commentr/StutterApril 10, 2025

Content

From what I have seen in common from programs, including ones outside of speech therapy that some people really swear helped them (everything is anecdotal in this space, not enough research and money in it I guess), is that the strategy to deal with it doesn't matter as much as the mindset and getting yourself out there.  There was one I remember where even substituting didn't matter in the grand scheme of things.  That surprised me because substitution only raised my fear of the word or situation and helped make it a more self fulfilling prophecy.  So I chose to wait it out, repeat, sometimes even stutter through it and say it again, all to show there is nothing special or magical about the word, there is something deeper messing me up, and the word tended to come out randomly just like any other word when moments ago it seemed impossible to continue.   You'll probably find these programs and people and more in this subreddit but they are among all of the venting posts so its hard to find them in such a haystack sometimes.  For techniques, I'd recommend repetition as often as you can rather than forcing through and tightening into blocking.  That tended to lose all my energy to where even if I got through I was too tired to deal with it any further.  Repetition, not caring what others think and not dwelling on it no matter what kept my energy and slowly words or situations that felt impossible got easier and less impossible and then eventually its like i forgot to stutter on it.  Went through this twice with my name.  In my younger years and when I started sales.  Couldn't say it for the life of me half the time, didn't care, repeated, stuttered through it, didn't shy away from it, there was no option in my head to avoid it. I would not allow it.  Eventually, I don't even know how many months in, I could say my name with ease, and a stutter on it now and then was easier than other words.  Doesn't matter, I don't dwell on it beyond these conversations really and the general curiosity.  

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceEmotional ExperienceIdentity & Disability

Subthemes

Avoidance & SubstitutionHiding & ConcealmentOverthinking & MonitoringHope & MotivationAcceptance & Pride