The VMT Training grounds individuals in a very particular way of expanding the parameters of their voices. Both content and competence based, we begin firstly with the experience and investigation of the self through breath, voice, movement, creativity, expression, and process. The voice is the only instrument in which both player and played reside within the same organic form, and a flexible, versatile and durable voice can best be developed and achieve its fullest expression when firmly grounded in the body. This work enables students and practitioners to facilitate others, whatever their level of verbal skill or accomplishment, to increase expressive and communicative ability.

VMT was conceived by Paul Newham based on the pioneering methods of vocal facilitator Alfred Wolfsohn and influenced by the theatre work of actor and director Roy Hart; the acoustical analysis of otolaryngologist Dr. Paul Moses; the characterological bodywork of Wilhelm Reich; and the psychological principles of C.G. Jung. We believe VMT to be the first in-depth creative therapeutic discipline which employs the human voice as its main modality; it includes neutral, objective terms for discussing qualities of voice across a broad spectrum of backgrounds and cultures. Based on the metaphor of a continuous and flexible vocal tube and the identification of ten vocal components common to all voices, it uses movement extensively. VMT is regarded as an Expressive Arts Therapy .

The Training requires both practical and intellectual understanding and demonstration of the core principles and theoretical underpinnings of VMT, and the presentation and performance of creative work. Those who complete both the experiential and the qualifying portions of the training are eligible to apply to the International Association for Voice Movement Therapy for acceptance as Registered VMT Practitioners (VMTR).

The Norma G. Canner Foundation for Voice Movement Therapy is a not-for profit 501c3 organization. The NGCF is able to offer scholarships towards tuition for highly motivated individuals, regardless of economic circumstance or geographical location, to attend the foundational VMT Training, Singing The Psyche.

The Training takes place over 4 modules, each of 3 weeks duration, spanning 18-months. Training Dates: (Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00):

• Module 1 (13 Apr–1 May 2026): Beginning the Song and Dance: The Core Principles of VMT
• Module 2 (21 Sep–9 Oct 2026): The Singing Self: VMT Creative Process Work and Song-Making
• Module 3 (1–19 Mar 2027): The Voice Unchained: VMT Creative and Therapeutic Process
• Module 4 (20 Sep–8 Oct 2027): The Language of the Soul in Song and Movement: Taking the Work with You.

A new book: Singing the Psyche-Uniting Thought and Feeling Through the Voice: Voice Movement Therapy in Practice is now available: https://www.ccthomas.com/details.cfm?P_ISBN13=9780398094249