[ Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Pamela Mertz
Date: 07 Oct 2008
Time: 10:18:22 -0500
Remote Name: 163.153.6.145
Jenn, You wrote: "What advice do you have for the client who has not maybe reached this level of acceptance? In other words, some clients are not as willing to be this vulnerable, yet, and may need someone like you as inspiration." // I do not think of myself as inspirational, but thank you for the vote of confidence. In the words of the old Nike commercial, "Just Do It". I think thats what needs to happen for any pws to move forward. Not just thinking about or talking about taking risks, but actually doing that which is scary. Shortly after being fired and entering therapy, I read the book "Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway", by Susan Jeffers. It was liek the book was written for me. There was so much I wanted to do, but was always afraid to. Recognizing that, and plunging in anyway, has been extremely positive for me. For other clients or pws, maybe pairing with someone to do "outside your comfort zone" things. For example, last year, I encouraged another council member to come with me to speak to a college education class (not SLP students) about the stuttering experience. She was a nervous wreck, and almost bowed out at last minute. I wouldn't let her! I told her she had made a commitment to me and herself. She had a good experience, and enjoyed sharing her story. As did the college students enjoy learning about a different life experience. At the NSA confefence this past year, I co-facilitated a workshop with another council member. I had asked her to do it with me, and it tutned out to be a great workshop. We had people sitting on the floor and crammed in the doorway trying to get in. It was a great experience, and the "safety in numbers" things was at work. Both times, the other person felt comfortable trying something new because there was someone (me!) willing to do it with them. So that would be my advice - have people work together on the scary things, until they are no longer scary. Kind of relates to everyday life, doesn't it? Thanks, Jenn, for the great questions and comments. This whole self-discovery about being a pws is definitely a shared adventure. --Pam