Aphasia is a condition that requires a deep understanding of physiological and neurological aspects and social, cultural, and psychological factors involved. Therefore, it was interesting to read about the client-centered approach to aphasia therapy. The notion of person-centered assessment and care represents a philosophical approach to the development, application, and delivery of care services that are respectful, responsive, and aligned to the preference of individual patients. Because individual needs and circumstances are vastly diverse and unique, care providers and organizations must become more adaptive, creative, and innovative in providing meaningful and valuable support services.
The client-centered approach to aphasia therapy is essential to master. It is becoming highly prominent as a part of the international health care reform, driven by an understanding that was working with those being cared for often derives more positive outcomes than the prescriptive, universal application of care strategies. The collaborative alliance between a patient and a therapist should include aspects such as “Social communication. language processes, conversation skills, feelings of loss and recovery, etc.” (Papathanasiou & Coppens, 2013, 258). A growing body of evidence indicates that person-centered health care improves patient experience, care quality, and, subsequently, health outcomes.
In achieving person-centered assessment and care, each person should be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect while providing personalized care coordinated with the needs and preferences of those being cared for. In addition, the client-centered strategies to aphasia treatment expand the understanding of the condition itself and the experience that patients have: “Listening to the stories and metaphors used by people with aphasia and their families provides a window into their unique world, their understanding, experiences, and needs.” (Papathanasiou & Coppens, 2013, p. 256). Therefore, the more client-centered the therapy strategy is, the more effective it becomes in short- and long-term terms.
Reference
Papathanasiou, I., & Coppens, P. (2013). Aphasia and related neurogenic communication disorders: basic concepts and operational definitions. Aphasia and related neurogenic communication disorders, xix-xxiii.