Stuttering is a type of disorder that disrupts the normal flow of speech, meaning people who stutter know exactly what they mean, but have trouble finding and pronouncing the words. This can bring down self-esteem, decrease self-confidence and even take anxiety to extremely high levels.
Stuttering can be common among children and preteens and resolve itself naturally. But in some cases, it reaches adulthood. Interestingly, stuttering can also begin in adulthood and is usually aggravated by stress and anxiety. Hypnotherapy can be a very useful tool, reducing stress and anxiety, but treatment with hypnosis does not stop there.
What causes this disorder?
The cause of stuttering is complex and varied. Experts believe there is a combination of factors, including:
Genetics: Research shows that 60% of people who stutter have a family member who also stutters;
Speech speed: If the person speaks too fast, he is prone to develop stuttering;
Differences in brain processing: Studies have shown that stutterers process language in different areas of the brain.
Stuttering in children
Between two and five years, stuttering is normal. They are learning to speak and may stutter from time to time. It may last for weeks or months, but in some, it may last longer.
If stuttering is frequent and seems to get worse, it may be worthwhile to take the child to a speech therapist. If the child reaches school age with stuttering, they will be aware that they have speech problems and this can increase their anxiety and even result in bullying. It would only aggravate the situation.
Stuttering in adults
Stuttering, continuing (or starting) into adulthood, can lead to stress, anxiety and low self-esteem. Professional help should be sought to resolve the problem as soon as possible.
Hypnotherapy for stuttering
Initially, a consultation with a speech therapist is recommended. It will help to investigate physical causes for the disorder. Or you can decide to “self help” by downloading a specially recorded hypnosis track – probably the quickest and cheapest way to test it for yourself.
Clinical hypnosis is very useful in treatment, addressing the following points:
Anxiety
When people become aware of stuttering, they greatly increase their anxiety, as they believe that stuttering is “wrong” and is ashamed of it. Hypnotherapy can help to reduce anxiety, especially that which appears in the moment preceding speech. When this exaggerated concern is lessened, stuttering is greatly reduced.
Low self esteem
A common “side effect” in stuttering is low self-esteem. This may be due to childhood bullying. Hypnotherapy can help with this, giving new meaning and / or desensitizing these past events.
Stress
Most people make stuttering worse when they are stressed. Hypnotherapy is effective in treating stress and can help a lot. The hypnotic state is already very relaxing and, combined with self-hypnosis techniques, can help to reduce stress and, consequently, stuttering.
Triggers
For some people, stuttering is triggered by some situation, environment or even a person. If this is the case, hypnosis can remove these triggers. For example, instead of feeling anxious about a situation, the hypnotherapist could change these reactions so that the client feels confident and relaxed.
If you are a stutterer, contact a trusted hypnotherapist or download an MP3. Stuttering is not funny, it has treatment.
The cause of stuttering is complex and varied. Experts believe there is a combination of factors, including:
