Mastering Blocking & Stuttering Training Testimonials


Jump to testimonies from the 2003 Charlotte Trainings - April 2003 and October 2003 and from the Perth Australia training February 2004.


Charlotte North Carolina October 2004

Numerical Evaluations
Based on a 5 Point Scale from 1 - Poor to 5 - Excellent

(13 Participant Evaluations)

About the Presenter (Bob Bodenhamer):

Knowledge of the Subject - 4.92

Organized - 4.30

Interesting Style - 4.53

About the Material:

Interesting - 4.84

Usefulness - 4.76

What do the participants have to say about the training and what will they share with other PWS:

A special word about this training from John Harrison:

Now that I'm back a week from Bobby Bodenhamer's workshop, I thought I'd post a few reflections and observations.

Overall, I thought the workshop was terrific. Most of this is based on material that I learned or figured out back in the 60's when I was studying general semantics and reading "Psycho-cybernetics," and it played an important role in my recovery. I discovered early on that the way I thought about myself and how I experienced speaking situations had everything to do with why I blocked. I was in San Francisco in the early 60s where general semantics (which spawned NLP and neuro-semantics) was popular, and one of its leading exponents, S. I. Hayakawa, author the best sellering "Language in Thought and Action," was teaching classes at San Francisco State college. I took classes with Hayakawa and got to know him personally, and the exposure to his ideas encouraged me to explore the subject at depth and to apply it to my stuttering.

But communicating what I learned to others was a challenge. There were no real tools and processes for doing this. There was no self-help organization like the National Stuttering Association (which began in 1977) where I could publish my ideas in a newsletter or even chat with other PWS. Even if I could, people would have had to dive into general semantics the same way I did . But they'd have to go through the same extended thinking processes that I did -- not a very inviting prospect for many.

Speech pathology has developed the way it has over 80 years ago because right from the start...they got it wrong!!! Speech pathologists basically saw stuttering as a speech problem. And nobody could ever come up with really workable answers because...like most "unsolvable" problems...they were trying to solve the wrong problem. In the meanwhile, we've walked on the moon and sent rovers to Mars and printed out the description of the human genome. Yet, stuttering therapy has remained at a standstill.

Finally, however, it's starting to change. All this is happening because many people are starting to understand that blocking/stuttering must be approached as a SYSTEM. And part of that system involves our perceptions and beliefs -- all subjects that are addressed in Bobby's workshop.

Just sitting in the workshop for 4-5 days is enough to broaden your awareness and begin to change your thinking about what blocking/stuttering is all about. But you get more than that. You get TOOLS that actually work. Tools for changing how you think and perceive. And if you learn how to apply these tools and practice enough, you will definitely begin to see results.

Bobby is the ideal teacher. Although he never stuttering himself, he grew up dirt poor, a hillbilly who could never quite measure up because of his humble beginnings. It was hard to have others take him seriously, and all this and more contributed to early problems of low self-esteem. But Bobby's early background has given him an incredible advantage. It has led to an intuitive understanding of how people like us feel, since so many of our problems are similar.

Because he's transformed his own life, Bobby is a great teacher, quick to understand where people are coming from, and with loads of empathy for those who struggle. What you learn in the workshop will not, in and of itself, fix your speech...just like reading a book on how to paint will not by itself make a you a good painter...but it will start making you a believer. You will begin to see that not just your stuttering but the thinking that accompanies and triggers your blocking/stuttering can be changed.

Most important, because Bobby is a true expert in neuro-semantics, you'll have the tools and words to talk about it with others.

I predict that Bobby's book, when it comes out later this year, will make a valuable contribution to the field. It will be the very first book with tools and techniques that both therapists and PWS can use to address the thinking that drives blocking. The poor therapists have been at a loss from the beginning because they've not had any real help in dealing with or even understanding the real problem. Now they'll have this valuable resource at hand.

