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From: Dick Mallard
Date: 18 Oct 2009
Time: 07:50:33 -0500
Remote Name: 70.115.247.118
Anna, let me be stright with you. I promise that if you let others tell you what they want to do about solving their problem and then follow what they say (if you can and if it is appropriate) and let them experience the consequence of their decision you will increase your success rate, accountability, personal sense of accomplishment, enjoyment of your work, and probably much more. You are correct that you have never heard of something like this relative to speech pathology. I had not either before meeting the late Lena Rustin from England. When I was taught how to approach stuttering like this, it completely changed the way I look at all problems, both personally and professionally. We don't know the problems people have or want to deal with until they tell us and for sure we don't know what they believe will help them until we ask. Problems should be solved at the lowest level possible. This means start with the person who has the problem and then move up (to others for example) if needed. People will come to you for you to "fix" them. Don't fall into that trap. Also, don't believe that a child cannot tell you (the professional) what they want to do about their speech. They really can. Just because a person has a communication problem does not mean that want that problem "fixed." Have them tell you what the problem(s) is/are and then go from there. This is sometimes difficult but you have to be patient and help them explore just what is bothering them. You will be surprised at how many times they will describe the problem as having to do with coping and not with fixing. Enough preaching. This is important and I wish you the very best.