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From: Isabella Reichel
Date: 20 Oct 2007
Time: 18:43:37 -0500
Remote Name: 71.125.200.195
Hello Judy, Thank you for a very insightful question. SLPs who work with people who stutter must understand the power of a person’s belief systems, and how they interact with their physiology. The inter-connectedness -- the mind-body bridge -- is fundamental to health and performance. We must enhance the ability of the mind and the body to self-regulate and exercise self-control. In addition, the purpose of cognitive restructuring and rational-emotive behavior therapy is to attempt to diminish fear by restructuring cognitions. When cognitions are changed, self-concept and assertiveness improve, and PWS become less anxious. Systematic desensitization is necessary in order for the clinician to facilitate expectations of success, and for the client to receive positive feedback of success and the experience of stopping the fearful imagery. PWS need to know that moving out of the comfort zone is not dangerous. We need to take our clients to outside situations in order to expose them to feared stimuli, and to practice assertiveness. I expect that working on assertiveness, which is one of the EI competencies, will facilitate clients’ abilities to express their feelings openly, without passivity or aggression, and without fear of being hurt or judged by others. In summary, improved self-concept, positive thoughts, and emotional intelligence skills will positively influence assertiveness in PWS, given that they practice the skills, not only in the therapy room, but as a part of systematic desensitization and exposure therapy.