Communication confidence for post-stroke aphasia
After a stroke, some people develop aphasia. This means they know what they want to say, but struggle to find the right words. This can lead to frustration, worry, and a loss of confidence in social situations. Researchers at the University of Exeter are testing a support programme based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to see if it can boost communication confidence. Participants take part in six weekly one-hour online sessions using video calls. During these sessions, you will explore how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect, and practice small tasks between meetings. You will also complete short online questionnaires to track how you feel. The goal of this project is to discover helpful new ways to support stroke survivors so they can feel more comfortable talking to others and get back to enjoying everyday activities.
At a glance
What is this study about?
A stroke can change life in an instant. For many people, it causes a language condition known as aphasia. Aphasia can make it hard to speak, read, or write, even though a person's intelligence and thinking skills remain completely unchanged. People often know exactly what they want to say, but the words feel stuck or difficult to find.
Struggling with speech can make everyday conversations feel stressful. Over time, this can reduce a person's confidence, leading them to step back from friendships, hobbies, and family life. Many stroke survivors report feeling anxious about getting stuck on words, which can lead to low mood and feeling isolated. Finding ways to rebuild this confidence is an essential part of stroke recovery.
This study is exploring a new approach using cognitive behavioural therapy, often called CBT. CBT is a gentle talking therapy that looks at how our thoughts, feelings, and actions influence each other. By learning how to manage unhelpful worries and practicing small communication steps, the study aims to give people the tools to feel more self-assured and independent in their daily conversations.
Key takeaways
- Open to adults aged 18 to 70 with word-finding difficulties after a stroke.
- Uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help build communication confidence.
- Involves six weekly one-hour video calls from the comfort of your own home.
- Includes simple home practice tasks and brief online questionnaires.
- Completely voluntary with no changes to your normal medical treatment.
Who may be eligible?
This study is designed for adults aged between 18 and 70 who have expressive aphasia after a stroke. This means your main challenge is finding and speaking words, while your ability to understand what others say remains mostly intact. The team is looking for people who are at the point of finishing their care with an NHS Early Supported Discharge team.
Because the sessions and forms are completed over the internet, you will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a reliable internet connection. You also need a good enough understanding of English to take part in video calls and questionnaires.
This study will not be suitable for people whose main difficulty is understanding spoken language (receptive aphasia), or those who currently have a clinical diagnosis of long-term anxiety or depression. Participants must also be able to understand what the research involves and give their own consent to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am between 18 and 70 years old.
- I had a stroke and struggle mainly with finding and speaking words.
- I can understand what people say to me in English.
- I am being discharged from an Early Supported Discharge stroke team.
- I have an internet connection and a device for video calls (like a tablet or laptop).
What does participation involve?
Taking part lasts around six weeks and is done entirely from home. You will attend one 60-minute video call each week with a researcher using Microsoft Teams. During these calls, you will talk through your experiences, look at how your thoughts affect your confidence, and set small speaking goals. Between sessions, you will be asked to try out short, practical activities in your daily routine and note how they went. You will also fill out regular, short online questionnaires to measure your progress. There are no hospital visits, no clinic appointments, and no medications involved.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Livewell SouthwestCity onlyPlymouth, England
Common questions
Do I have to travel to an NHS hospital or university?
No, all sessions are held online using Microsoft Teams, so you can take part from home.
Will this study cure my speech problems?
No, the study does not aim to cure aphasia, but it hopes to help you feel calmer and more confident when you speak.
Is there any medication involved?
No, this study only involves talking sessions and answering simple online questionnaires. You will not take any medicines.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a reliable internet connection and a screen with a camera and microphone, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Does it cost anything to take part?
No, taking part is completely free.
How to find out more
Valeria Yuen
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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