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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 10/21/03
Time: 5:56:21 PM
Remote Name: 195.92.67.65
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for your contribution.
Yes, the principle of expanding our comfort zones applies to everyone, not just persons who stutter.
In response to your questions:
(1) Every PWS is different. You will find that each requires a different approach. It will not be possible to deal with everyone in a uniform manner. You will need to build up a relationship and rapport with your client before deciding upon the plan of action. What suits one is likely to be unsuitable for another.
Everyone has different emotional baggage; life histories; family backgrounds; levels of confidence and self-esteem. They will require attention in accordance with their individual circumstances and needs.
Some may be easily influenced into expanding their comfort zones - others will need greater encouragement. Some will have greater fear in certain situations; others will stutter on certain words and sounds; while others will be covert and resist openness and self-acceptance.
Some clients will be willing to practise voluntary/pseudo stuttering - others will be most reluctant to advertise the fact that they stutter.
Clients will only expand their comfort zones when they are ready, although they are more likely to do so with encouragemenmt and support.
I would respectfully recommend that you start them off slowly, by setting relatively easy and attainable goals. More difficult targets can be set as their confidence grows.
(2) I initially experimented with certain areas of expansion when I joined a speech programme. This involved speaking to complete strangers in the street, shopping malls and in stores - in the company of another PWS. However, the subsequent ideas for pushing out my comfort zones were of my own volition.
I apologise for the delay in responding to your post but I have been away from home (without Internet access). When I returned, I was inundated with comments/questions.
Kindest regards
Alan