For some people who stutter control has become so intertwined with talking that to give it up seems very strange. They believe that it is normal to think of what words you are going to say and how to form the sounds. They can’t imagine not doing that when they talk (even though they don’t do it when they are talking to themselves). Other people use control as a crutch. They know how to speak without control, but they are afraid to let go.

Actually the more people try not to stutter, the more control they exert over their speech. That is why chasing fluency has always been a no win battle. When people who stutter give up their fear of stuttering and any negative feelings that they have toward themselves because they stutter, they are often more open to giving up control. Speaking fluently requires using the normal automatic processes of producing speech. Giving up control is essential.

1.      Those who had stuttering modification therapy, but were not convinced that this was all they could do to help themselves. They come to Dynamic Stuttering Therapy, because they have decided that, while accepting that they stutter and learning to stutter with a bit less struggle is beneficial, they have not been be able to improve the quality of their communication to the extent they desire. In their heart, they really do want to speak fluently.

2.     Those who were in fluency shaping programs and have tried to do what they had been taught, but became frustrated because it did not work for them. Due to the high hopes they had, they are often skeptical of yet another therapy and fear being disappointed by another unsuccessful therapy experience. Having been dedicated and serious clients, they may also be reluctant to give up the control techniques that they were taught even though they have really not produced the desired results. When these clients come to Dynamic Stuttering Therapy, they are amazed that the experience of speaking can be easier, more comfortable and, of course,  fluent.

3.    Those who did not like the therapy approach they had tried and, therefore, never made a habit of using additional speech or stuttering controls to speaking. When they come to Dynamic Stuttering Therapy, they are relieved that the therapy goals are so logical and uncomplicated. They are no longer reluctant to go along with the therapy process, because it makes sense and feels good.

Some of our clients did not let stuttering affect their lives even before beginning treatment. However, the majority of our clients come to therapy with years of negative experiences, thoughts and feelings related to stuttering. These clients work as much on cognitive processing as on neurological processing. Some of our clients need to make substantial cognitive changes in order to begin to enjoy speaking. My experience as a clinician has shown me the power of individuals to make changes. When the there is a direct relationship between change and desired results, the experience is rewarding.

After 18 hours of treatment with Barbara Dahm, Spencer explains how he learned  to speak naturally. For the first time he realized that there was no need force words out. He learned to produce speech easily and without effort . He was pleased not to have to learn, memorize and practice techniques.

Spencer’s ability to speak fluently was in no sense of the word a magic cure. In therapy he experienced a natural way of producing speech. During the therapy process, Spencer saw that his new way of speaking was more effective than his previous way. That motivated him to do the practice activities between sessions and to gradually begin to incorporate this way of speaking in his daily life. Spencer was never told that he had to speak in the new way all the time. However, he soon realized that there is a cause and effect condition. When he tried to force words out, he stuttered. When he produced speech by generating his natural voice without trying to control what he was saying, his speech flowed naturally. For the first time he felt that therapy had a positive effect on his life.