From: J. Scott Yaruss
Date: 10/8/00
Time: 9:03:37 PM
Remote Name: 205.201.42.46
Hey Gunars! Thanks much for the kind words...I know this is a topic that is close to your heart, and mine as well...
To try to provide a short answer to your question, I think counseling should be the essence of the INTERACTION with people who stutter (well, in my practice, with all people)...if I going to engage in a therapeutic relationship, I need to KNOW the person and UNDERSTAND their perspective...if I don't, I can't help them, and I really can't help them to help themselves.
SO, the short answer is, "everything." Along the way, the therapeutic relationship helps the client "work through the emotional overreaction" as you suggested, it "inspires hope" and encourages the client to strive for success he didn't think he could achieve, and it demonstrates the unconditional acceptance and positive regard you referred to. All of these are critical elements of the therapeutic relationship -- counseling, and the microskills that accompany it, are simply the tools that help us achieve it.
At least, that's how I see it ;-) Thanks for your thoughts and for contributing to the discussion!
S