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From: Ellen-Marie Silverman
Date: 22 Oct 2007
Time: 11:35:38 -0500
Remote Name: 64.12.117.67
[[". . . Therefore, my question to you is, when working with children/teens and their families, what steps should an SLP take to ensure clients understand what the SLP is intending to change and how do make sure that the client is ready to undergo these changes?"]] >>> Hello, Jennifer. I found my personal answer to this extremely important matter by learning to contract with clients before beginning a prgram of therapy. When, following a speech-language evaluation, I believe an individual may benefit from a period of speech therapy, I enter into negotiations to establish a contract for treatment, if they wish to work with me. Contracting, with the responsible parties if the client-to-be is a minor or the adults seeking therapy, establishes not only what the mutual goals will be through the process of NEGOTIATION, but establishes the framework for therapy, i.e., number and length of meetings, cancellations, fees, etc., and, as important, the fact that the therapy process will involve mutuality. Each party in the process learns prior to the entering treatment that mutuality is required in the conduct and outcome of the process. So, if they are not yet ready to change to accomplish the goals they wish to achieve by working with me, then we don't work together, then or, even, later on. >>> Even a young child has some opportunity to negotiate terms and, thereby, become more invested in the process. In the novel I wrote about a 10-year-old boy who takes his first constructive steps to deal with his stuttering problem, I describe negotiation between the boy, Jason, and his speech therapist. The novel is entitled, Jason's Secret. >>> As the therapist encourages the caregiver and/or client to actively cooperate in goal setting and selection of methods, it becomes obvious just how ready for change the clients and caregivers are. >>> Best wishes, Jennifer. Ellen-Marie Silverman