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From: Walt Manning
Date: 10/22/02
Time: 7:42:28 AM
Remote Name: 141.225.97.53
Intensive programs require committment on many levels (effort, time, money)and by their very nature require more committment and focus on the part of the participant. That is what I wanted to do - jump in all the way - since I was tired of living live as I had to that point and ready for change. That often happens, by the way, at about your son's age. Up to that point in life we often hope the problem will somehow go away but often during the early to mid 20s we realize that we must go to work and make changes. So I think that most of the intensive programs provide that opportunity for making that choice. People that are ready to take the time and money and make the required effort are more likely to make meaningful change than those that are not.
Regarding specific intensive programs I've met and worked with people who have had success in many of the programs and also many that have not experienced long-term success. Of course it depends on how much the speaker can assume the role of monitoring and modifying their own speech in an ever-expanding world of speaking situations. The programs I'm most familiar with are the Precision Fluency Shaping program has many success and the Successful Stuttering Management Program (SSMP). They aren't going to be the "ANSWER" for everyone depending on their motivation, history of stutering, talents, etc. but they do provide well thought-out and useful experiences for people who are ready to work hard for change. Hope this helps.