Dr. Marion Leaman, PhD, CCC-SLP—an experienced clinician and leading researcher in conversation-level aphasia therapy—joins host Sarah Baar to share the story behind ECoLoGiC-Tx, the spontaneous, conversation-based treatment she developed with her PhD mentor, Dr. Lisa Edmonds. Sarah and Marion examine how this evidence-based approach facilitates language recovery in individuals with moderate to severe aphasia, diverging from traditional cueing or drill-based models. You’ll learn how this therapy framework centers on real conversation, respects adult autonomy, and achieves measurable impact to patient communication. Tune in to learn what makes ECoLoGiC-Tx both structured and radically human—and how you can start applying it in your sessions.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around ECoLoGiC-Tx for supporting conversational engagement in individuals with moderate to severe aphasia
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to address conversational breakdowns and promote language complexity during spontaneous communication in aphasia therapy
• Solve patient case scenarios involving the use of ECoLoGiC-Tx for goal writing, outcome measurement, and family engagement, especially with hesitant participants or stakeholders

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to guest and ECoLoGiC Treatment for aphasia
• (00:02:59) Big picture of aphasia research and conversation therapy
• (00:06:08) The journey of developing ECoLoGiC-Tx
• (00:10:54) Research insights and outcomes of ECoLoGiC-Tx
• (00:14:32) Understanding the target population for ECoLoGiC-Tx
• (00:16:10) Therapeutic conversation: structure and steps
• (00:24:51) Therapeutic repair: addressing communication breakdowns
• (00:28:15) The importance of belief in communication
• (00:29:00) Understanding and layering the seven-step hierarchy of support
• (00:31:13) Requesting specific information for clarity
• (00:33:24) Metafeedback: enhancing communication skills
• (00:37:04) Setting meaningful goals and documenting progress in therapy
• (00:45:30) Addressing client concerns in therapy
• (00:51:27) Key takeaways for effective communication

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