Abstract
Speech and language therapy (SLT) is absorbed in an empirical (or ‘scientific') discourse. A case study, involving a single practitioner, is reported. SLT's application of an empirical discourse is critically investigated. Results reveal that SLT engages reductionism, essentialism, and ‘dis-othering' in its practice discourse. Consequently, rich, textured lives are re-manufactured in a less than authentic manner. A critically oriented practice discourse is recommended to assist SLT in reconsidering its present immersion in a reductionistic, technical and utilitarian discourse and toward a discourse that assists an effective sharing of communication.