One person in this thread used the "chicken or egg" question- and that is a good one. There are studies that suggest pws are more sensitive than non pws. If we are not taking meds, than we start to examine our unconscious thoughts about stuttering. The question is what you do starting 9/30/19. Have you read The Feeling Good Handbook or Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway? Have you read John Harrison's pdf: [https://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/Infostuttering/Harrison/redefining-stuttering.pdf](https://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/Infostuttering/Harrison/redefining-stuttering.pdf) Here is an exercise to consider trying: close your eyes and reflect back on a past stuttering memory that bothered you. You may actually *feel* the old memory in your chest or stomach. That is somatic memory. While you are in "the state" ask your self what you believed about stuttering in that moment. An irrational belief will be revealed. next, What did it mean to you? ​ Beliefs can trigger anxiety. For example, "If I meet my girlfriends family and friends and I stutter, they will think I am not adequate and may talk about my stuttering later." What is the anatomy of a pws fearing his/her name? What does he/she think people react when hearing it? I was severe thru undergrad. we wish you the best. Tim- Atlanta, GA