextualized, followed by practical suggestions and clinical examples illustrating their potential application in routine voice therapy. ACT is presented as a flexible, accessible, and theoretically coherent approach that may enhance the personalization and effectiveness of voice therapy. While these suggestions are grounded in conceptual reasoning and extensive clinical experience, further research is needed to systematically examine their application and outcomes. Moreover, training models for speech-language pathologists should be developed to provide clinicians with the tools and confidence to apply ACT principles as part of their professional scope. While this article is not intended to serve as a comprehensive manual for therapy, it offers an initial conceptual framework. This preliminary contribution aims to encourage clinicians and researchers to expand the therapeutic framework of voice therapy by incorporating psychological flexibility, acceptance, and values-based action.