2022 Talk to a Professional
Hi! My name is Genesis Melgar. As a communicative disorders major-undergrad student, I’ve diverted a lot of my attention to people with stutters. I know there are psychosocial effects of stuttering, but I was wondering how can we as clinicians be present for our clients emotionally and appropriately. Any insight would be very appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Genesis,
The best way to be present for your clients is by better understanding their experience. Attending support groups, listening to presentations of people who stutter, reading papers by people who stutter (you have that wonderful opportunity every year with the ISAD conference,) and then listening deeply to your client will enable you to start to understand better this multi-factorial communication difference. Taking classes in counseling can help you learn ways to develop a therapeutic alliance. Rather than give advice, follow their lead. They know their life so much better than we do.
thank you for a great question,
Rita
Hey Genesis!
Great to know you want to be there for your clients, not just as a therapist, but as someone that cares.
Feeling that way is in itself the first step! In addition to this, listening to what is said (or not said) by the PWS, being patient and compassionate, and getting to know them better as people are some other things you could work towards.
Do not enter a session with a checklist you wish to transfer to the client’s mind. Instead, take in information from the client and then decide what you would like to add to that.
Finally, the fact that you’re here attending this conference itself would go a long way in helping you understand those who stutter.
Do read other posts about this topic in the Ask a professional forum! I’m sure you’ve read the wonderful articles by PWS as well. If not, go ahead and give them a read!
Pallavi