The group meets on alternate Thursdays from 7 to 9 pm at the BSA Scotland Office.
Each session begins with an opportunity to "check-in". Everyone has the opportunity to comment on what is most significant for them at the moment (in pairs, small groups or as a whole group). This is often followed by discussion about techniques and strategies for handling stammering and some practical exercises to raise awareness and promote tension free speech. In the second half there is an activity which forms the focus of the session.
Bruntsfield Hotel, 69 Bruntsfield Place
Jan will join us for a coffee and chat (stronger stuff is available from the bar downstairs). We will have an informal check-in & discussion. It would be a good time for anyone thinking of joining to come along and have a chat. Past & occasional members are also very welcome.
The lounge: a very quiet area just of from the main hotel reception (the entrance on the left of the building). 29th March
Before Christmas some of us watched the American film "Transcending Stuttering". The DVD has a substantial amount of extras featuring people who stammer speaking about their experiences and views.
Discussion about the short films.
If anyone is up for it we could have a go at doing out own monologues (purely optional!)
We will be having a speaking circle giving people the opportunity to practice any techniques they would like to.
1st FebruaryWord Out has had an extended Christmas break, but is now starting up again. It's the time of the
year to make New Year resolutions so why not join us!
The first meeting will be about catching up and thinking about our priorities for 2007. Jan will be
there with some speech therapy ideas. We'll discuss what people want to do for the rest of the
new term.
Some time has been spent on publicising the group so we hope to attract some new members.
A member of the group is going to lead this weeks session in art therapy. She is doing a MSc
in Art Psychotherapy and is interested in how art therapy can be applied to stammering.
The plan is as follows:
Brief Check-in
Short presentation on Art Therapy and how it has been used in the management of adults who stammer.
Explanation of group activity, time for questions etc.
Group painting exercise: This will involve the group making a joint image exploring feelings around
their stammer. Group painting is a very social activity and involves members in a visual conversation
which can later be explored verbally. People do not have to be
good at drawing or have any previous experience of making artwork as the process of working is often
far more important than the aesthetic qualities of the finished piece. It is also important to remember
that working in this way is spontaneous, rather like a speaking circle, and therefore people may want
to represent themselves through colour or mark making if
they find the thought of more representational image making daunting.
After we have finished painting we will then look at the work and discuss what has happened. I hope
this sounds ok for people. I think it is important to point out that this will not be a formal art
therapy session, but rather more of a workshop to explore our stammer in a way that most of us
probably haven't before, and hopefully have a laugh at the same
time.
With a partner, practice making the following sets of sounds:
Try making the sounds in a slow, deliberate, exaggerated way. Stretch sounds where possible!
Focus on producing sounds with a good strong voice, without unnecessary effort. Feel what you are doing and talk about it with your partner.
Discuss which sounds you most often stammer on and whether there is any pattern.
On the basis of the previous exercise we will establish aims for everyone based on the principles of stripping away extras, keeping to your message and communicating directly.
Presentations on a topicFocus on one or more specific, individually tailored aim while speaking to the group.
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| 22-04-2004 | This week we shall start the term with a personal review. In the second half we will watch and discuss the video: "Joseph G. Sheehan's Message to a Stutterer". |
| 06-05-2004 | This week an interviewer and sound recordist from BBC Radio Scotland will attend the group with a view to finding out what we do and interviewing group members for the series "Medical Matters" (to be aired in August 2004). |
| 20-05-2004 | In this session we will focus on voluntary stammering and easy, relaxed onsets. In the second half we will hold an informal Speaking Circle, testing out the new video recorder/dictaphone for feedback (optional). |
| 03-06-2004 |
In this session we will discuss using the 'phone and, for those who
want to, practice phone calls:
|
| 17-06-2004 | In this session participants are invited to bring along something of their choice to present. Suggestions from the group include creative writing and a dissertation, however, participants could also read and summarise an article on stammering or describe a favourite film etc. |
| 01-07-2004 | Evening social (to be confirmed). |
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| 15-01-2004 | In this session we will establish priorities for the term. In the second half of the evening group members are invited to take up to five minutes to speak before the group. This might involve giving a college or work related presentation; testing out a few jokes, reading poetry or prose - whatever you choose. |
| 29-01-2004 | This week we will then listen to a meditation tape, produced by Renee Byrne (specialist stammering therapist) and her husband and recently made available through BSA. This will be followed by some voice exercises and a practical session on speech production and speech techniques. |
| 12-02-2004 | This week the first half will be spent focusing on speech techniques. After break, there will be two presentations, one on 'Unravelling the Stuttering Hexagon' and one, by John on a chapter of his choice. |
| 26-02-2004 | This week the first half will be spent developing awareness of effortless sounds. In the second half John and Claire will speak about their understanding and experience of Transactional Analysis and how it can help us understand stammering. |
| 11-03-2004 | In this session we will discuss situations that cause particular difficulties for group members. In the second half we will endeavour to recreate some of these situations using role play, using the supportive atmosphere of the group to gain experience of those situations which members may avoid (eg, ordering at the bar!). |
| 25-03-2004 | In this session we will watch the Stuttering Foundation of America video, "If You Stutter: Advice for Adults". |
| 08-04-2004 | Self help meeting (Speaking Circle and discussion about the group). |