Exploring the Frustration of Situational Variability Using Visual Methodology With an Adult Who Stammers

Purpose: Adults who stammer frequently report frustration linked to the variability of stammering (stuttering) across speaking situations, be that in relation to the variability of speech fluency or the underlying emotional response. The paper will present the case of Tom and the collaborative development of a visual methodology which arose in response to clinical need. Tom is an adult who stammers who experienced high levels of frustration associated with the variability of his speech fluency and speech-associated anxiety (SAA). Exploring this variability was of central importance to the identification stage of therapy. Method: In the absence of an existing support mechanism for this process, a tool called the Situation Radar was developed. The Situation Radar (SR) provides a unique, visual representation of a client’s individual pattern of situational variability across different speaking situations. Results: Clinical application of the SR and its associated processes revealed a number of uses within the therapy context, relating to the identification process and throughout therapy. The client reported that using the SR to explore situational variability supported an increased awareness of his SAA, which in turn guided target setting and led to an expanded comfort zone. Conclusion: Further study into the use of the SR is indicated.