The Valsalva Stuttering Network

the worldwide

valsalva stuttering therapy

program 2012

william d. Parry, CCc-slp

Valsalva Stuttering Therapy is now available worldwide, through video-conferencing over the Internet.

(Subject to applicable law.  A webcam and high-speed Internet connection are required.  Participants must have competency in written and spoken English.)

Valsalva Stuttering Therapy is a comprehensive new approach to stuttering therapy, which seeks to improve fluency by controlling the physiological mechanism – the Valsalva mechanism – that may be involved in stuttering blocks.  Rather than teaching "fluency shaping" or focusing on controlling one's speech, Valsalva Stuttering Therapy is aimed at controlling the physiological forces that interfere with speech.  Its goal is not ar­tificial fluency, but freeing the stutterer's natural speaking ability and making speech easier and more enjoyable. 

The regular Valsalva Stuttering Therapy Program includes 25 hours of therapy over a period of approximately 18 weeks.  The program specifies 10 hours of instruction and practice during the first three weeks.  This is followed by individualized counseling sessions of one hour per week to help transfer skills to ordinary speaking situations.  The therapy can be done either by Skype™ (subject to applicable law) or in my Philadelphia office.  The regular therapy program can be followed up with optional additional sessions, on an hourly basis.

A 15-hour Short Program, given over a period of approximately eight weeks, is available for persons whose stuttering is relatively mild or who are unable to commit to the full program.  The purpose of the Short Program is to provide education and to teach basic Valsalva Control principles and skills.  It does not include “transitioning” Valsalva Control to everyday speaking situations, which is a gradual process that usually requires additional, individualized therapy over a longer period of time.

E-mail William Parry at contact@valsalva.org for further information or to arrange a free consultation.