Choosing a Treatment Method?
Hello! My name is Emma, and I am a graduate student studying Speech-Language Pathology. I am interested in learning more about the different approaches professionals use when working with people who stutter. How do you determine which therapy approach is the best fit for an individual client, and how do you adapt your approach based on their age, personal goals, and feelings about their stuttering? Thank you for sharing your experience!
Hi Emma!
Thank you for your important question!
This is a very broad question, and answering it fully would take a great deal of time! In fact, it could easily fill several chapters of a book:-) Since we know that a range of approaches and therapy elements are regarded as useful by the persons’ who stutter, I would consider familiarizing yourself with a range of behavioural and emotional-/cognitive-based approaches that may be relevant to stuttering therapy. I don’t believe there is such a thing as “my” or ‘your’ approach.”
It is important to remember that an open and honest dialogue (therapeutic conversation) is a tool we speech-language therapists can use effectively, and the ability to notice and observe what is happening throughout the process is essential. I believe one of the most important aspects of stuttering therapy is giving the person the time and space to reflect, explore, and, if they wish, try out some of the elements together, preferably both in a safe and accepting environment as well as in everyday contexts. All elements, approaches, and topics in conversations need to be tailored to the individual.
If you have the opportunity to take additional courses or pursue further training, for example, in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and/or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you may feel even more confident in your role as a SLT student/SLT. Building up experience over time may be the most valuable and important education of all.
I hope my answer can give you a few pointers. All the best wishes from
Hilda
I can only agree with Hilda. If you have a toolkit full of mehtods and possibilities and some experience you can adapt your therapy to most people you see.
Manon