Therapeutic Approaches to Address Emotional Issues in Stuttering

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Re: Compliments and questions

From: Gary J. Rentschler
Date: 09 Oct 2005
Time: 18:27:22 -0500
Remote Name: 151.201.249.117

Comments

John these are very insightful questions/comments. The secondary pathway I discuss engages use of our intellect in mediating our responses. This is a multistep process that begins with (1) learning about ourselves -- how we reflexively react, (2) listening to what we are telling ourselves as the event gets closer (worry and anxiety), (3) practicing reacting in a different way, (4) and complementing ourselves (verbally labeling) for responding in a different way, (5) getting to the point where we can predict what our response will be before it happens and preparing to change it proactively. An example might come when the PWS goes to introduce himself... in the PWS's mind he knows he will stutter on the first sound of his name. Making close observation you can learn exactly what you do (take a deep inhalation of air and try to force sound out very quickly -- leading to a block). By being able to predict what will happen, you can become empowered to change your response pattern. Now, you find yourself in the situation where you need to introduce yourself; you can feel the apprehension; but this time you 'take control' of the speaking process and take a slow, controlled inhalation and begin to make voice in a slow, gentle and controlled manner. By knowing yourself and what you do reflexively, you can learn to respond in a different, more productive way. Who can help you... another person who stutters, a spouse, someone you trust to be honest with you, someone knowledgeable about stuttering, and a good observer of behavior. You correct, a psychologist can help identify the thoughts you have and your worries about speaking AND the behaviors that result when you go to speak. Thanks for the questions.


Last changed: 10/24/05