Speech Scope Episode 23: Improving Conversation in Aphasia: What Is “ECoLoGiC-Tx” All About?

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 ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around ECoLoGiC-Tx for supporting conversational engagement in individuals with moderate to severe aphasiaApply evidence-based, practical strategies to address conversational breakdowns and promote language complexity during spontaneous communication in aphasia therapySolve patient case scenarios involving the use of ECoLoGiC-Tx for goal writing, outcome measurement, and family engagement, especially with hesitant participants or stakeholdersTimestamps(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 communicationSpeech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/