My Visit to India

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Re: Support Groups

From: Keith Boss
Date: 22 Oct 2010
Time: 05:12:22 -0500
Remote Name: 81.98.118.85

Comments

Hi Meredith, Thank you for reading and asking the question. Professional therapists, (thank you for being a graduate student. You will graduate and become a professional) play a significant part in influencing the progress of clients. You have the expertise to diagnose and suggest some tools / techniques that will help the client to deal with the physical aspects of the stutter. That is an excellent first step. What often, but not always, needs to be done is to find ways to deal with low self-esteem and the myriad of other issues going on the clients mind (Stuttering Hexagon / Iceberg). A well-run support group will help to improve communication skills and leadership skills. Once the process is in hand and the client is progressing then they can move on to Speaking Clubs / Toastmasters where there are long established, well documented, ways to increase both communication and leadership. This last step really helps as it boosts confidence no end in a non threatening environment with people who do not stutter. You as a therapist may be able to help support groups, in free time, and you as a therapist can help the client to understand that their mental well being is as important as tools / techniques to help with physical characteristics. A client who is nervous needs to build up self esteem. If you were able to go with them, the first time, and assess the dynamics of the specific support group, that would be very helpful. Then you can discuss this with your client, if they still feel nervous. Not all clients need this close level support. I suppose another way is to see if a number of clients would like to get together with you as a temporary support group. If you asked support group leaders near you to attend, they could talk about their own groups. This is a very interesting and important question. If you want to take if beyond this conference email / skype me, and I will be in Illinois in January 2011, if that helps. If a group of you want to talk or question me, fine. Do well in your chosen profession. Keith (Keithmaxkb@yahoo.com Skype id, keithmaxkb)


Last changed: 10/22/10