Don Matheson
The following is the original statement by Don Matheson when he
completed Direct Voice Rehabilitation in June 1989:
June 7, 1989
To Whom It May Concern:
In January of 1989, having reached the point where at times I was
unable to speak without sounding as though I were strangling on
my own words, I went to see Dr. Morton Cooper.
Dr. Cooper expressed the opinion that I was suffering from a condition
called Spastic Dysphonia but wanted me to see my own physician for
an independent diagnosis.
I then went to see my Ear-Nose-Throat specialist, Dr. Edward Kantor.
After extensive examinations, including fiber-optical pictures of
my vocal chords, Dr. Kantor concluded that I was suffering from
Spastic Dysphonia. He was of the opinion that me condition could
be treated with vocal therapy and recommended that I return to Dr.
Cooper for same.
Towards the end of January, I began biweekly therapy sessions with
Dr. Cooper. I intensively practiced the principles he taught me,
both in and away from his office, and within a month had reached
the point where I was confident enough to ply my trade as an actor
again.
The ideal ending to all this, of course, would be that after 25
years or so I became an overnight discovery and went on to star
in my own TV series or movie. Being at the mercy of the vagaries
of show business, however, this hasn't happened. Yet.
The important thing is that I am ready to work again because I
have my voice back stronger than ever and, thanks to Dr. Cooper,
I'm going to keep it.
There was nothing magical about my treatment, nor did it involve
drugs or medicine, hypnosis, or any sort of invasive therapy. Dr.
Cooper simply helped me find my own voice and showed me how to use
it properly. This was accomplished through the use of certain voice
exercises and techniques taught by Dr. Cooper. It's that simple,
and it's that great. It took five months for me to complete my Voice
Rehabilitation.
I unhesitatingly and without reservation grant Dr. Cooper my permission
to use this letter, in whole or in part, in any way he so chooses.
And lest that sounds a bit formal and stodgy, I'd like to add my
heartfelt thanks and gratitude and state for the records that I
am a Dr. Cooper fan.
Sincerely,
Don Matheson
UPDATE: 9 Years
It is now nine (9)years since I completed Direct Voice Therapy
with Dr. Mort Cooper for Spasmodic Dysphonia. My voice remains
full, rich, and it is automatic. I do not think about it.
After the voice therapy with Dr. Cooper, my voice is better than
it ever was. The bass baritone vice remains strong and clear and
effective. It is my natural voice.
In 1990, I talked with the Cedars-Sinai Medical Hospital ENT
people by video, explaining how I recovered my voice. My ENT doctor
was there, as were many other ENT doctors.
My voice was excellent then, and it is excellent now.
DON MATHESON
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