If you have never attended one of these workshops, really consider doing so. You can learn it all from books, but to learn it in the company of others...with the chance to ask questions in class...and the opportunity practice the exercises with others who hold similar goals...is an opportunity you should not pass up.

John Harrison

"Bobby's informal and humorous style belied a highly intelligent and intuitive mind. He is the first person I have met in all my years as a speech pathologist and person who stutters, who has a deep understanding of what the problem of blocking & stuttering really is - a 'social problem'. My mind has been opened up to new ideas and I have a completely new way of looking at my blocking. Most importantly, I now, for the first time in my life feel I can be totally fluent and it is in my power to do so.  Thanks so much Bobby for all your support, kindness and love."

Phoebe Butterwick
Speech Language Pathologist
UK

"Bobby understands the subject of stuttering. The models and methods applied are right on track to make my speech much more fluent and at ease."

Jan Willem Spee
Holland

"This course is an important stepping stone for all people who verbally block."

Paul Engelman

"It has been an informative training and an interesting topic. Even though my objective for being here was blocking related, I believe my life can improve in other areas as a result of applying this mentality to other parts of my life."

Anonymous

"Helpful for me.  Got to have opportunities to break into groups and also talk to others like me. Good to have therapists (Rick & Rita) there for additional support. Also, it was very powerful to have had John Harrison present."

Cindy Robinson

"Great training!!!"

Name not provided

"Outstanding and loved to be a part of it."

Brett A. Ramsey

"I enjoyed listening to your personal experiences and how you have overcome them as a person without a stammer.  Made me realize a lot of my low self image and negative hang-ups had nothing to do with my stammer. I enjoyed listening to other cases."

Rezina Ahmed
UK

Perth Australia February 2004

Numerical Evaluations
Based on a 5 Point Scale from 1 - Poor to 5 - Excellent

(24 Participant Evaluations)

About the Presenter (Bob Bodenhamer):

Knowledge of the Subject - 4.91

Organized - 4.54

Interesting Style - 4.54

About the Material:

Interesting - 4.62

Usefulness - 4.70

What do the participants have to say about the training and what will they share with other PWS:

"Excellent Bob. Its been the next level for me. The tools given to me during your workshop have been the most comprehensive I've ever came across.  To date, my tool kit comprised of speech specific techniques. Now I have tools that will walk me through all areas of my life."

Marc Kratochuil

"This has been a caveat course to get an insight to how the mind works in all areas of your life - not just speech. This has been an invaluable learning."

Rex Sinclair

"Very satisfying. I'm going to give it all I have. I can't thank you enough Bob and Coaches."

Trevor Malone

"I finally found the triggers relating to the original cause of my stuttering."

Anonymous

The following information was received by me from the above person in an unsolicited e-mail 10/10/2004. This person attended the 5-Day Mastering Blocking & Stuttering Workshop in Perth Australia February 2004.  He did not wish for his name to be available on the internet but is more than willing to share individually with PWS. If you wish to communicate with him, contact Bob Bodenhamer at bobbybodenhamer@yahoo.com.

Bob,

I thought I should also give you a brief report of my progress with my speech. I've been meaning to write to you a long time ago as I've been really impressed by my progress using NLP tools. Since attending the course in Perth, I've been a different person. I hardly stutter at work and I do a lot of talking. I think that the last six months have been the happiest of my life. And I've also been able to maintain my fluency at social functions (eg parties). I've never been able to do that using any of the speech therapy courses I've done in the past. At the timing of this insurgence of fluency has been impeccable as over the last few months, I had to attend a lot of parties and business meetings (in fact, I would say that on a few business meetings, my fluency has been a life-saver)

I still stutter once in a while. But now its very mild and short in duration. What's strange is that now I approach any social situation in confidence; in my mind stuttering is no longer an issue. But when I do stutter, I find myself really surprised that I actually had a stutter. This says to me that in my mind, stuttering is no longer an issue, but my body is still playing catch up. Nonetheless, I'm not too concerned about this as I always seem to be improving. Everyday, I see myself improving.

