[ Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: SJG
Date: 01 Oct 2009
Time: 11:59:45 -0500
Remote Name: 151.194.5.142
I truly applaud the integration of cognitive therapy into stuttering treatment. Like many others, I learned a variety of physical techniques. And, like so many others, I could not seem to implement these techniques outside of the clinical setting, due to the cognitive issues -- and not just the physical issues -- surrounding my stuttering. How is it that I can speak fluently with one person and then be completely unable to speak with someone else? Clearly, stuttering is not only a physical problem, and overcoming stuttering requires more than just learning these physical tools. This article highlights the necessary holistic approach in the treatment of stuttering. By engaging in cognitive therapy, I have seen dramatic decreases in my level of anxiety when it comes to speaking, with corresponding dramatic increases in my level of fluency. That, combined with slowing down and easing into words that I feel will be difficult, has been a true miracle approach after 20 years of unsuccessful speech therapy. I didn't even know that cognitive therapy existed, up until recently, so thank you to Tim Mackesey for writing this article, and bringing this very important subject to the attention of so many individuals who have been fruitlessly looking for help.