About us - our approach
We work with people who stammer, not simply with their speech behaviours. Our approach is not just about learning physical techniques that deal effectively in the short term with dysfluencies. We identify and teach the mechanics and dynamics of speaking. The result, in most cases, is an immediate, improved control of speech. To ensure continuing control in the long term, these physical techniques are supplemented by an understanding of the psychology of stammering and the benefits of self-acceptance. Together, these strategies combine to sustain consistent improvement.
Through techniques of concentration, assertiveness and non-avoidance, the McGuire Programme helps tackle the many fears of speaking experienced by people who stammer. As part of our long-term strategy, we explain the process of relapse and how to deal with it, should it occur, and we demonstrate how to challenge and begin to change lifelong negative traits. A sports mentality is basic to the McGuire Programme. Our positive attitude is to think of ourselves as “athletes” training to become accomplished at a sport – the sport of speaking.
We are realistic. We understand that recovery from the lifelong habits of stammering does not occur overnight. Graduates of the McGuire Programme, after their first intensive course, become lifelong members. Since we are a mutual self-help organization - run by people who stammer for the benefit of people who stammer - graduates are encouraged to participate fully in future courses. Programme members are welcomed back, as often as they wish, to continue working on their speech and to help others. We are empowered by coaching others, and thereby aid our own recovery.
It is a major strength of the McGuire Programme that we understand, from personal experience, the difficulties of dealing with a stammer. We recognize that effort is needed to change lifelong habits of speech and to lose the emotional baggage we’ve accumulated. We give support at every stage of speech recovery. Though we do ask that people commit seriously to the process of improvement, we do not ask anyone to do anything we have not done ourselves.
Graduates of the Programme may occasionally be dysfluent, but by following guidance and using the support system, they can overcome the negative emotions associated with stammering and enjoy a consistent level of eloquence. Speaking becomes fun, becomes an active pleasure. The positive energy generated on our courses has given very many past graduates of the Programme the confidence to move forward in other areas of their lives, to achieve personal goals and professional ambitions, to make so much more of themselves than they had believed possible.