[ Contents | Search | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Alan Badmington
Date: 08 Oct 2007
Time: 04:56:07 -0500
Remote Name: 195.194.75.225
Hi Julie, Thank you for your generous comments. I'm delighted that you feel my paper may be of assistance with your clients. You enquire "What do you think is the most effective thing a speech therapist can do to help a client who is afraid to step outside his comfort zone?" I believe it would be useful to explain the benefits of taking such action. When I fully understood the value of expanding my comfort zone, I immediately drew up a plan to challenge myself. I was fortunate that I had the support of many other PWS who were also expanding their lives in a similar manner. Your client would benefit from your support and active encouragement (maybe accompanying him when he goes out onto the streets to talk with total strangers). You may find it helpful to read the following paper that I wrote for the 2003 International Stuttering Awareness Day Online Conference: 'STEP OUTSIDE: Why expanding comfort zones can improve our stuttering and lead to more fulfilling lives' http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad6/papers/badmington6.html If he uses avoidance strategies, then it might also be useful for him to read my poem, 'Changing the Words Around', which explains the implications of such behaviour. Simply click on the following link: http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad7/papers/badmington7/badmington17.html I wish you every success. Kindest regards Alan