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From: Tim Mackesey
Date: 06 Oct 2010
Time: 18:12:58 -0500
Remote Name: 74.190.188.81
Rationalizing negative thoughts is a real bugger for the pws. Example: a lawyer and pws wanted to prove to me that if he stuttered in front of the jury, a juror MIGHT find him lying. This is moot. A juror might form an opinion but we cannot prove unless we survey them after the trial. A juror might also think the lawyer has great courage to appear in court with a stutter. That juror may actually favor the lawyer with a speech challenge as honorable and hard working, etc. Early in my SLP training I was sure I could never stutter once I was licensed. I was sure that people would not trust me to help them- or their child- if I stuttered out of control. Is there any profession where an obvious speech impediment would be more scrutinized than an SLP? My rationalizing that thought provoked anxiety when calling referrals sources (i.e., "they got my name from someone but once they hear me stutter they won't employ me!"). You simply have to say NO to the thoughts. Do they serve you well? Do they bring you comfort when talking? NO NO NO. Keep reframing.