Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Major

Expressive Therapies

First Advisor

Basel Zayed

Abstract

Vocal toning in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is an innovative therapeutic method that greatly improves emotional connections between caregivers and fragile infants. This practice is more than just a new idea; it fosters the crucial relationships essential for developing newborns. Vocal toning also aids in stabilizing physiological responses and promoting emotional regulation in infants, who are often subjected to high-stress situations. Using structured vocalization techniques, caregivers can provide consistent auditory and vibrational cues that encourage relaxation and promote co-regulation with the infants in their care. This proposed approach examines the theoretical foundation, solid methodology, practical application, and anticipated outcomes of vocal toning in the NICU context. By synthesizing empirical research, this method outlines a five-step framework for caregivers, highlighting the significance of breath control, active participation from caregivers, and systematic assessments of the practice to ensure effectiveness. The research suggests that vocal toning can improve neonatal development while strengthening the bond between caregivers and infants. The intervention's potential benefits are considerable, indicating a promising avenue for enhancing care in critical settings. Future investigations should aim to expand the use of vocal toning and comprehensively explore its long-term impacts on attachment and emotional growth in fragile infants, thus advancing therapeutic practices in neonatal care.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

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