Question
How do I approach a client from another culture where stuttering is perceived as shameful?
Answer
The best way to deal with shame is to have clients meet other individuals who stutter. This can be done by arranging a group therapy session with others who stutter. The National Stuttering Association provides support groups in many cities across the U.S. This would be a great opportunity to meet others who stutter. This can also be done by watching DVDs about stuttering where others share their experience. Furthermore, it would be beneficial for this client to build a network of friends who are willing to understand and learn about stuttering. The following resources may be helpful:
International Stuttering Association
International Stuttering Awareness Day Online Conference, 2010
National Stuttering Association
This Ask the Expert was taken from the course entitled: Stuttering: Working on Negative Beliefs and Emotions
Visit the SpeechPathology.com eLearning Library to view all of our live, recorded, and text-based courses on a variety of topics.
Marilee Fini, M.A. CCC/SLP is a practicing speech-language pathologist in Cleveland, OH running her own private practice, MLF Speech Therapy. Marilee regularly speaks on the subject of stuttering throughout the U.S. shedding a unique light on the subject of stuttering since she has spent most of her life dealing with her own stuttering.
