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From: Ellen-Marie Silverman
Date: 13 Oct 2012
Time: 19:15:12 -0500
Remote Name: 76.228.192.184
Nice to meet you, Rebekah. >>> I am going to reply to your concern somewhat differently than you may have imagined. I suspect that what is motivating your question has more to do with your establishing a workable concept of what speech therapy is and offers and, embedded within that, what the role of the speech-language pathologist is, than meeting the needs of children with stuttering problems and their families. So, let me make a few statements and suggestions from this perspective. First, I would suggest that you re-read "Why Seek Therapy," in particular the recap of the psychological game, "The Rescue Triangle," from the standpoint of considering why and how therapists often take the role of "Rescuer" until they learn why and how not to. Then, I'd like to suggest you take a look at a text I published in 2009, "Mind Matters. Setting the Stage for Satisfying Clinical Service. A Personal Essay" available at Amazon where it has a "Look inside" feature. In it, I focus on cultivating beliefs and behaviors that lead to a satisfying career. And, lastly, I would suggest that you consider doing some journaling about questions you have regarding the clinician's role and responsibilities to clients that includes solutions you personally discover. >>> I want to compliment you, Rebekah, on your persistence. That can be used very effectively in your work, as I suspect you have pretty much discovered by now. >>> Also, I want to assure you that by suggesting you give thought to the role and responsibilities of the clinician and the nature of clinical speech pathology I was in no way criticizing you or looking down on you in any way as a graduate student. These are matters that command the attention of all practitioners, student and professional alike, all of the time. Our concept of the profession and of our roles within it are always in flux, as you may already have realized, and need our mindful attention for us to be effective and to feel vaued. What we think our responsibilities are and how we think we can best meet them is always an on-going process. >>> My best to you, Rebekah. Keep thinking and questioning! Ellen-Marie Silverman