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From: Jaime Hannan
Date: 19 Oct 2010
Time: 07:00:00 -0500
Remote Name: 74.83.213.115
Hi Maribel! What a great question...and one that I had when I began working with clients who stuttered. I agree with Scott, but just wanted to add that they way you may choose to go about this discussion with a client may be vary different depending on their age...and what they understand. Many kids do not develop those metacognitive skills (or the ability to think about their thoughts) until they are older. What I have done in the past (and these are only ideas) with some younger clients is work on building up self-esteem...and I have done this through different activities depending on the client's interesting. Activities like having the client list things they like about themselves, what they think is special about themselves, what they CAN do, etc. After doing some of those activities, you may have information to show them..."Look at all these awesome things about you" and teach them that stuttering does not define who they are...it is not the only thing that they are...it is part of them, but it is a special part of them. It makes them unique. Sometimes that discussion may take a while to get to; however, I often threw it in as a passing comment from time to time before having a big discussion. Also, I often find things about myself that I struggle with sometimes and use that as an example..."I wear glasses" or "My hands sweat when I am nervous (one of my clients loved this!) or "I get nervous when I talk and I shake." Sometimes I would switch roles with the clients and have them give me advice - they often gave a lot of wonderful advice and then we would talk about how they could use that advice too. With older clients, I have had them write letters to younger kids who stutter - have them share their advice and wisdom. I think sometimes it helps to realize how much they have learned, how strong and brave they are, and to see their stuttering in a more positive light. Like I said, these are just some ideas...I feel that the most important part is just walking with your client step-by-step and realizing that it may take them a long time to "be okay" with their stuttering. I hope this helps, let me or Scott know if you have any more questions. Jaime.