Which of the following is a strength of fluency shaping?

Fluency shaping is a therapeutic approach aimed at improving the smoothness of speech by teaching patients specific techniques to alter their speech patterns. One of its notable strengths is its ability to reduce stuttering frequency within clinical settings. This is achieved through the consistent practice of techniques that promote fluency, such as controlled speech techniques, slower speech rates, and improved breath control, all of which can lead to noticeable reductions in stuttering occurrences during therapy sessions.

The focus of fluency shaping is primarily on the mechanics of speech production rather than emotional factors, which is why it does not inherently address emotional aspects of stuttering as effectively as other therapeutic approaches might. While fluency shaping can be tailored to individual patients to an extent, it typically follows a more structured methodology that may not always allow for complete individualization. Additionally, while the goal is to create fluent speech, the naturalness of the produced speech may vary and is not guaranteed, as some clients may initially sound less spontaneous while learning and applying the new skills.

Thus, the strength of fluency shaping in reducing stuttering frequency provides tangible benefits in clinical settings as clients engage with the techniques and see improvements in their speech fluency during therapy, which can bolster their confidence and encourage continued practice outside of the clinical