Immediately after the course, I used about 3 or 4 tools. But now, I only use the "3rd position" and "5th position" tool (from time to time, I would alternate between these two perspectives). And I think that I've used this tool so many times, now, I often automatically switch to the mentality behind these perspectives even though I'm not actually trying to be in 3rd/5th position. Eg when approaching a speaking situation, the state of my mind is already as if I'm at a 3rd/5th position even though I'm not deliberately trying to use any of these tools. And I experience fluency. Yet I can't actually verbalise/articulate what this state of mind is (I only know that it "feels" as if I'm already in the 3rd/5th position even though I'm not really practicing that tool).

Anyway, attending your course in Perth is the best thing that I've done in my life at this point. Please continue your good work

Anonymous

"Bob is a man who emanates compassion and love. His quirky sense of humour and patience are beautifully balanced to inspire and motivate his students. It is clear that Bob is respected and greatly admired by everyone involved in this course. He's show us how to laugh at ourselves and most importantly he has shown us just how much power we have over our own destinies.  Anyone who can keep an eclectic group of 30+ laughing, thinking and healing for 5 days straight is a Master Teacher! Many thanks Bob."

Sarah White

"This training has inspired me when my stutter and block are of no significance. It not only inspired me in my stutter but also in general. The way I handle my life now and knowing how I should handle my life.  I own my life."

Roland Butnoris

"I enjoyed the training enormously - lessons learnt; relate to life generally not only stuttering."

Brian Maley

"Very helpful. I feel very positive about future possibilities. i.e. apply to many areas of my life other than speech: work, social life, relationships, sports, etc.

James Atkins

"Though I have been happy with the practical value of previous stuttering recovery training and coaching, this training has reinforced the power of the mind to 'get in our own way'. Unconscious thought modification is the first step to knowing myself and becoming fluent."

Lance Austin

"Everyone had to begin where he was. I loved it. I can see how it will be installed in my life."

Eddie Bechara

"This is a comprehensive model for allowing your thinking and sub-conscious thoughts to give you the consequence of fluency for PWBS."

Barry Fraser

"Excellent. Maybe a sixth day to complete the matrix."

Brett Doolan

"Fun. Useful to McGruire graduates as our extension of skills. Increases the skills in our 'tool box.'"

Geoff Johnston

"I've been more fluent during the workshop. I do need to get back to Brisbane and re-read the manual. I made some great new friends. I really enjoyed myself."

Carlo Silipo

"Great. I believe that I now have the skills to achieve complete fluency and a lot more.

David Flood

"The emphasis on the exercises is great. I really enjoyed the course. My speech had already improved a lot over the last 10 years and most of what I did that worked is part of this program in a clearer and purer form. It has given me the resources and tools that I am confident that will help me take the next step. I understand myself much better and I have cleared up some misconceptions of myself. I am also looking forward to applying this course to areas of my life other than speaking."

Paul Ivory

"Excellent! I can now see a way forward onto fluency and other successes. Thanks heaps!"

Mark Facer

"Work/practice sessions were invaluable. The training is applicable to overcome other problem areas."

Jon Vitetta

"Very interesting. It has give me hope."

Liz Unwin

Charlotte, North Carolina October 2003

Numerical Evaluations
Based on a 5 Point Scale from 1 - Poor to 5 - Excellent

About the Presenter (Bob Bodenhamer):

Knowledge of the Subject - 4.9

Organized - 4.4

Interesting Style - 5

About the Material:

Interesting - 4.4

Usefulness - 4.6

What do the participants have to say about the training and what will they share with other PWS:
"You've tried the rest. Now try the best!"

"This training is about personal development and not just about overcoming a stuttering problem."

Nigel Wilson
UK

"I very much recommend this training. The head needs to be worked on as the physical part."

"I am happy I took the course. I'm looking forward to the 'new' me. Thank you."

