in times like now that internet and information are all over the place, it's a bit easier to find the right practice for yourself. BUT for personally I think my speech therapist is the reason I understand that it's possible to speak better. She knows what the problem is and always reminds to breath, relax and speak slower. Curing (not sure it's the right word) of stuttering is a hard and heartbreaking way and you need someone to guide and cheer you up in this hard way. but the only one that can help yourself is you, you and you. Listen carefully to what your speech therapist says and DO what he/she says in home. So personally I think, YES they are so important to us.