I believe everyone\u2019s stuttering journey is unique\u2013just as each person\u2019s physical stutter, lived experiences and evolving goals associated with stuttering are unique.<\/span><\/p>\n I found myself seeking stuttering resources beyond my individual speech therapy during high school. My older sister, who stutters like me, has played a huge role in me finding support within the stuttering community. Together, we were colleagues at <\/span>Camp SAY<\/span><\/a> (Stuttering Association for the Young) and became involved with our local <\/span>NSA<\/span><\/a> (National Stuttering Association) chapters.<\/span><\/p>\n Now living in Boston and an <\/span>Adult Group Therapy<\/span><\/a> client at the <\/span>CST<\/span><\/a> (Center for Stuttering Therapy), I appreciate that the CST brings together people of different ages, professions, cultures and backgrounds. I am especially excited that this current fall 2024 semester\u200a\u2014\u200amy third as a client\u200a\u2014\u200ahas seen a noticeable increase in clients from the spring of 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI strongly believe it is equally important for people <\/span>to be effective speakers as they are effective listeners\u201d\u00a0<\/span>– <\/span>CST adult client Matthew Edwards<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n Attending the adult group has benefited me in a handful of key ways. For starters, the group has enabled me to create meaningful connections with my peer group members.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With every group meeting or interaction, I enjoy listening to and sharing my thoughts about stuttering. Whether from an insight shared during the group or a <\/span>weekly phone call<\/span><\/a>, I never fail to find something I have in common with a group member.<\/span><\/p>\n Eric and I both enjoy watching movies and reading books. Nick and I both work in communications. <\/span>Chris<\/span><\/a> and I have both separately gone snowboarding with our close friends, who left us (novices) atop a mountain to trek down ourselves. Olivia, from the United Kingdom and I, from New Jersey, both love the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego.<\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019ve also learned many other group members, like me, wish stuttering was not invisible\u200a\u2014\u200aor that people might naturally be more patient when someone does stutter to them.<\/span><\/p>\n At the same time, I am often introduced to a new viewpoint or fluency technique.<\/span><\/p>\n Often, these come from the graduate student clinicians who leave an enduring mark on the stuttering community through their steadfast support of clients\u2019 goals.<\/span><\/p>\n Voluntary stuttering, covert vs. overt stuttering and light contact were new topics when I first heard them during discussions at group. Overall, the group helps me <\/span>learn more about many facets of stuttering<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Growing up, I always believed stuttering is just one part of someone\u200a\u2014\u200athat someone\u2019s fluency is one aspect of them.<\/span><\/p>\n Stuttering affects a person\u2019s emotions, relationships, career, etc. \u2013 myself included. I strongly believe communication works two ways, and it is equally important for people to be effective speakers as they are effective listeners. To me, effective communication does not require perfect fluency.<\/span><\/p>\n Communication and human-to-human connection take many forms: verbal communication, body language, listening, eye contact, writing and many more.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/stuttering\/files\/2024\/12\/Matt-636x477.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/stuttering\/files\/2024\/10\/Center-for-Stuttering-Therapy-0483-636x424.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/stuttering\/files\/2024\/10\/Center-for-Stuttering-Therapy-0439-636x424.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"\/stuttering\/files\/2024\/10\/Center-for-Stuttering-Therapy-0530-636x424.jpg\")
<\/p>\n