Treating the Adolescent and Adult
This group of teens is celebrating a successful conclusion to several months of treatment. Fun and humor; as well as social interaction are used to build confidence in social situations.
Therapy for the adolescent and adult person who stutters is highly individual. The person who stutters brings to therapy with them, years of varied experiences, demanding differential approaches to treatment. Ms. Cochrane’s comprehensive treatment method includes attention to physical changes applied to the speech mechanism. Three main systems are targeted;
- Respiration
- Phonation
- Articulation
Time is spent on manipulation of each. Participants are then taught to smoothly coordinate the systems, resulting in a natural speech production. The amount of time directed toward each component of stuttering is dependent on individual need.
- Thoughts
- Feelings
- Attitudes
Thoughts and feelings contribute significantly to perpetuating the stuttering syndrome. With guidance and support, the adult client considers how his own beliefs and attitudes may be contributing to the stuttering syndrome. Together, with Ms. Cochrane, these elements are challenged, and gradually modified so as to sustain the physical changes made during the therapy sessions. Avoidance Reduction Therapy is used with adolescent and adults. It is briefly described under "Intensive Programs".
- Transfer
- Maintenance
Transfer and maintenance of the newly acquired skills (physical, attitudinal and cognitive) into each client’s personal lives is often the foremost challenge.
Culmination of the therapy process depends upon individual goals created jointly by Ms. Cochrane and the client.