[ Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Alan B (to Jackie S)
Date: 17 Oct 2010
Time: 13:42:03 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.68.172
Hi Jackie, Thank you for taking the time to read my paper and participate in the threaded discussion. I’m heartened that you found it of value. Firstly, let me explain that I have received very little formal therapy during my life (the last session being at least 44 years ago, at about the time that the wheel was being invented) :-) As a result, my experience of how a speech-language pathologist and client agree upon a plan of action is very limited. Nevertheless, I will attempt to answer the questions that you raise. Your approach will depend upon a number of different factors. For example - What stage in his/her life has that individual reached in relationship to his/her stutter? What degree of self-acceptance does he/she possess? Is he/she covert or overt? Would your client be prepared to discuss his/her stuttering with others (including total strangers)? Does that person understand the benefits of doing so? Is there a genuine desire (on the part of the client) to change the status quo? There are so many other issues that might need to be taken into account. You wrote: “I would really like to push people who stutter to get involved in activities that increase public awareness.” With respect, I don’t think a speech-language pathologist should PUSH a client into doing anything. If you feel that a client would benefit from treading a particular path, then your role should be to discuss and explain the relative merits of following that approach. You should then devise (and agree upon) a hierarchy of activities that would enable the client to work toward that goal (or goals). As a clinician, it would be proper for you to persuade, encourage and support your clients but they should never be coerced into doing something against their will. I thoroughly enjoy speaking to audiences (and the media) about my stuttering history and actively seek out every opportunity to do so. However, I think you should be aware that there are likely to be many PWS who are far less enthusiastic about becoming involved in such ventures. The very nature of stuttering is such that some may well feel reluctant, or unable, to discuss it with others. Having greatly improved my fluency during recent years, as well as achieving a huge degree of self-acceptance and confidence, I have arrived at a point in my life where stuttering is no longer an issue. Greater openness about my life-long difficulties has proved invaluable in helping me to overcome previous embarrassment. Revealing my 'darkest secret', to all and sundry, has greatly helped the desensitization process. Other PWS may not be in such a favourable position. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so it may take a while before a client plucks up sufficient courage to adopt greater openness. It is likely to be more difficult for someone who is covert, because such persons tend to go to extraordinary lengths to conceal their stuttering (but that’s their prerogative). We all operate in accordance with our unique belief system and must take responsibility for the decisions that we make in life. Encourage your clients to begin by attempting small challenges. Remember that “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step” (Lao-tzu). The success we achieve will be proportionate to the risks we take. We become increasingly powerful as our lives expand to accommodate more experiences. As our power increases, so does our confidence in our own ability. We find it easier to continue the process of stretching our comfort zones, in spite of any fears that we may experience. I certainly found that I became more adventurous as time progressed, the magnitude of the risks expanding correspondingly. When we achieve something that we, hitherto, regarded impossible, it causes us to reconsider our limiting beliefs. If we conquer something that has challenged our advancement, we grow in stature. When we overcome hurdles, it opens our eyes to possibilities that we could never have imagined. When we are stretched by a new experience, we likewise grow as human beings. If you wish to gain a greater insight into the principles of expanding comfort zones, you may wish to read my 2004 ISAD Online Conference paper, entitled: “STEP OUTSIDE: Why expanding comfort zones can improve our stuttering and lead to more fulfilling lives”. Here is the link: http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad6/papers/badmington6.html Jackie, I wish you every success with your studies and in your future career as a speech-language pathologist. Kindest regards Alan