A Whole Person Approach to the Treatment of Stuttering

Sandi Bojm

Traditional stuttering therapy often focuses on behavioral skills without considering individual differences or the broader context of the problem. For some clients, these approaches are only minimally effective; for others, there is relapse. This seminar presents a systems-based approach that considers the whole person. Three contexts are examined: the overall speech-language system, emotional/psychological framework and the even broader perspective of family, community and culture. The importance of this approach will be discussed, with implications for differential diagnosis, therapy, maintenance and preschool stuttering.