Doreen Lenz Holte
Description
VoiceS Unearthed evolved from 60 interviews of parents with older children who stutter and adults who stutter to understand the impact of early interv
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ention on quality of life. VoiceS Unearthed includes analysis of reoccurring themes and experiences conveyed by these individuals and puts that information in the context of the current narrative, research and evidence that support or negate these experiences. What approaches and strategies were beneficial, and which were detrimental to their quality of life. VoiceS Unearthed highlights the contrast between therapy focused on fixing the stutter versus a holistic approach that often includes family members and life beyond the clinic setting. VoiceS Unearthed also unpacks the narrative façade put forth by the profession as it compares to these real-life experiences and helps us to understand how the messaging inadvertently contributes to inaccurate expectations, frustration, and negative outcomes. In addition to the overall analysis, VoiceS Unearthed includes full interviews (edited and condensed for clarity) which take the reader into the experiences of various therapies, some focused on fixing, others focused on a holistic approach. For most, the choice of therapy in which they engaged their children stemmed from pure luck, i.e. whatever was convenient and deemed of value by the professional at hand. VoiceS Unearthed empowers those seeking support for stuttering with the information they need to make informed rather than "lucky" decisions around intervention options. Holte's vision is to help parents make informed therapeutic choices that keep their children talking and engaged in the world around them. What are the options? What are the controversies and risks inherent in those options? What is the most beneficial goal for intervention? How do you find the right therapist? Since the 2020 pandemic, remote access to therapy has vastly increased the choices parents have for therapeutic intervention. Holte's new book, VoiceS Unearthed: The Impact of Early Intervention on Those Who Continue to Stutter" will help both parents, speech therapists, and the broader community identify and articulate their goals in a way that first does no harm and second - enhances quality of life for those who stutter.
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