Summer Workshop

An intensive SSMP workshop is offered every summer. The therapy includes both group and individual work, to meet the specific needs of each participant. A cure is not advocated in this program, but rather, the SSMP it is designed to show the stutterer how to manage their stuttering, eliminate word and situation fears, and greatly improve attitude and self-image. It is a residential program (meaning you live on campus during the program). An average day consists of clinical treatment sessions in the morning, followed by an afternoon of using the practiced techniques in real-life situations for improved generalization and, often, extracurricular activities in the evening. We include up to 8 first-time clients who stutter, up to 8 returning SSMP graduates, 8 grad-student clinicians and 6 supervisorial staff.

Refresher

A refresher program is also offered every summer. Once a person has attended one of the full program intensives, they may attend a refresher course. The refresher program is designed to build and strengthen the skills needed to continue to speak freely and confidently.

Our Program

• Is designed to teach the stutterer to manage and control stuttering and to manage the emotional response to stuttering
• Staff includes certified Speech-Language Pathologists, Fluency Specialist and graduates of the Successful Stuttering Management program who assist as mentors.
• Was developed at Eastern Washington University and has been used for over 50 years.
• The Successful Stuttering Management Program (SSMP) has helped hundreds of clients gain insights to deal honestly with their stuttering disorder.
• Focused on building the stutterer’s confidence in their daily interactions with others.
• Has provided hands on experience in stuttering therapy for over 1000 student clinicians and in-service training for professional speech-Language Pathologists.
• The SSMP was the creation of Dr. Dorvan Breitenfeldt, himself a stutterer.  The Program was first published in the early 1990’s with the help of his professional partner, Delores Rusted Lorenz.
• SSMP philosophy: accepting yourself as a prerequisite to change, taking responsibility for yourself and your change, and realizing that growth happens most effectively by involving others.

Our Staff

• Travis Althouse, Program Co-Director
• Roberta Jackson, MA, CCC-SLP
• Kim Krieger, MS, CCC-SLP
• Joe Klein, PhD, CCC-SLP – Program Director

About Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University is a regional, comprehensive public university located in Cheney, Wash., with programs also offered in Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Seattle, Shoreline, Spokane, Tacoma and Vancouver.

Eastern is a driving force for the culture, economy and vitality of the Inland Northwest region. The university’s beautiful campus, NCAA Division I athletics and opportunities for hands-on, real-world learning provide a classic, yet unique college experience. A focus on personal attention, faculty excellence and community collaboration allows Eastern to accomplish its mission for preparing well-rounded students ready to hit the ground running in their chosen career fields.

Communication Sciences and Disorders  – Riverpoint Campus, in Spokane

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers three programs: an undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree; a graduate program leading to the Master of Science degree; and a post baccalaureate program that allows individuals with bachelor’s degrees in other disciplines to prepare for graduate study in Communication Sciences and Disorders. We are located in the SIERR Building on the Riverpoint Campus in downtown Spokane, WA.