In June 2023, I was one of 23 speech-language pathologists chosen to attend an intensive, week-long workshop series on stuttering therapy.
I participated in the workshop, Using Cognitive Approaches to Working With People Who Stutter. It was co-sponsored by The Stuttering Foundation and Boston University.
“Since 1985, we have conducted these intensive workshops in order to increase the pool of speech-language pathologists trained in the latest techniques for the treatment of stuttering,” said Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. “We are particularly excited to have Ali Berquez and Elaine Kelman from the Michael Palin Centre in London to lead this year’s training.
“Those who are selected to participate already have professional experience and are highly motivated,” added Diane Parris Constantino, M.A., of Boston University, and coordinator of the Workshop. “Although the Foundation provides full scholarships, many give up their vacations or part of their income to attend. Our task is to provide a forum where they can hone their skills.”
My colleagues at the workshop are providing stuttering therapy around the world from Hawaii to New Hampshire, from Brazil to Jordan. I am deeply grateful to The Stuttering Foundation for the workshop for all I learned that I am already applying in my online speech therapy practice for clients in New Mexico and Florida.
The Stuttering Foundation estimates that more than 80 million people stutter worldwide. It notes that the more than 400 past graduates of the Boston Workshop program have created a “ripple effect” back in their home communities as they continue to share their knowledge.
