[ Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Pam
Date: 18 Oct 2009
Time: 00:22:28 -0500
Remote Name: 67.248.58.128
Hi Leeane! I will be visiting Dr Klein's class on Monday, wow, what a coincidence. So, make sure you are there. I am also writing on the class blog too, don't know if you realize that is me too! . . . . . Yes, it is definitley a mutual give and take with client and clinician. I think the keys to a good client-clincican realtionship is being authentic, attending to client needs, and not focusing too much on data collection. I know that is required, but I think there is a way to do it and still maintain a healthy rapport. Bear in mind, as a friend and fellow council member reminds me, I am not the typical fluency client. Most clients in council really want to be more fluent, or fluent period. And that is not the most important thing for me. Being true to myself is - and that includes owning my stuttering and having a relationship with it. Some fellow clients think that's insane! I do think a similar relationship can be fostered with children, BUT, you will also be interacting with the child's parents, who may want a more structured, goal focused, fluency practicing approach. I really do think acceptance is key for older kids, teens and adults. As for activities I have used with student clincians: journal writing, sharing those journal entries, reviewing podcasts and videos of me "in action" at work or doing outreach workshops. Those things offer a great deal of insight to both of us. Please be sure to ask me other questions when I visit class Monday. In the past, students have asked very few questions. It is a great way to pick the brain of someone who thinks differently about the stuttering journey.