Case History/Client Interview Questions
When working with a client who stutters, what are the important questions to ask to get a better understanding of how a person feels about stuttering? What are some tried and true questions that you have used with success?
Thanks for your question. I am not sure that there are some “tried and true” questions to ask because everyone’s experience with stuttering varies vastly. I like using the Overall Assessment of a Speaker’s Experience with Stuttering (OASES) to better understand the components of their stuttering; however, I think that the most useful thing we do in the evaluation or therapy session is listen. Giving someone room to tell their story is crucial to the therapeutic process. Giving someone a voice and letting them lead the way in therapy will facilitate growth. Maybe the most important question is not a question at all, but instead just saying: “Tell me more about yourself.” Then, sit back and listen.