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From: Peter Reitzes
Date: 22 Oct 2006
Time: 10:50:03 -0500
Remote Name: 69.22.238.4
Katie, thanks for writing. I am a big fan of the College of Saint Rose! You ask, “Do you see a big difference in their attitudes and feelings once they are taught positive language vs. negative language?” and you ask, “Do you feel that more people consider themselves PWS or stutterers?” To both of your questions, the answer is “It depends.” I know that answer is unsatisfying, but people who stutter bring their own experiences and needs to the table and it would be unjust to give you a simple answer. For example, when working with a group of four school-age children who stutter, I noticed that one child grasped on to positive language with enthusiasm which helped other children in the group consider it as well. One child in the group seemed disinterested in such language. But, part of therapy is what Phil Schneider has referred to as “planting seeds.” Perhaps the student I worked with who seemed unmoved about positive language several years ago will reconsider it at a future time. It is certainly not uncommon for a person who stutters to reconsider therapy ideas years later. As therapists, we are planting such seeds.