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From: Alan Badmington (to Stefanie) (final comments) ;-)
Date: 19 Oct 2007
Time: 03:30:04 -0500
Remote Name: 195.194.75.225
Hi Stefanie, I’m back again ;-) I’m so sorry about the interruptions, but (as my home pc is not functioning) I’m using the computer at my local library. I have to deal with ALL my correspondence during the limited period that I have available online (including replying to my private emails). Having explained that, I’ll quickly continue with my response to you, otherwise I’m likely to run out of time again. ;-) I mentioned in my earlier post that it would be desirable for a client to commence expanding his/her comfort zone with a relatively simple task (for example, making a telephone call to enquire about train schedules, or stopping someone in the street to ask for directions, or the time). Starting with an assignment that is too challenging might deter the client, as fear levels are likely to be high in the first instance. As my confidence grew, I wanted to increase the challenging nature of the task The success we achieve will be proportionate to the risks we take, and we become increasingly powerful as our lives expand to accommodate more experiences. As our power increases, so does our confidence in our own ability. We find it easier to continue the process of stretching our comfort zones, in spite of any fears that we may experience. I certainly found that I became more adventurous as time progressed, the magnitude of the risks expanding correspondingly. You also asked, “What would be the very first step…?” I think it is important to explain to the client why you are suggesting that he/she should undertake such challenges. Acquaint him/her with the principles and advantages of expanding our comfort zones. It has been my experience that people tend to respond more readily when they understand the reason they are being asked to do things that they might generally avoid. Then, draw up a list of proposed challenges in conjunction with your client. By all means offer suggestions, but bear in mind that your clients are the persons who will be required to carry them out. Without their agreement, the exercise is unlikely to be meaningful or successful. You will need to encourage and support your clients, as some of the tasks will be totally alien to their comfortable lifestyle. Why not lead by example and accompany your client out onto the streets and, in doing so, challenge yourself? ;-) The final part of your question was “…is it the same for every PWS who attends therapy?” Firstly, let me say that I do not consider that ‘expanding comfort zones’ could be described as a ‘speech therapy’. Having acquired new techniques/tools that allowed me to overcome speech blocks and ‘difficult’ words, I then proceeded to use them to embark upon an extensive programme of expanding my personal comfort zones. In doing so, I confronted my fears; challenged my self-limiting beliefs; widened my self-image (to accommodate roles that I previously felt lay outside my scope); and changed my stuttering mindset. As a result, I positively influenced my negative thoughts and behaviours. I would like to stress that ‘expanding comfort zones’ is an essential ingredient of personal growth for EVERYONE, not just persons who stutter. And, finally, it is important to realise that all PWS are different – we really are unique. We have different life experiences; we come from different backgrounds; we commenced at different starting lines; and we have accumulated different amounts of emotional baggage. We also possess different goals and aspirations in life. Please do not be tempted to make comparisons between your clients. Whereas one particular approach may produce results with one client, it may not necessarily be suitable or successful for another. Stefanie, I’ve just realised that I’ve written this response under the assumption that you are either a speech-language pathologist or a student SLP. If that is not the case, then please utilise the content to accommodate your own personal circumstances. Thank you, once again, for your interest in my paper. Kindest regards Alan