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From: David Shapiro
Date: 18 Oct 2011
Time: 16:23:22 -0500
Remote Name: 152.30.155.29
Hi Sarah, I’m glad you enjoyed the paper. Each client was enrolled in both individual and group (self-help) treatment. In two cases, the clients were enrolled with other young adults who stutter. In one case, the group session included different members of the client’s family. In each group, the clients demonstrated leadership in deciding the content and process of communication in the session. Therefore, they decided the topics of conversation and how they would support each other for what was being said and how it was being said. Clients were there for each other through significant events in life (dating challenges, school projects, job prospects, etc.). They also were consulted as to the role they wished the clinician to play in the session. As such, sessions were upbeat, positive, and informal. The cornerstones were collaboration, success, and fun. In some cases, the group was used as a testing ground for upcoming speaking challenges. There was a good amount of genuine laughter and mutual support for each other. In all, the clients elected to continue the group and occasionally still interact now that they have moved into their careers. Some very helpful material for running a self-help/mutual aid group session for/by people who stutter is available from the National Stuttering Association. Good luck. David Shapiro