Beneath Your Stutter

"Every experience, every struggle, has shaped me into who I am today. I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. It's made me stronger, more empathetic, more resilient."
— Kelly Smith

In this episode, host Paige welcomes Kelly Smith, owner of a successful catering and event planning company in Santa Barbara, California, who shares her inspiring healing journey with stuttering.

Kelly discusses the challenges she faced growing up with stuttering, feeling isolated and silenced, and the impact of having a stuttering parent. Despite the obstacles, Kelly's resilience shines through in pursuing her dreams to become a successful entrepreneur. 

Her story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar struggles, highlighting the power of determination and self-belief in overcoming adversity.

Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :)

Links

How much do you hide your stutter? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/

1:1 Personalized Coaching for Stuttering: Learn more here
https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/

Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/

Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

“Whether you’re working with a speech therapist, in a group therapy intensive program or one-to-one with a coach, there are many options and paths to making progress towards your fluency goals."

In this enlightening episode, Paige unravels the differences between speech therapy and one-to-one coaching for stuttering.

She uncovers how coaching offers a holistic approach, delving into emotional triggers and lived experiences. Contrasting group therapy with personalized attention, intensive short-term programs with ongoing support, and therapists with coaches who have walked the path, there are many options to choose from.

Therapy and coaching bring different solutions and benefits to the table. Depending on your needs, one approach might be more beneficial than the other. But more than likely, utilizing the services between speech therapy and coaching is a beneficial combination.

Listen now to discover the path right for you.

Need more clarity to understand how coaching might be a solution for you? Book a FREE consultation call to share your current challenges and ask questions in a non-judgmental and safe space. Go to www.thehappystutterer.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :)

Links

How much do you hide your stutter? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/

1:1 Personalized Coaching for Stuttering: Learn more here
https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/

Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/

Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

"Increasing awareness of our thoughts can profoundly impact how we perceive and navigate our experiences, empowering us to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace personal growth."

Paige explores the profound impact of paying attention to one's thoughts that impact the experience of stuttering. Introducing the concept of cognitive distortions, the episode delves into how these distorted thoughts shape individuals' perceptions and emotions related to stuttering.

Drawing from personal experiences, Paige shares examples of common distorted thoughts encountered by individuals who stutter, such as all-or-nothing or crystal ball thinking. Solutions to counter these distortions are offered, emphasizing the importance of reframing thoughts and fostering self-awareness.

You’re invited to explore your own thinking patterns and one’s thought processes to foster positive change in the experience of stuttering.

I’m curious, did you recognize a few of these thinking patterns for yourself? Explore how these thinking distortions might be getting in the way of you achieving the level of fluency you want. Book a FREE consultation call or learn more at www.thehappystutterer.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :)

Links

How much do you hide your stutter? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/

1:1 Personalized Coaching for Stuttering: Learn more here
https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/

Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/

Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

“Stepping out of your comfort zone is like a muscle, and it gets larger and stronger the more you expand it. Take small, doable steps toward your fluency goals, not giant leaps."

In this episode, Paige delves into the intricacies of behavior change, focusing on the journey from comfort to growth, specifically in the context of working on fluency. 

The discussion introduces the concept of four behavior zones: comfort zone, fear zone, growth zone, and panic zone. Drawing from personal experiences, Paige sheds light on the challenges faced during speech therapy and beyond, emphasizing the importance of understanding these zones to facilitate effective change.

Strategies such as establishing 'just enough' safety, finding the 'sweet spot' for growth, and adopting a slow and steady approach are highlighted for navigating these zones of behaviour successfully. The episode concludes with a reminder that behaviour change is not a linear process and offers support to those working towards their fluency goals.

Get support with a 1-hour Booster Shot coaching session for fast support — an immediate and laser-focused solution to help you feel better, by getting back to confidence in a speaking situation where fluency is most important to you. Book a FREE consultation call or learn more at www.thehappystutterer.com

Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :)

Links

How much do you hide your stutter? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/

1:1 Personalized Coaching for Stuttering: Learn more here
https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/

Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/

Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

After speech therapy, it's crucial to acknowledge the realities that may not have been addressed during treatment — empowering you to navigate post-therapy with resilience and self-awareness.

In Episode 19, embark on a raw exploration of life after speech therapy, delving into the often unspoken reality of stuttering relapse. Paige shares her personal journey, from the exhilaration of newfound fluency to the crushing disappointment of stuttering making a comeback. The term "relapse" is unpacked within the context of stuttering, revealing its prevalence and dispelling common misconceptions. Learn the challenges in maintaining fluency amidst the complexities of everyday life and balancing authenticity with the pressure to conform to speech techniques.

