An analysis of verbal response patterns of Charles Van Riper during stuttering modification therapy

Determination of patterns of verbal responses during stuttering therapy could enhance our understanding of the client-clinician interaction and provide insight into the use of basic helping skills with specific clients. The verbal response patterns of Charles Van Riper conducting stuttering modification therapy were analyzed according to the Hill Counselor Verbal Response Category System (1993). Transcripts of seven commercially available videotapes of Van Riper conducting therapy were evaluated independently by 10 trained raters. The 2363 verbal responses were categorized into nine categories. Results revealed that Van Riper used the Direct Guidance, Providing Information, and Closed Question verbal response patterns in the highest proportions while conducting therapy. During the diagnostic session, he primarily used Closed Question, Paraphrasing, and Providing Information verbal response patterns. The general results reveal that Van Riper's therapy during these videotaped sessions relied less on Confrontation and Self-Disclosure verbal responses and more on instructional, informational, and educational verbal response modes. The discussion provides an explanation of the verbal response skills used by Van Riper during distinct therapy stages and how these observations support his therapy approach as outlined in his writings. Educational Objectives: The reader will understand and be able to: (1) describe the different types of verbal response modes used by Van Riper during diagnosis and treatment sessions; (2) explain the relationship between clinician verbal response modes during counseling sessions and Van Riper therapy; and (3) use what is known about verbal response modes to adapt or modify treatment sessions for fluency clients.