Stuttering: An Account of Intensive Demonstration Therapy. Publication N. 8

Presented is a summary of a 5 week program of intensive demonstration therapy conducted with three adult severe stutterers by three master clinicians aided by seven consultants and 15 participating fellows. A main purpose of the institute is said to have been the improvement of student clinicians through demonstration of intensive therapy techniques to 15 supervisors of clinical training in various institutions. A therapy plan and other information is given for each of the three clients. Therapy is described week by week for each client individually as well as in group activities. Explained are therapy goals such as increased self understanding, the breaking of habit patterns, "fluent stuttering", the reduction of speech avoidance behaviors, and analysis by the client of stuttering blocks. Significant changes in the attitudes, understanding, and behavior of the three stutterers is reported. Also noted is the reaction of the clinical fellows that the experience at the institute would greatly effect their work with stutterers and student clinicians. (DB)