Beneath Your Stutter

Paige Smith

The Beneath Your Stutter podcast is where we dive deep below the surface of the iceberg into the emotional waters of stuttering. I'm your host Paige Smith, a Stuttering Relapse Recovery Coach, helping you get back on track to the level of fluency that makes you happy. Let's go beneath the surface of your stutter for deeper self-awareness, personal growth and transformation.

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Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

Choosing Your Path: Speech Therapy vs. One-On-One Coaching
Apr 2 2024
Choosing Your Path: Speech Therapy vs. One-On-One Coaching
Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :)“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.comLinksWhat’s Your Stutter Personality? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Recovery from Stuttering Relapse: Coaching solutions with Paige https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/
Thoughts Matter: Paying Attention to the Stuttering Mind
Mar 26 2024
Thoughts Matter: Paying Attention to the Stuttering Mind
Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :)"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.comLinksWhat’s Your Stutter Personality? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Recovery from Stuttering Relapse: Coaching solutions with Paige https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/
From Comfort to Growth: Why Working on Fluency Feels Awkward
Mar 19 2024
From Comfort to Growth: Why Working on Fluency Feels Awkward
Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :)“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.comLinksWhat’s Your Stutter Personality? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Recovery from Stuttering Relapse: Coaching solutions with Paige https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/
The Brain, Body and Stuttering: Two Ways to Anxiety
Mar 5 2024
The Brain, Body and Stuttering: Two Ways to Anxiety
Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :)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 paige@thehappystutterer.com.LinksWhat’s Your Stutter Personality? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Recovery from Stuttering Relapse: Coaching solutions with Paige https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/
Speaking in the Spotlight: Saying My Wedding Vows
Feb 27 2024
Speaking in the Spotlight: Saying My Wedding Vows
Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :)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 paige@thehappystutterer.com.LinksWhat’s Your Stutter Personality? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Recovery from Stuttering Relapse: Coaching solutions with Paige https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/
The Princess’s Pea: A Tale of Sensitivity and Stuttering
Oct 17 2023
The Princess’s Pea: A Tale of Sensitivity and Stuttering
Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :)Stuttering can feel like that small dried pea — overshadowing your entire identity and leaving you feeling black and blue — but it's only a small part of who you are.In this episode, we take a fresh look at the timeless fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea" and reveal its surprising connection to stuttering. We explore the concept of sensitivity and its profound influence on those who stutter. This episode offers valuable strategies to navigate the intersection of sensitivity and stuttering, fostering awareness and self-discovery. Join us as we reinterpret the princess's restless night through the lens of stuttering, providing a thought-provoking perspective on this classic story.Highlights0:45 Introducing this favourite childhood story "The Princess and the Pea"1:54 Original story read in it's entirety6:56 Identify the 'special quality' that is the essence of this story7:40 Research is shared about the connection between sensitivity and stuttering9:30 How does the trait sensitivity influence the experience of stuttering?10:55 Internalizing stuttering is like the small dried pea of the sensitive princess13:40 Quick and fun test to learn what sensitivity traits describe you14:25 Book recommendation to learn more about sensitivity14:57 The importance of self-care in a loud and noisy world15:33 Embracing your nature adds another dimension to your experiencesLinksWhat’s Your Stutter Personality? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Recovery from Stuttering Relapse: Coaching solutions with Paige https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/
See What’s Really Going On When You Get “The Look”
Oct 10 2023
See What’s Really Going On When You Get “The Look”
Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :)Ever get 'the look' while you're stuck in a stutter? When you realize that other peoples’ reactions are not about you, you hold onto your own power and confidence.In this episode, we delve into the "Looking Glass Self," a concept that explores how our self-concept is shaped by others. This concept involves imagining how we appear to others, anticipating their judgments, and developing feelings based on these perceptions. For those who stutter, perceived judgments during moments of disfluency can impact self-esteem. We discuss strategies to break free from external validation and encourage self-acceptance. Find out what truly matters when you look in the mirror.Highlights0:28 Introduction to what is going on behind "The Look"2:18 What exactly is "The Looking Glass Self"?2:45 The 3-step process of this psychological phenomenon5:16 How dangerous our imagined judgments can be6:23 Learn how the world and people act as our 'mirrors'8:43 One side effect of 'The Look'10:34 Five strategies to overcome the negative effects of The Looking Glass Self13:36 Key points to remember the next time you get 'The Look'14:20 Self-guided questions to reflect on your own self-concept15:05 Closing comments: it's time to shatter those mirrors and take back your powerLinksWhat’s Your Stutter Personality? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Recovery from Stuttering Relapse: Coaching solutions with Paige https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/
The 7 Phobias Hiding Behind Stuttering
Oct 3 2023
The 7 Phobias Hiding Behind Stuttering
Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :)Layered on top of stuttering is a complex web of fears and phobias, increasing the difficulties in speaking due to the additional stress and anxiety.In this episode, we explore the inner world of stuttering and its underlying fears and phobias. Sparked by a listener's question, we’re unraveling phobias such as speaking on the phone, public speaking, and the fear of being overheard — all intertwined within the experience of stuttering. Personal experiences and strategies for tackling these phobias are discussed, emphasizing awareness and possible solutions. It's all about recognizing your fears and putting them behind you. Come along for an enlightening journey into the hidden fears of stuttering!Highlights1:00 Introducing Allyson's 'greatest fear'3:53 Identifying the difference between fears and phobias4:55 How do you know if you have a phobia?6:36 Learn about the 7 different types of phobias behind stuttering11:36 Strategies to address these phobias within the experience of stuttering14:53 What are some key takeaways if you’re struggling with phobias?15:37 Ask questions to get clarity on how these fears and phobias impact youLinksWhat’s Your Stutter Personality? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Recovery from Stuttering Relapse: Coaching solutions with Paige https://www.thehappystutterer.com/services/Website: Learn more https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Instagram: Follow here https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/