Dysfluency is an interruption in the natural flow of speech. Dysfluencies can be normal, such as those manifested by children in the language learning phase, or abnormal, as in stuttering. Aside from the norm, another factor that makes understanding this topic difficult is the cause of stuttering. It can be neurogenic, meaning the stutter is the result of a stroke, brain injury, or degenerative disease that occurs later in life. It can also be psychogenic, where its cause is linked to a mental illness, or developmental, meaning the individual has a genetic predisposition to stuttering. Due to its complex etiology, determining the appropriate treatment for stuttering is often complicated. Many researchers and speech therapists have developed different techniques; However, which is the most reliable? Before initiating any form of stuttering treatment, the clinician must first work to reduce the client's negative attitude, if any, toward stuttering. Although many would not consider this to be an effective treatment, negative emotions and environmental stressors can actually worsen dysfluencies, causing the individual to anticipate and fear speaking. After reducing negative emotions, the client will be more likely to participate in therapy and increase the chances of effective and positive outcomes. One form of therapy influenced by positive emotions is Charles Van Riper's stuttering modification techniques. Stuttering modification techniques, including deletions, pullouts, and preparatory sets, have been developed “to modify speech timing,” as well as negative reactions to stuttering (Owens, Metz, Farinella, 2011). Erasures involve a 3-4 second pause, followed by proofreading…half a sheet…increasing fluency. Regardless, no therapeutic technique is 100% effective; however, with time, motivation, a positive outlook, the willingness of both the client and family to participate, as well as family support, any form of therapy has the potential to create positive outcomes. Works Cited Dahm, B. (2012, January 2). Why don't people stutter when they sing?. Retrieved December 7, 2013, from CTI: Stuttering Online Therapy website: http://stutteringonlinetherapy.com/2012/01/why-don%E2%80%99t-people-stutter-when-they-sing/Guitar, B ( 2006). Stuttering: an integrated approach to its nature and treatment. (3rd ed., pp. 324). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.Owens, R. E. Metz, D. E., & Farinella, K. A. (2011). Introduction to communication disorders: An evidence-based perspective on lifespan. page 250-255. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.