To mitigate a stuttering relapse, "Booster Shot" coaching sessions are available, providing ongoing support and guidance on your journey of maintaining fluency. Book a FREE call or reach out to [email protected].

Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :)

Links

How much do you hide your stutter? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/

1:1 Personalized Coaching for Stuttering: Learn more here
https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/

Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/

Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

There are two ways to anxiety — either through the ancient brain or the thinking brain. It’s helpful to know where your anxiety begins, as this is a clue which strategy will be most helpful in reducing it.

In Episode 18, Paige delves into the relationship between the brain, body, and stuttering, focusing on anxiety. The episode introduces insights from the book 'Rewire Your Anxious Brain,' exploring how anxiety manifests through the ancient brain (amygdala) and the thinking brain (cerebral cortex).

Addressing the prevalence of anxiety in stuttering experiences, Paige distinguishes between fear and anxiety, emphasizing their role in speaking situations. The two paths to anxiety are: the primal responses of the amygdala and the conscious anticipation of the cerebral cortex. Strategies for tackling anxiety include leveraging neuroplasticity to rewire the amygdala through relaxation techniques and reshaping thought patterns.

Do you know where anxiety is created in the body? Gain self-awareness about your anxiety triggers and stress responses during speaking situations. Explore coaching solutions for overcoming anxiety-related stuttering: Book a FREE call or reach out to [email protected].

Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :)

Links

How much do you hide your stutter? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/

1:1 Personalized Coaching for Stuttering: Learn more here
https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/

Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/

Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

Life brings pivotal moments when the spotlight is going to be shining on you. Being proactive before the big day and gaining the skills you need, your future self will be thankful that you prepared in advance.

In Episode 17, Paige shares the journey of saying her wedding vows, taking steps to manage her speech anxiety when speaking in the spotlight. Being proactive, she created a process to transform potential stress into a positive experience. Reflecting on past challenges, Paige introduces SMART goals and strategies such as visualization, meticulous preparation, balanced practice, and creating a physical connection with the venue.

Other key takeaways are the impact of preparation leading up to the event as well as the night before. As the episode concludes, Paige reassures listeners that normal nervousness can be mitigated through preparation, allowing them to confidently face their next significant speaking moment.

Do you have a BIG life event coming up? Prepare for your next speaking moment with tailored strategies and personalized support. Send your inquiries about the "Speak in the Spotlight" coaching package to [email protected].

Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :)

Links

How much do you hide your stutter? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/

1:1 Personalized Coaching for Stuttering: Learn more here
https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/

Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/

Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

The degree to which you hide (covert) or show (overt) your stutter makes a huge impact on your overall mental health and emotional well-being.

Episode 16 explores the covert to overt spectrum of stuttering behaviors, addressing the impact this has on mental health. Paige introduces the "What's Your Stutter Personality?" — a quiz designed for self-awareness and understanding your own covert/overt behaviors. Using sea creatures as metaphors, the Octopus symbolizes avoidance behavior, the Crab secretive tendencies, the Turtle represents both, and the Dolphin signifies openness about stuttering. Paige shares her own journey from covert stuttering to becoming more overt, growing in confidence over time.

What’s Your Stutter Personality? Go to www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz and take the quiz to discover your sea creature! Gain insights and understanding into how covert/overt stuttering behaviour shows up in your life. Share your results with Paige: [email protected].

Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :)

Links

How much do you hide your stutter? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/

1:1 Personalized Coaching for Stuttering: Learn more here
https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/

Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/

Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

Interview: Featuring individuals who are living their best life, doing what they love to do, and doing it no matter — while navigating life with a stutter.

In this episode, we’re talking to Mike Maines, a residential designer with many talents who shares his insights and experiences between two challenging worlds — stuttering and ADHD.

Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :)

Links

How much do you hide your stutter? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/

1:1 Personalized Coaching for Stuttering: Learn more here
https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/

Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/

Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

Safety behaviors provide temporary relief in immediate speaking moments, but over time they subconsciously hinder your natural flow of speech.

If you've ever tried to conceal your stutter, you're not alone.

This episode unravels the coping mechanisms behind safety behaviors in stuttering — driven by the fear of judgment, past traumas, and societal misconceptions.

Self-editing behaviors such as scanning-ahead and substituting words become deeply ingrained, paradoxically reinforcing the fear they aim to alleviate.

Self-censorship, rooted in past experiences where it felt unsafe to stutter, leads to a trade-off: short-term relief at the expense of true self-expression.

With patience and commitment, small steps can break the cycle to an unedited version of authentic expression!

Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :)

Links

How much do you hide your stutter? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/

1:1 Personalized Coaching for Stuttering: Learn more here
https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/

Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/

Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/