How Beliefs and Self-Image Can Influence Stuttering

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Re: Self Image and Fluency?

From: Alan (to Kristina Sj)
Date: 15 Oct 2009
Time: 16:10:28 -0500
Remote Name: 81.77.200.221

Comments

Hi Kristina, The techniques that I acquired in 2000 allowed me to gain a high degree of control over my speech in the controlled environment (namely group therapy via a stuttering management programme) that they were being taught. In effect, they allowed me to consciously change the PHYSICAL side of my speaking behaviour, albeit (of course) not permanently at that stage. As I mentioned in my paper, I recognised that the acquisition of such tools/techniques, in isolation, had only limited value. I knew that I needed to do so much more than merely focus on the mechanics of my speech if I wished to hold onto those gains when I returned into the outside world. I needed to deal with my emotional baggage; I needed to change my mindset; I needed to challenge my self-limiting beliefs and I needed to widen my narrow self-image. Had I returned home and continued to follow the same lifestyle (and operate under my old belief system), the gains would have soon been cruelly snatched away. It had happened in the past. At last, I realised that I needed to deal holistically with my stutter. It was very much like assembling a jigsaw – each piece fitted into place to subsequently provide the finished article. By working on various aspects of my life (for example, self-acceptance, self-esteem, assertiveness, non-avoidance, letting go, expanding comfort zones, challenging self-beliefs, widening my self-image, changing physical behaviours, monitoring negative thinking etc etc), I found that my speech continued to improve as a by-product. You may wish to gain a more detailed insight into the path that I trod by reading some of my other online articles: STUTTERING IS NOT JUST A SPEECH PROBLEM http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/Infostuttering/badmington.pdf (2)STEP OUTSIDE: Why expanding comfort zones can improve our stuttering and lead to more fulfilling lives http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad6/papers/badmington6.html (3)HOW I CHANGED MY STUTTERING MINDSET http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad8/papers/badmington8.html (4) TECHNOLOGY : A friend or foe of someone who stutters http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad9/papers/badmington9.html Kristina, I am most grateful to you for taking the time to read my paper and provide feedback. Kindest regards Alan


Last changed: 10/15/09