Comments

How to be a clinician and also an advocate? — 2 Comments

  1. If approached “correctly”, SLPs are advocates. They don’t have to be fixers, just someone sharing the experience of stuttering with a client.
    Just listening and validating can be therapeutic.

    Pam

  2. Thank you so much Amanda for your question. As a person who stutters and also a SLP in training, I totally see the value of your question and I keep hearing this question being asked by beginning clinicians. Your struggle/question is not alone. And I can tell you on the right track from the questions you ask.
    I agree with Pam, the best way to approach to your client is listening and validating. Being an ally is far more effective than someone who is trying to “fix” him/her. For example, doing psudostuttering together with your client in a coffee shop and show him/her how you would live your life as a person who stutters. Once your client sees you truly values their living experience and therapy will happen more easily and naturally.
    Hope the reply helps:)