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From: Jennifer Bathel
Date: 10/8/02
Time: 1:49:40 PM
Remote Name: 130.70.138.167
Kristin, Thank you for your question. If self-esteem is determined to be low in relation to a decreased ability to effectively communicate, it should be addressed in therapy (in my opinion). Interestingly, self-esteem and the occurence of stuttering do not always act in a linear fashion. For example, you may notice that as self-esteem improves, stuttering may increase. This is usually due to the person becoming more accepting of their stuttering. However, this is not to say that self-esteem should not be addressed. This example is more of an exception to the rule. As each person who stutters is unique, so are their therapy goals. Therefore, if self-esteem is determined to be associated with communicative competence it can be addressed in therapy through the acheivement of therapy goals, positive feedback, unconditional positive regard, support from family and friends, and readiness for success.
Sincerely, Jennifer Bathel