Hollins Communications Research Institute Announces New Stuttering Therapy Program Dates

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At HCRI, we address and treat the physical aspects of stuttering because research has shown us that stuttering is a physically based condition

Roanoke, VA (PRWEB) November 19, 2009

Hollins Communications Research Institute (HCRI - http://www.stuttering.org), an internationally recognized non-profit center specializing in stuttering research and therapy innovation, has announced new dates for stuttering therapy programs to be held in 2010. HCRI's intensive 12-day treatment program, "Hollins Fluency Program, Advanced Speech Reconstruction for Stuttering" (HFP), is now scheduled for January 4 to 15, January 18 to 29, February 8 to 19, February 20 to March 5, and March 22 to April 2 at HCRI's stuttering treatment center in Roanoke, Virginia.

Ten participants will be accepted into each of the five sessions. Effective across a wide range of stuttering types and severities, HFP is a scientifically based therapy that helps people who stutter learn how to replace faulty muscle contractions that cause stuttering with new muscle behaviors that generate fluent speech. By reconstructing muscle actions that drive movements of the tongue, lip, jaw, soft palette, and breathing mechanisms, individuals who stutter can acquire and sustain the ability to speak fluently.

HCRI research shows that 90 to 95 percent of clients achieve normal fluency by the end of treatment. Follow-up studies reveal 70 to 75 percent retain fluency for the long term.

HFP was developed by the Institute's in-house research team and integrates proprietary technology to improve the effectiveness of acquiring and maintaining fluent speech. Specially trained clinicians work one-on-one with each therapy participant and use computers to facilitate the learning of fluency skills. Sophisticated speech monitoring and feedback tools, including the use of HCRI's iPhone and iPod Touch application in therapy, help track speech progression and individualized support needs.

"Our treatment approach is quite different from other stuttering therapy methods. We focus on the specific speech behavior details that generate fluency. That's why our therapy program participants have the ability to achieve long-lasting fluency outcomes," said HCRI Founder and President Ronald L. Webster, Ph.D. "At HCRI, we address and treat the physical aspects of stuttering because research has shown us that stuttering is a physically based condition," he added.

HCRI clinicians have treated more than 5,700 people who stutter, ranging in age from 10 to 73. Post therapy, clients continue to benefit from a wide range of HCRI support, which includes phone contact with clinicians, training CDs, forum participation, client events, and subscription access to HCRI's computer-based FluencyNet home practice system.

To participate in an upcoming HCRI stuttering therapy program, individuals must submit an application that can be found online at http://www.stuttering.org/apply or by contacting HCRI at admin@stuttering.org or 540-265-5650. Tuition scholarships are available to those with demonstrated financial need. To learn more about HCRI treatment and view client videos, visit http://www.stuttering.org.

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