As I approach four decades of treating orofacial myo-functional disorders and thumb/finger sucking problems I recall special mentors that instilled the drive, compassion, and expertise in this field called Orofacial Myology. I have been privileged to study and received training from Dick Barrett who was one of the founding fathers in this specialized field. Another individual that inspired me to see the total client not just the problem being addressed such as the thumb, the lips, the rest posture of the tongue is a friend, and colleague, and also the primary founding father Bill Zickefoose. The individual that started me on my professional journey was Daniel Garliner. He was a therapist that taught me the basics which gave me the drive to seek out knowledge in many fields and helped me become a therapist that understands, "If you do not know it, you will not be able to see it." And "if you do not see it you can't treat it!" As my expertise emerged continuing my education has become a very important part in my private practice as well as in my teaching endeavors.  The professional and colleague instrumental in this area is Dr. Robert Mason, a well respected man in the fields of Speech Pathology, Dentistry, and Orofacial Myology.  His credentials speak for themselves for he is the only individual in the United States with a Doctorate in Speech Pathology and Orthodontics. Reading his books, articles, and medical memorandums have provided great insight, substantiated research, and facts in which to verify and improve my therapeutic techniques, methods and teaching skills.  

Throughout the years I have evaluated and treated a variety of unique, interesting, funny and tug at my heart cases. One of the most endearing cases was of a small girl born with only a partial lower jaw. I was asked to consult with a well respected oral surgeon. It is amazing to see what courage and determination a small child has. We worked for months on nasal breathing, a closed rest posture of the lips, and correct rest posture of the tongue so that reconstruction would be stable. Over the years I have been asked by orthodontists who was the oldest client I ever treated with a thumb sucking problem. Many orthodontists were surprised to hear my answer. The oldest thumb sucking client I have treated was 29 years old. I am sure there are older adults out there who still suck their thumb however, will not seek help to eliminate the habit let alone discuss the problem with their Doctor.

One of the cutest conversations I had with a new client was during an initial consultation for a thumb sucking problem. This beautiful little girl told me she preferred to suck her right thumb but if the right thumb was busy she would switch to the left thumb. During an initial consultation I always ask the client,"Why do you like to suck your thumb?" This little girl's answer surprised me. . She said, "I like to suck my thumb because it tastes good." I then asked, "What does your thumb taste like?" Her answer, "It tastes like chocolate." I then said both thumbs taste like chocolate. Her response was, "No just my right thumb, that's why I like sucking my right thumb more than my left." It pays to ask questions! One of the most unusual cases referred to me was a fifteen year old girl that would come home and once home would suck on a pacifier all evening long. I was surprised and intrigued by this case. She was a very vivacious, beautiful girl, and after several conversations with her and her parents it was determined that the pacifier sucking was just a habit that we could deal with together. So I put together an individualized program for her and with her following my directions to the letter, as well as, calling me daily she stopped using the pacifier within two weeks. After completing the program successfully she and her parents had a right of passage ritual, buried the pacifier in the back yard, laid it to rest then went out shopping as a reward. Definitely a happy teenager!

I believe there are three important elements required to be an accomplished and effective Myo-Functional Therapist.

AWARENESS, DESIRE, AND EDUCATION.

AWARENESS - in being aware that every client/patient should be treated with respect, compassion, and understanding.

DESIRE - having the desire and drive to do my best for this client/patient that is possible.

EDUCATION - not only continuing my education through classes, and reading but by teaching, attending conventions, learning from colleagues, and seeking out professionals regarding new techniques, advancement in our profession as well as advancement in associated professions.

The combination of awareness, desire, and education will bring about SUCCESS!