Ear, Voice, and Human Development in the Tomatis Method
with Pierre Sollier
Alfred Tomatis, a leading pioneer in the use of sound as a therapeutic tool, was the first to connect ear and voice, and to develop a framework explaining many facets of human behaviour. For him, listening is the basic skill that supports many other skills.
Ears are more than just microphones on each side of the head. Apart from hearing, they play a crucial role in controlling body movements, in energizing body and mind and in controlling our speech. The ear also acts as a filter, providing us with various defence mechanisms that shape our psychological sense of being in the world. Thanks to those unconscious filters, we can deflate the perception of sounds and delay the impact of psychological pain.
Tomatis identified four basic listening patterns through which we perceive others and ourselves. Those listening patterns in turn condition our perception and behaviour in daily life, and may prevent us to live life fully. In last resort, listening is about being present.
During the workshop, we will identify those listening patterns through examples and group exercises to deepen the understanding of the listening process.
Click to read biography of Pierre Sollier
