Mapping Meta-Therapy Onto the Treatment of Cognitive-Communication and Language Disorders in Adults
Publication: Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups
Volume 8, Number 4
Pages 640-658
Abstract
Purpose:
The purpose of this clinical focus article is to explore how the concept of meta-therapy applies within the domain and treatment of cognitive-communication disorders.
Method:
We briefly introduce the concept of meta-therapy, first introduced by Helou (2017), and explore how the concept of meta-therapy may be applied to the treatment of cognitive-communication disorders. Unique aspects of cognitive-communication disorders that might necessitate adaptations and modifications to the clinical dialogues clinicians use in cognitive-communication treatment are discussed. Examples of effective clinical dialogues are provided within each of the five self-referential goals of meta-therapy and contrast these examples with less effective examples. We highlight the importance of considering a multitude of client-specific characteristics (e.g., acuity, disorder etiology, cultural–linguistic background, and personal values) when using these dialogues. We summarize the most essential elements of meta-therapeutic dialogues and discuss common pitfalls that novice clinicians should consider. This clinical focus article ends with a brief overview of relevant and related topics, as well as future directions for applying meta-therapy to the treatment of cognitive-communication disorders.
Conclusions:
There are certain factors inherent to cognitive-communication disorders that may make the effectiveness of meta-therapeutic dialogues within this realm difficult to ensure and measure. However, modifications to these dialogues to accommodate for these factors, such as a client's impaired comprehension or memory, are feasible. We offer potential avenues for further exploration of meta-therapy within the treatment of cognitive-communication disorders.
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Copyright © 2022 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
History
- Received: Apr 5, 2022
- Revised: Jul 29, 2022
- Accepted: Sep 12, 2022
- Published online: Nov 15, 2022
- Published in issue: Aug 7, 2023
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Citing Literature
- Shana McGrath, Katlin R. Schultz, Mapping the Role of Therapeutic Alliance in Speech and Language Therapy to the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System, Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 10.1044/2024_PERSP-23-00241, 9, 2, (481-489), (2024).
- Leah B. Helou, Introduction to the Perspectives Forum on the Topic of Meta-Therapy in Speech-Language Pathology, Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 10.1044/2022_PERSP-22-00243, 8, 4, (618-619), (2023).
- Sheila MacDonald, Practical Strategies to Optimize Cognitive-Communication Intervention in Complex Real-World Conditions: A Life Integration Approach, American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 10.1044/2024_AJSLP-24-00112, 0, 0, (1-27), (undefined).
