Voice Movement Therapy (VMT) is an expressive arts therapy working with the links between the breath, voice, physicality, and psyche. Our stories are held in our voices, in our bodies; VMT gives us a container to explore and express, expand and embody. VMT offers a non-judgmental approach to voicework and does not categorize voices using typical Westernized vocal categories, exploring instead the wide range of human sound in a therapeutic setting.
For more info, visit the International Association of Voice Movement Therapy.
My philosophy is rooted in finding the connection points between our bodies and our voice. Through movement we give our voice space to expand, and through song we give our bodies space to find freedom. Moving our physical selves allows us to move our internal selves, processing emotions and experiences with our whole selves.
I am guided by a natural curiosity, wonder, and playfulness to explore the voice’s edge. This work is for everyone: whether you’re looking to build your confidence, expand your abilities, work through your stuck points, or simply have fun with song - my goal is for singing to feel good.
I found VMT as a teenager, and was astonished by the lengths to which my voice could go. It gave me a container that shaped my performance, my art, and how I moved in the world; it showed me how to build confidence in myself, and taught me how to keep exploring. I had joined for the vocal techniques, but quickly found myself taken by the therapeutic possibilities. I went to as many sessions as I possibly could, and was thrilled when my chance to train as a practitioner finally rolled around in 2019. The training further solidified my love for this work, and I’m honored to share it with you.
Brianna Lueders (she/they) is a lifelong performer and visual artist who combines voicework with physicality and multimedia storytelling, drawing on the power of curiosity and imagination to find magic and catharsis. She has trained in VMT, devised physical theater, immersive and audience-participatory theater, music and songwriting, illustration, and dabbled in many other artistic endeavors. She is continually creating new pieces both solo and in ensemble; for stage, fun, and exploration. She is devoted to finding freedom and expression through the body and playful creation of art.
Sessions are unique to each individual, starting from exactly where you are. We’ll spend time with the breath, the body in gentle movement, as we slowly open up the vocal tube. We’ll pull in imagination, drawing, writing, and simple song-making, with plenty of play and laughter, to explore and strengthen your embodied connection with your voice and work through whatever it is you're seeking within yourself.
Sessions are held either at my home studio in Providence, RI, or on zoom. They are offered on a sliding scale, between $75-125/hr. I typically request a brief phone or video call as an intro assessment. Reach out to discuss scheduling!
Keep an eye here or sign up below for my VMT mailing list to hear about upcoming opportunities!
"I was very fortunate to work with Brianna in her capacity as VMT practitioner. I felt immediately safe in her presence, I sensed an unconditional acceptance of anything I brought to the session in Brianna's joining in with (mirroring) me with body movements and voice - her loving presence made me know that whatever expression came from me was good and welcome. I felt her calm and reassurance throughout. Because of all this, it felt easy and effortless to access deep material within myself and I got very powerful insights about myself and my desires, about how I yearned to grow in my life. I was amazed how much value I got from just one session! I walked away with plenty of insight, full of love for myself (and Brianna! ) and confidence that I could live into what I touched upon in the session." - Nadja