Mindfulness: It’s Practice and Application to stuttering treatment Susan M. Cochrane MA/ccc/slp; bcs-f

In the Moment of stuttering, People who stutter report: Feeling panicked, frozen and helpless. Being unable to “think”. Being, “at a loss of what to do” Being unable to apply “forward-flowing speaking techniques” Being unable to apply “positive, cognitive applications”

Objectives for the session Participants will list 5 benefits of mindfulness with regards to forward-moving speech. Participants will name 4 components of a mindfulness exercise. Participants will learn how to move through a mindfulness exercise.

What is Mindfulness? a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique

Mindfulness Applied to human undertakings for over 2000 years Used for intellectual and spiritual development Used to strengthen concentration Used to unlock human potential Used to reach a state of inner peace.

How is mindfulness used as a therapeutic technique? Trains your brain to cope better with life’s daily issues Improves focus and memory Trains you to become more conscious of the present moment Teaches you to tolerate the present moment Allows you to respond, rather than react to what is happening in the moment. Gives you a sense of control in an out-of-control situation.

How does mindfulness help people who stutter? To calmly attend to the present moment of stuttering - Within ourselves Cognitively Emotionally Physically - Outside of ourselves Conversation Distractions

How does mindfulness help people who stutter? Modifies the brain so we are able to become more as we wish Changing the brain depends on a Calm, Focused Attention To respond rather than react to what we feel

How does mindfulness help people who stutter? When we are able to calmly attend, we are able to access and apply the modifications necessary to communicate fully with others.

How do we “get to” a mindful state? First we must assess what we believe. Belief comes for Listening. What and to whom do you listen? What voices will you believe? You chose; because…… The voice you believe will determine the future you experience.

When we choose to listen to the negative we are unable to move ahead with the best we can be. “Great deeds remain undone and the possibility of growth into greatness of soul is aborted” Brennan Manning

How do we develop mindfulness? Relax; make yourself comfortable Clear the mind; breathe deeply Invite the musculature to relax Practice attending Develop personal scenarios Affirmations

Breathe Breathe Deeply Clears the mind Eliminates barrage of self-talk Calms the body, mind and soul - Choose a word or short phrase to repeat silently as you exhale.

Breathe - With each exhalation feel your body collapse further. - Visualize the airstream filling the lungs and flowing back out. - With each exhalation feel your body collapse further. Acknowledge mental drifting, kindly set it aside and return to the breath.

Invite the musculature to relax A calm/clear mind exists only in a relaxed body. Begin at the feet - with gratitude; invite the toes and feet to relax Continue upward until all the muscles are at rest.

Practice Attending Gently attending is what we call being mindful With regards to stuttering it: - teaches us to gently acknowledge and accept interruptions in our speech - heightens our awareness to what we are doing physically during communication

If and when your mind wanders, gently Practice Attending -heightens our awareness to the messages we are sending -heightens our awareness to our emotions Gently settle you mind Continue to breathe If and when your mind wanders, gently return

Imagine personal scenarios Shift your attention to something you would like to change Imagine it as it stands currently Remain there calmly accepting what it is Does this serve me? Shift your mind to what you desire Stay there calmly observing and accepting Does this scenario move you to be more as you would like be?

Affirmations Positive affirmations are a powerful tool used to change how each individual thinks and feels about themselves, which translates into his attitude and actions when facing others. 

Affirmations The benefits of positive affirmations can be applied to any and every aspect of your life that you wish to improve. Positive affirmations allow you to fulfill your capabilities, strengths and talents. By constant repetition, you will eliminate feelings of doubt and insecurity, making it easier to achieve a positive end result.

Affirmations I am calm and peaceful. I am a good listener. My mind is bright and clear. I have good and important things to say. I am strong and confident. My mind is clear and my body is calm.

Mindfulness put to action Prepare to feel marvelous

Thank you for coming! freedomtospeak@frontiernet.net