Happy to provide support to others

[TWhitts]

Hi all,

I finally got around to joining this forum and thought I would introduce myself. I am a recovering covert stutterer who lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland Australia. I am a graduate of the McGuire programme and completed my first intensive course in May 2009. Prior to attending this course I lived in fear of my stutter and, like a covert stutterer does, I actively engaged in avoiding words, situations, and sounds where I would experience a block. My stutter used to dictate the direction of my life. It made me shy, introverted, and held me back from achieving much of what I wanted to achieve.

Since completing the McGuire programme I no longer live in fear. I am active everyday in practicing the speaking technique taught in the programme, and nowadays I rarely experience problems with stuttering. I have ultimately changed my life around my new found speaking freedom. I coordinate a support group on the Gold Coast in Australia for graduates of the McGuire programme.

I am very interested in supporting other people who experience problems with stuttering. Please feel free to drop me a line for a chat.

Cheers :)

[Box of Clocks]

Hi. Welcome to the forum.

[Anneka15]

Just wondering what the main technique is that helps you?

[amey]

Welcome! You sound like a really positive, inspiring person!:)

[TWhitts]

Hey Anneka,

The only technique I relally use is the McGuire Programme. I find it works for me as long as I consistently put in the hard work. The psychological approach inherinent in the programme seems to work well for me. Desensitising to the fear of stuttering is a big thing for me.

Regards,

Tim

[TWhitts]

Hey Amey,

Yeah I try and be positive...we all have our ups and downs of course!

Hope things are going well with you.

Cheers,

tim.

[DisfluentGirl]

Hi! I will be attending the Mcguire Program in March, how soon did it help you? Did you notice results right away?

[TWhitts]

Hi! I will be attending the Mcguire Program in March, how soon did it help you? Did you notice results right away?
Hi Disfluent girl,

When I walked out of the McGuire program 4 day intensive course I noticed immediate benefits to my speech. This seemed to be due to a number of reasons, but for me it was largely due to being desensitised to the fear of stuttering. In the course you meet many other stutterers, and have the opportunity to 'come out of the closet' (so to speak) as a stutterer. This for me was a massive step due to being a covert stutterer for just about all of my life. I used to live my life around trying to hide my stutter. An exhausting and stressful way to live.

However, the benefits of new found speaking freedom only last with the Mcguire program if you put in the work every day. This means practising technique daily, and taking steps to expand your comfort zone (i.e. continue to desensitise to the fear and anxiety associated with speaking). You do this by not holding back in your speech, and keep moving forward. I found that working at my speach daily has become a daily routine and a part of my life. It is really worth it though because now I largely have my stutter under control and I am a much happier person within myself.

I am really eager to hear how you go in March!!! Keep in touch.

Tim.