The Road to Success Through Improved Self-Esteem

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Re: Self esteem

From: John Tetnowski
Date: 10/16/02
Time: 6:03:54 PM
Remote Name: 130.70.137.156

Comments

Kelly,

I do not think that self-esteem has to be "achieved" before beginning therapy. As a matter of fact, I think that the very concept of "measuring" self-esteem is a tricky question (and I have some serious questions about the validity of the tools that supposedly measure self-esteem). I like to think that people who stutter are just like everyone else. In that line, we could all use a bit more self-esteem. Is it necessary for all clients??????NO, but it would probably help most (I would put most non-stutterers in this category, as well). If it is needed for a PWS in order to meet their goals......then we need to address the issue. I tend to think that many PWS achieve higher levels of self-esteem through means otehr than formal therapy, such as, success in the workplace, success in relationships, success in sports, etc... When clients come to us with higher levels of self-esteem, I think that progress in therapy comes faster. Finally, you asked a question about gaining self-esttem in groups (versus individually). Frankly, if a person lacks self-esteem, I don't care how they get it..... as long as they get it. In my experiences, some PWS need to talk to others and find out that they are "not alone" in their stuttering. Others just accumulate enough life experiences that allow their self-esteem to grow. I suggest reading Ken St. Louis' book (mentioned in teh references section) to see more success stories and how self-esteem relates to positive changes.

Thanks for the question.

John T.


Last changed: September 12, 2005