Multiple voices in Charles Van Riper's desensitization therapy.

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Linguistics
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Charles Van Riper was a pivotal figure in 20th-century stuttering research and practice.
• His Action Therapy videotapes offer valuable insights into master clinician techniques.
• This study focuses on a specific desensitization therapy session.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the use of distinct voices by Van Riper and a client during stuttering desensitization therapy.
• To demonstrate how Van Riper's clinical expertise is conveyed through vocal modulation.
• To reveal the complex interaction dynamics within the therapy session.

Main Methods:

• Interactional discourse was transcribed and analyzed using Goffman's frame analysis.
• Approximately 4800 words of dialogue were examined.
• Focus was placed on identifying and categorizing the different "voices" or communication styles employed by participants.

Main Results:

• Van Riper employed multiple voices, including an "exegeter" for the audience and authoritative/empathetic voices for the client.
• The client's voice was sometimes suppressed, particularly during authoritative segments.
• Van Riper occasionally adopted the client's voice to articulate their feelings, showcasing sophisticated clinical skill.

Conclusions:

• Discourse analysis effectively identifies the multiple vocal strategies used by Van Riper.
• These vocal shifts are crucial for managing the complexities of desensitization therapy.
• The study underscores the nuanced communication inherent in expert stuttering treatment.