Question
Can you explain the "Williams Talking Model" as it relates to stuttering therapy?
Answer
The "Williams Talking Model" originated from the work of the late Dr. Dean Williams from the University of Iowa. He stressed the importance of teaching clients how "normal talking" works and helping them discover what they are "doing" when talking is not working (when stuttering occurs). Dr. Williams felt this initial aspect of therapy was critical in helping the client understand when they stutter they are "doing something" and that it is possible to discover "different things to do" to make talking easier. This normal talking model is demonstrated beautifully in the Clinical Skills videotape published by the Stuttering Foundation of America, and is referenced in the literature frequently by Dr. Patricia Zebrowski. A revised version is presented in a practical, meaningful way for children in Focus on Fluency published by Super Duper, Inc.
Williams, D. (2004). The Genius of Dean Williams. Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America.
Chmela, K. & Reardon, N. (2001). The School-Age Child Who Stutters: Working effectively with attitudes and emotions. Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America.
A Stuttering Foundation of America's DVD: Stuttering: Basic Clinical Skills (2008). Memphis, TN: Stuttering Foundation of America.
Quesal, R.W. (2003, Oct.). Lessons from our mentors. Paper published on the Internet for the Sixth Annual International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) On-line Conference.
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Kristin A. Chmela, M.A., CCC-SLP, BRS-FD, has worked with children who stutter for over twenty years. She is a clinical teacher, author, and is nationally and internationally recognized as an expert in the area of childhood stuttering. She is Director of the Chmela Fluency Center at Central Speech & Language Clinic in Long Grove, Illinois, has served as adjunct faculty at Northwestern University and provides courses and intensive stuttering therapy at Centro Medico di Foniatria in Padova, Italy.
