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From: Dale Williams
Date: 10/15/02
Time: 8:58:56 AM
Remote Name: 131.91.248.210
Viren,
With adolescents and adults, I talk to family members about the importance of having their loved ones “gradually try to do things which they have avoided,” even if it means stuttering. Often the response is that, because their loved one doesn’t stutter in some situations, he doesn’t need to stutter at all. I then explain that fluent periods aren’t necessarily good. In fact, if they’re due to increased avoidance behaviors, they can be harmful in the long run. I also talk about fluency enhancing conditions—situations in which speech is easier, but also different enough that it can’t be compared to speaking in difficult situations.
Remember that it is logical for family members to not only want the stuttering to stop right away, but also to view any increase in fluency as positive. Thus, even those families who understand the importance of stuttering openly, confronting fears, etc., will come to therapy sessions again and again with statements like, “He had a good week—hardly any stuttering.” About gaining courage, you mentioned that “This change is very slow.” Quite often, the same can be said for educating family members.
Dale