In the Company of Friends

Blueprints for creating effective support communities

People who stutter can feel lonely at times, in a world where nearly everyone else speaks fluently. One way to feel less lonely is to spend time with others, sharing stories and laughs, strength and hope, in a space where stuttering is the norm. That's the idea behind the stuttering support group. Regular, scheduled meetings bring together people who stutter-and people who support and encourage them-in a safe, accepting environment.

In the Company of Friends, drawing on the long experience of one support group and its leader, presents program ideas that have proven successful at sparking discussion, stretching comfort zones, or just leading to a fun time.

The more than 100 program plans are complete blueprints for a meeting, ready to use "off the shelf" or to adapt to the group's wants and needs. Some are serious, some are more lighthearted. Some require advance planning or special equipment, others involve no more than opening the book and beginning. All are designed to last about an hour.

If you have thought about starting a stuttering support group or if your group is looking for ideas, this book may be just the help you need to establish and sustain your own "Company of Friends."

"Packed with useful information! An amazing treasure trove of ideas. Your advice on how to lead a group is spot on."
-Charlie Osborne, M.A., CCC-SLP, PWDSBSLI, Clinical Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin

"I have often wanted to start support groups. This extremely valuable resource provides a structure and guidance for a 'newbie' to start with."
- Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Professor, Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Monmouth University

"I like that each meeting has a clear goal, an intention to the topic, which will be particularly helpful for new leaders."
- Lee Caggiano, M.A. CCC-SLP BCS-F, Aspen Speech Therapy