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From: Laura Imbriale
Date: 15 Oct 2004
Time: 13:37:30 -0500
Remote Name: 24.168.124.234
As a speech pathology graduate student, the role of the clinician as counselor is frequently stressed in class as well as in clinical practicum settings. However, as a new clinician, that role can be somewhat difficult to adjust to for fear that one is being too "personal" with the family. Your article has outlined several helpful tips on how to obtain and give the information needed in an effective and professional manner. I agree that it is vital to the therapeutic process when working with a child who stutters to understand the parent's attitudes, beliefs, and feelings. It is also critically important to act as a "clinician/counselor" so that the speech pathologist is seen by the parents and the child as an accepting and empathetic professional who has a great interest in working with the family to improve the child's fluency. After reading your article, I have a better understanding of the differences between being an information counselor and being an adjustment counselor. Thank you for your suggestions and know that they will be remembered when working with children who stutter and their families.