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Hi, my name is Cristen Opinion. I am an undergraduate student pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist. As a future SLP, what are some tips and advice I can use to make PWS comfortable when working with them? I want to make sure I can make my clients feel comfortable and feel like they have my support.
Hi Cristen,
Thanks for your interest in making children and adults feel comfortable in the therapeutic process. Developing a therapeutic alliance with your client is crucial. The therapist must be confident, trustworthy and tuned into the client. As Bruce Wampold points out in his work (2015) the clinician needs to develop a relationship through empathy, shared values/expectation and inoculate against regression. Creating skills that are durable–both motor and cognitive/emotional skills are crucial. Be cautious to never minimize the child’s/adult’s experience with comments like: “don’t worry, I stutter too…” or promoting toxic positivity. Understand the importance of creating emotional flexibility and listen to the client. When it comes to clinician input, sometimes “less” is “more.”
take care,
Rita