Short Biographical Sketch

Margaret Leahy is a lecturer, researcher and a clinician of many years standing. Her research in Fluency Disorders is in applying constructive ideas to therapy, in attitudes to stuttering, and in analyzing clinical discourse in stuttering therapy. She is a long-time member of the International Fluency Association, serving as its President (2002 – 2005).

Lecture Title

Van Riper’s Use of Multiple Voices in Stuttering Modification Therapy. Analysing Clinical Interaction Between a Master Therapist and a Client Who Stutters

Abstract

Charles Van Riper (1905-1994) author, researcher and practitioner, was one of the major contributors to the field of stuttering in the 20th Century. His series of Action Therapy videotapes provide a useful model of how therapy was implemented by a master clinician. Some of his sessions with a client who stutters are analyzed, to reveal how stuttering modification therapy is constructed through focusing on voices used by participants. The main methodology used for the analysis is based on Frame Analysis (Goffman, 1974). The focus on how voicing shifts occur in the interaction is highlighted, revealing Van Riper’s multiple and dynamic voices in the exchanges. The true voice of the client is heard at times. One particular means of interaction used by Van Riper is to speak through the voice of the client. The analysis suggests that this means of interaction is usually (but not always) empowering for the client.

Van Riper’s deft balancing of different voices during the interaction serves to address the video audience, as well as maintaining control in the session, but also, VR’s clear voice of alignment with the client emerges.

Outline of presentation (subject to change):

1. Outline of different approaches to analysing discourse, with particular reference to Frame Theory;
2. Brief overview of Van Riper’s videotaped Action Therapy: stages, outcomes;
3. Evaluating therapy interaction to distinguish the voices used: by the client; by the therapist.
4. Summary and conclusion.
5. Discussion

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. learn about analysis clinical discourse (particularly Goffman’s Frame Theory), and how this method of using linguistic knowledge contributes to our understanding of therapy interaction,
2. appreciate the different kinds of interaction that a master clinician uses to engage clients and to facilitate change,
3. learn about exegesis as a means of communicating an important message, and about affiliative and authoritative voices in the interaction,
4. learn about complexities in stuttering therapy interaction.