Hard vowels!

Hard vowels! Hi everyone! I’m extremely new to reddit so bear with me. I’ve been stuttering since I was a kid and my blocks have “evolved” over the years. For example, I used to be unable to pronounce a select few consonants when I was little but now, 15 years later, I’m having trouble with words that start with hard vowels like “after” or “initiate.” I used to go to a speech therapist so I’ve heard most of the whole slowing down and breathing methods, but those don’t help as much anymore. I’ve been struggling with more social anxiety as this has progressed, especially in anxiety generating situations like presentations. Was wondering if anyone had similar problems with short vowels and are willing to share how they overcame it?