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From: Lou Heite
Date: 15 Oct 2006
Time: 19:23:56 -0500
Remote Name: 24.237.249.158
Hi, Shannon. You ask how to "address the emotional issues and oppression that they may feel due to stuttering." The best way, truly, is to be direct, respectful, and hopeful. Listen to what your client is saying. If he or she has reason to suspect discrimination, say in a job interview, help them contact someone who can help such as the local Disabilitity Law Center. There is one in nearly every large city. But the most important thing you can do (not just for clients who stutter either) is to respect their experience of their own life. If the client perceives oppression or discrimination, then honor that and go from there. One of my own favorite professors used to say, "Meet the client where he is." That advice is still the best for anyone in a helping profession. Lou Heite