Tuesday Transformations
I use the word “transformation” to describe changes in my life. It has been a powerful way to describe my evolving attitude towards my stuttering and understanding of mental illness.
I enjoy looking up words that are in my vernacular. The definitions of transformation bring further thought
- The urban dictionary defines transformation as When some thing turns into something else.
- The Merriam Webster dictionary provides a “simple definition,” a complete or major change in someone’s or something’s appearance, form, etc.
I can relate to being turned into something else as I grew to accept my stutter, and received help for depression. I’ve experienced major changes internally and externally in my journey.
As a mental health therapist who provides counseling to people who stutter, I witness transformation with my clients as they commit to the therapy process. The life changes that people experience often aren’t recognizable to themselves as they gain mental stability. Major changes happen as people work on self-esteem, anxiety management, regulating emotions and tolerating distress.
Transformation is happening all the time. Tell us how it’s happening in your life?
Nora O’Connor
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Dear Ms. O’Connor,
Thank you for discussing your insight regarding mental health therapy for people who stutter (PWS). I am a graduate student studying to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) so I’d like you ask you a couple questions about your experience.
First, what do you think is a good indicator that SLP’s should refer our clients to mental health specialists? While counseling in part of the SLP scope of practice, it is certainly not our expertise. I have extremely minimal experience with mental health, so in my experience there is a fine line between when I should counsel and when I should refer. Do you have any advice?
Secondly, would you suggest that non-mental health experts (such as SLPs) do anything certain to discuss mental health with their clients? Or is this a topic you’d suggest clinicians to not be proactive about and allow clients to bring up on their own time?
I appreciate your time and insight.
Sincerely,
Caroline Traub
Nora,
Years ago I had not considered that transformation would enter my life. The road to reach it was slow. It felt delightful once there as a stutterer. Now as a mental health professional I experience that same experience with my clients. Thanks for the reminder and perspective.
Elizabeth