What do YOU know about Hollins Institute in Virginia?

[studentdoc]

I want to do this program - but I remember reading somewhere that it is a fraud and they teach you to talk like a robot. Anybody have any experience personally or 2nd hand with Hollins in Virginia?
Thanks!!!

[studentdoc]

Here is where I read all that bad stuff in the past http://www.valsalva.org/forums/cgi-bin/valsalva.pl?noframes;read=744

[studentdoc]

Anyone know about this therapy? http://www.stutteringtreatment.org/home.html

[dave]

It costs 3,000 and its 11 days.

Robot Talk > stuttering*.

*In most severe cases.

Just because you go out sounding like a robot does not mean you will always talk like that.

[Invictus]

I recently inquired about their program. They told me that there was almost a 3 month waiting period for their course! I'm still considering it though.

[cotton]

Hi. I know four people from Hollins. They do not talk like robots. Actually I didn't even know they were ex-stutterers until I was told. I heard that in the beginning when you learn how to speak all over again, you'll sound like a robot. Then you'll have voluntary control over your muscles so you'll end up sounding natural the more you practice. It's definitely not a hoax! My friend's been pushing me to do it but I can't yet because you need know how to drive to get around from hotel to the clinic in VA. Yes they do have a waiting list, the last time I checked on them I had to wait out almost a season.

[cotton]

I just read the Hollins thread you linked. Yes I must admit it is strange they're developing their own DAF device. What other programs have you heard that is more reliable than Hollins? One Hollins person I know is relapsing now after about 5 years since the therapy. I dont think there is any program that will make you fluent forever. Why is it that we learn how to ride a bike and it sticks with us even after 10 years? But learning how to speak properly we often relapse back to our old ways? Is it the body that is fighting for equilibrium like the immune system? Is this new speech not supposed to be there?

[studentdoc]

Why is it that we learn how to ride a bike and it sticks with us even after 10 years? But learning how to speak properly we often relapse back to our old ways? Is it the body that is fighting for equilibrium like the immune system? Is this new speech not supposed to be there?

I think our "natural" way of speaking now is stuttering. Your equilibrium / immune system analogy seems to make sense. But I believe with enough effort and practice (once you know what the effort consists of) - then it will be manageable. I thought of entering AIS program in NY. It seems pretty promising from what I hear, it is Hollins + a lot of psychological aspects integrated (not so at Hollins). But this is from internet forums which can just be the companies reps advertising (afterall, these things do exist). Who knows - if I do anything though, it'll be Hollins thanks to your feedback Cotton.

[Vermillion]

If you want to go to any stuttering-based program, go to the Mcguire program.

[cotton]

Yes I thought about the thread as a marketing pitch but it looks legit. I don't understand why Hollins was thought to be unethical. Seems like trial and error is the only way to find out as did with many stutterers. studentdoc you're on the right track with the research. I haven't met anyone from AIS. Maybe their program has improved since its last convention I was in.

[studentdoc]

If you want to go to any stuttering-based program, go to the Mcguire program.
I looked into this and noticed it is in Australia. I emailed them to find out they have their headquarters in CA which is great. However, they don't teach mechanics like Hollins - it seems more of a confidence booster than anything else - but I may have missed things on my overview of the program. Why do you recommend this Vermillion? In the meantime, i have requested their DVD to see exactly what it's about. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Invictus]

I have been through the Mcguire Programme. Its basically a breathing technique which they teach, alongside with some pyschological stuff. The program worked great for about half the new students there, and the other half really didnt see any benefit. The programme didn't do too much for me.

They are very strict about following the breathing rules there almost to an absurd level. Also alot of former students are fanatical about the program.

The benefits of the program is its only about $1000, and it lasts 2-3 days, usually on the West Coast.

[studentdoc]

If you want to go to any stuttering-based program, go to the Mcguire program.
Here is someone quite unhappy with McGuire and if you click McGuire and then "other's views" you can see a lot of negative feedback http://www.david-rose.net/stammer.html

[studentdoc]

Just to let you guys know out of fairness, I spoke to a regional director as well as the founder of McGuire programme and there is more behind the story of that website. There are always two sides of a story - but McGuire's program does look promising - and we must remember that everybody is unique and what may cause me to stutter may not be what causes you to stutter. I will probably take a stab at this program this summer.

[dave]

Bowling Green State University in Ohio has a Program in the summer.