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From: Sophie
Date: 10/7/02
Time: 7:04:43 PM
Remote Name: 165.247.46.116
Vicki,
Thank you for your questions.
From what I remember, the private SLP only addressed the block aspect of my stutter, but at the time my stuttered speech was almost always in the form of a block. It was almost as if I wouldn't let myself repeat syllables or perform more obvious variations of stuttering, because I had learned that stuttering was such a horrible thing to do. So, by giving me a way to avoid blocking, she was essentially giving me a way to mask almost all of my stuttering.
I still use word substitution to avoid stuttering. I never really got the hang of blowing puffs of air before the word or syllable I thought I was going to get stuck on.
I realize now, though, that using such cover-ups only creates more stress and anxiety, so I'm trying very hard to not substitute words and force myself to say the words I want to say even if it takes a very long time. But, it's difficult.
I hope this answers your questions. If not, I'll happily try again.
Best of luck with your graduate work.
Sophie