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From: Jennifer Watson
Date: 10/20/03
Time: 3:25:12 PM
Remote Name: 138.237.132.184
Hi, Dawn- Your question is an important one. Many years of research has shown us that, as a group, people who stutter do not exhibit one particular personality pattern. As a result, clinicians need to be able to recognize when it would be appropriate to refer a client to a pscyhotherapist or other professional equipped to address more pervasive problems, emotional distress and unadaptive behaviors. Essentially, if the PWS has pervasive, less specific, intrapersonal and interpersonal problems where the stuttering is secondary or a small part of these issues, then the person may benefit from intervention with a psychoterapist or other such professional. For example, a referral may be needed if, despite gains in speech control and other areas in therapy, a PWS maintains that all his/her interpersonal problems stems from his stuttering. Hope that helps. Jennifer