In CILT, a small group of patients with aphasia take part in language activities in which they are constrained to verbal responses that are shaped toward more expansive utterances over time. In contrast to other aphasia treatment approaches that promote the use of compensatory communication modalities such as gesture, drawing, or writing, in CILT no compensatory nonverbal communication strategies are allowed during the language activities. Improved verbal responses are the goal of treatment. Furthermore, treatment is provided on an intensive schedule, up to three hours per day for five days per week.