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From: Bobby Childers
Date: 10/5/01
Time: 2:11:07 PM
Remote Name: 216.234.194.198
My student clinicians and numerous other people over the years have told me that I am a Type A+++++++++++ person. I want to be in control of my life and my surroundings. Once I was taught the various techniques, and we went outside the clinic, I did my best to "be in charge". Partly because of my personality, and partly because I tended to view my clinicians as my daughters. (They are the same approximate age as my daughter).
Being a "Certified Computer Geek", I tend to analyze things more than most people. I feel that everything has a reason for occuring, and a solution to the problem. My stuttering is no different, there is a reason for doing it (not sure what it is though still), and there must be a solution to resolving it.
The techniques I learned have defintely helped me improve my speech (except on bad days), and with time will continue to improve it.
But I do believe that all people who stutter that want to try therapy, spend some time in the clinical setting. Within the clinic walls, the environment is controlled, the people all know about the stuttering, and do not pass judgement. This gives the stutterer a chance to learn the various techniques (whatever they may be) without fear of ridicule.
Once the client has become comfortable with the techiques and the clinicians, then they should start going out into the clinic itself. Talk to the various staff members, not just the assigned clinician. This type of setting while still semi-controlled, does start the process of "real world" situations.
After the client has gotten comfortable with this type of situation, then they should go out in the "real world" with the clinician as a coach, support system, etc. There should be no time line for actually entering the "real world", let the client decide when it feels right. The clinician might need to push the client a little bit, (mine pushed me right out the door kicking and screaming), but this will be a judgement call based on your intutition and knowledge of your client.
Once you do start using the techniques in a real world type setting, keep encouraging your client to try more, to expand their horizons and their communication skills. With time, they will begin to need you less and less as they gain confidence in themselves.