ISA Google + hangouts
One of the committees
(http://www.isastutter.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Committees-and-Projects.pdf/)
the ISA has started has a responsibility to start Google hangouts around the world. In a Google hangout it is possible to have 10 people with webcams in a meeting. Only one can sensibly speak at any one time, so a moderator is needed.
Do the experts think that such a hangout will be useful in helping a PWS to practice whatever therapy tool they wish to use ?
Would this be a way for a therapist to give instruction on a range of potential tools as well as addressing some of the emotions below the surface of the iceberg?
Would this be a suitable way to try to resolve physical distance issues in places like Africa / India / China / Canada etc.?
Would Therapists be comfortable being a part of, or leading, a Google hangout?
Would this assist in a the progress towards speaking without planning ahead?
Your views on this would be appreciated by the ISA committee involved in this project.
Thank you,
Keith
Hi Keith,
My feeling is that Google hangout groups are theoretically a very good idea, but technically not so easy to organize, especially when you want to include people from many different time zones. They could be either on the lines of a self-help group or an alternative to group therapy in a clinic. However, that said, I have come to the conclusion that more gets done working 1:1 with clients either in clinic or over the internet. It might be helpful for a therapy tool for clients who are in the follow-up stages of therapy. What I have done so far is match up some clients so that they can practice together, but not yet done a hangout. It is something to consider though.
Hi Barbara,
We visualized hangouts for different timezones, so in most cases the world clock would not be an issue.
I understand a 1:1 would be essential in early stages of treatment and admire your ‘matching up’ clients to practice in follow up stages.
If you need a new volunteer for your clients to meet and chat with — additional experience, let me know.
Take care,
Keith