Interview with Charles Vanriper

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Becoming a Friend

From: Judy Butler
Date: 10/20/03
Time: 3:51:27 PM
Remote Name: 208.244.111.105

Comments

Hello,

I loved reading the feelings in this article. Thank you for sharing that you were aggressive in order to cover deep fear. A psychologist once asked me about a client of his. The problem seemed to be one of violent behavior...and by the way, the young man also stuttered, could there be a connection?

I loved how adults were working together on your behalf yet unknown to you. This is what real caring is about. I loved how you discovered that Dr Van greeted you with an atmosphere of warmth and personal friendliness. My first introduction to this way of being occurred when I visited the home of Hugo and Caroline Gregory at the start of the Stuttering Foundation of America's 2-week workshop. All the participants were invited for an informal dinner. I was so surprised by the friendliness.

I attended a workshop on Friday in which it was made clear that an SLP does not become the friend of her client. But I don't see that as the case in exceptional stories like your own. Thank you for reminding us that the definition of Friend can be quite broad and can include a warm, sincere caring between SLP and student.


Last changed: September 12, 2005