Abstract
This paper examines the positive effects of collaborative therapy upon the feelings and attitudes of patients and the family of patients with aphasia, motor speech disorders and mental disorders. The effectiveness of the following four aspects of the treatment process are analyzed: 1) the sharing of feelings through artistic activities, 2) training volunteer support people to be conversation partners, 3) the education of and exchange of ideas among professional support people, and 4) group therapy and aphasia peer circles. Based on this analysis, the paper attempts to substantiate the value of collaborative therapy's recognition of the role of patients in the treatment of communication disorders. In addition, it is argued that the collaborative therapist creates a positive environment for therapy by including patients, peers, family members, and volunteer and professional members of patients' support teams in the patients' treatment. Of special importance is the speech therapy's role in coordinating the training and support of all members of the team.
