I am a mother of a six year old girl with selective mutism. I have been researching mutism therapies since a while now and also read the book about the SPACE method.
I am confused about the difference approaches:
SPACE: would take away the accommodations of the parents speaking for the child, assuming that if she needs something, she will have no choice (in the end) to ask for herself
PCIT-SM: builds up situations to facilitate talking, with as main focus: no talking without comfort, as the anxiety literally prevents the voice muscles from working. The first step is to take away any pressure on the child to talk. The next step is to provide feasible opportunities (exposures).
Both methods seem to contradict each other. I can see how SPACE can help with OCD and separation anxiety, but would appreciate some professional advice on its suitability for selective mutism.
Thank you!
Sarah