Robert Carl
Woodbridge CT

"This training has the potential to be very useful with a lot of practice.  The training makes sense and it can change lives." 
"For me the training has opened a new consciousness. I have never felt more like myself and my age than this week.  I have had some initial success with this training that will compel me to meta-yes into the future. I actually have a clear picture of the difference between stuttering and fluency in my thought process. This is exciting!"

Brandon Quadrini
Albany NY

"This training is very, very useful for PWS who are reasonably advanced in their recovery. I believe this will prove to be a life changing experience for me!"

Todd Morse
Los Altos CA

"Bob definitely 'gets' the inner experience of the stutterer/blocker and has a valid theory/program to begin transforming the blocking mindset. Bob was interesting, compassionate and fun."

Steve Kennedy (Professional Counselor)
Oxford MA

"This is very helpful material but try not to stress yourself attempting to understand it all. You might hurt your brain."

David Ray
St Louis MO

"These patterns can be life changing!"

"I enjoyed and appreciated the work that the coaches put in for us."

"I enjoyed working with each of the participants and thoroughly enjoyed Bob's presentation of the materials."

Diane C Laval
Charlotte NC

"I encourage you to look into this training."

Mark Rostenko
Nederland CO

"I suggest you sign up for this training. I will talk about NLP and how it is possible to control the brain."

"I have a really good feeling about this training. I know it will be useful for me.  Thank you very much for all the support."

Jeorg Luetolf
Mountain View CA

Charlotte, North Carolina April 2003

 

Numerical Evaluations
Based on a 5 Point Scale from 1 - Poor to 5 - Excellent

About the Presenter (Bob Bodenhamer):

Knowledge of the Subject - 4.9

Organized - 4.4

Interesting Style - 4.9

About the Material:

Interesting - 4.9

Usefulness - 4.9

What do the participants have to say about the training and what will they share with other PWS:

"This is definitely the missing link. If you want to achieve better fluency (and keep it!), then this is the way to go."

"Great people. Both participants and coaches - can't think of a better group of people to spend a weekend with."

Nigel Wilson
UK

"I will encourage other PWS to attend this training.  The patterns and anchors are extremely useful for assisting in achieving fluency via blowing out toxic belief frames. Keep pursuing this knowledge until you get the results you want.

Cyndi Giannacco
Georgia (US)

"Drop what you are doing and take this course."

"Bob, you and your team are something special. I thoroughly enjoyed your class and receiving your teachings.  We are on the road to recovery."

Joe Giannacco (Husband of Cyndi - not a PWS but a big supporter of Cyndi)
Georgia (US)

"I have learned that there is hope for PWBS.  So many thanks! It means the world to have you care about PWBS and put so much energy and effort into the cause.  You are an angel sent straight from God in my eyes. On behalf of everyone who stutters, please accept my heartfelt thanks."

Jessica Taylor
Stockbridge, GA

"This is the most effective method for fluency which is long lasting."

"It was a good experience."

Angelo Gencarelli, Jr.
New Jersey

"This is a new way of looking at stuttering. But I've always known that it is in the mind."

"I would like to comment on the content of the workshop. For those of us who block we have lived a very frustrating life. We not only have had to deal with the frustration of blocking itself but also with the frustration of not knowing how to overcome it. Seeking answers and never getting any has been just as frustrating as the blocking itself. Some of us have received some very thwarted answers. Being told 'there's something wrong with your speech mechanism' or 'there's something neurologically wrong with you', 'you talk too fast', 'you're just nervous' only adds to this frustration and feeling of hopelessness. Traditional speech therapy has done nothing for us. My opinion of those who have found success with traditional speech therapy is that they have been able to control the symptoms and along the way have done some reframing if that is the correct term.

