The long term effectiveness of intensive stuttering therapy: A mixed methods study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of client perceptions of an intensive stuttering therapy program that utilizes a multi-faceted approach to therapy. The study also proposed to gain a deeper understanding about the process involved in long-term maintenance of meaningful changes made in therapy.MethodsThe study used a mixed methods design. The core method was a phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews. Objective clinical data was gathered concurrently. This included archival records and current measures on a variety of assessments to evaluate stuttering severity and attitudes toward communication.ResultsThe major themes generated from participants’ transcripts included (1) the positive effects of the Duration and Nature of the Program; (2) Speech Techniques Learned; (3) Attitude Change and Counseling; and (4) activities related to Desensitization and Transfer. The participants also reported positive effects of their personal motivation and clinician attitudes. Clinical data indicated that the participants made measurable clinical gains on all measures of stuttering severity and attitude change following the intensive clinic and these changes were maintained long after the program was completed.ConclusionsIt appears that this intensive stuttering therapy program is effective for making positive changes in behavioral measures of speech disfluencies, and attitudes. Clients reported multiple factors directly related to the program and personal factors that contributed to treatment effectiveness. Hence, future studies should explore and report on a variety of factors related to communication attitudes and overall quality of life in addition to behavioral measures of speech.Educational objectives: After reading this article, the learner will be able to: (a) identify the basic tenets of evidence-based practice; (b) summarize what we currently know about the effectiveness of behavioral treatments of stuttering; (c) identify factors that client report as important to treatment effectiveness.

► Clients report intensive stuttering treatment to be helpful.
► Regular follow-up to intensive treatment is important.
► Client–clinician relationship is important to therapy success.
► Client motivation is important to successful therapeutic outcomes.