"I believe it was John Harrison that said we will be entering a new era of speech therapy and I believe that it has begun. This workshop is the first of it's kind that structures this "new way of looking at stuttering" that John Harrison has mentioned. For me it has solidified what I have always felt and known, for others it's a challenge to look at blocking for what it actually is, not a physical issue. The only thing left now is to put the tools given to us to the test. Wish us all luck. The proof will be in the pudding.

"I would like to give our trainer Mr. Bodenhamer a very special thanks. Your knowledge, dedication and care I believe will make profound changes in many people's lives. I thank my God for putting you in my path.

"I would also like to give a special thanks to Tim Mackesey for sharing his story with us. To see and hear someone now recovered from blocking, who has been thru what we PWB have been thru, is truly inspiring.

"For me the Journey began a few months ago. With this workshop I have more tools now to pave that road to fluency. I know I can do it! I will do it!

"God bless you all and for those who do not believe in God, may you be blessed anyways."

Fernando Fernandez, Jr.
Florida

"I have seen proof that it works and that proof will give you the persistence to stick it out. I would recommend that other PWS try it and keep an open mind."

"Bob gave me the tools to change my life. What I experienced this weekend will keep me at it until I succeed."

Will Chambliss
Georgia (US)

"Absolutely I will recommend this training to other PWS."

"I was very impressed with Bob's heart and his passion for this subject. Thank You! You are very appreciated! Bob is a blessing to us."

Stuart Smith
Alabama

"The expense of this training is an investment and the tools are applicable to life-long learning."

"Thank you so much for your dedication and expertise. You're a true treasure. Thank you for giving hope."

Patricia Dominquez
Illinois

"If I get good results, I will pass it on to other PWS."

"The time spent out of class with other PWS was very helpful also."

Rodney Staples
Alabama

"I will see how much I can implement the strategies before speaking to other PWS."

"Thanks for all the handouts."

Gary Lindenbaum
New York

"Going forward if I only take one thing from this program it would be that there is hope.  I will leave this session with a new sense of optimism and hope and peace - something I haven't had with reference to my speech in a long time."

"I appreciate the helpfulness of everyone and the desire of everyone to answer all questions of all participants here."

Frederick Allen
New Jersey

"I will tell other PWS that this is a very good opportunity to become fluent if you are committed and want to change. The tools and technologies are very powerful!"

"This weekend marks a change in my life. I have learned so many new things and I'm excited to start working on this. Thank you Bob!!"

Ole Thomassen
North Dakota

"I will tell other PWS that state changes are the key - staying in your head instead of other people's head."

(Name not provided)


What Speech Pathologist Tim Mackesey, PC says about this training -

"Do you ever anticipate stuttering, have negative feelings about stuttering, or even fear stuttering?  Has this been the obstacle keeping you from complete breakthrough?  Have thoughts and feelings about stuttering been directly linked to relapses after a therapy program? What if you could identify and then eliminate the cognitive and emotional process by which you do this?  If you have always believed that you needed more than speech production techniques to earn freedom, you are right. The Mastering Stuttering workshop offers you powerful strategies for solving these problems.  If you have had previous therapies and doubt your ability to change dramatically, there is hope.  Neuro-Semantic strategies offer you that vital piece to your puzzle."

Tim Mackesey, PC
fluency@bellsouth.net
www.stuttering-specialist.com


What Speech Pathologist Marjorie Rosenthal Foer says about this training -

"This approach makes sense. It is designed to unravel the complicated patterns, feelings, behaviors, triggers, etc. that created stuttering in the first place. It is a longer road (probably) before seeing solid results, but when you get to those results, they are yours forever!  You learn to rewire your whole speaking system so it works when you want!

"I love it. I am thrilled to have found a manual for something I've been doing by heart/intuition/instinct. Now I have more tools and deeper structures for rewiring - I'm looking forward to more in my readings.

"Bobby is wonderful! Down to earth. Amazing. Brilliant. Humble. Quick witted. Fun and funny. Charming and practical."

Marjorie Rosenthal Foer
marjorierf@earthlink.net


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