The McGuire Programme is a holistic and multi-faceted programme dealing with the whole person, as opposed to concentrating only upon the mechanics of speech. The programme provides a technique to physically overcome the speech blocks and challenging words. It teaches an understanding of the physiology and psychology of stuttering as well as encouraging self-acceptance (as a recovering stutterer).
The Programme assists individuals to overcome the fear of speaking by concentration, assertiveness and non-avoidance techniques. It explains about relapse and how to deal with it, should it occur. It runs workshops to challenge and change the lifelong negative traits associated with stuttering.
The Programme recognizes that the behavioral change required to overcome stuttering does not occur overnight therefore graduates are encouraged to return to future courses to enable this change to occur. Through this experience they become empowered by coaching others, in addition to aiding their own recovery.
Overcoming a lifetime of stuttering, and the emotional baggage that has accumulated over the years is tough. We understand the effort that is needed and lend support throughout the course. You will not be asked to do anything that we are not prepared to do ourselves. For so many past graduates of the Programme, the positive energy generated on our courses has filtered into other areas of their lives. Once you can speak with the fluency you desire, there will be no stopping you.
Thousands of graduates worldwide have now found freedom with their speech, so we know it works. You may occasionally stutter (block) after the course but if you apply the McGuire technique, you will never stutter out of control again.
We will instruct, motivate and support you throughout your recovery. However it is up to the individual and their personal motivation to ensure success with our programme. Success is proportional to the effort exerted in your recovery.
In order to give yourself a strong foundation for your recovery you will attend a three-day, live-in, intensive course. The course is run by a registered speech therapist under license from ourselves. We administer and manage the actual presentation of the courses on behalf of the therapist. Be prepared to work very hard at learning the techniques to overcome your stutter.
All new students are required to stay at the course venue. This is necessary to allow students to be totally removed from outside distractions and to concentrate fully on working on their speech. We recommend that you share a room with an experienced graduate of the programme. This graduate will assist in your recovery. If you prefer to stay in a single room, we will do our very best to meet your requirements.
We will organize the accommodation for you.
Casual, comfortable clothes for the course sessions are recommended.
You will also need a firm belt, long & strong enough to fit around your chest to aid with the breathing.
On completion of the course, you will be allocated a personal Primary Coach. Your Primary coach is your first line of support.
You will be able to discuss your speaking goals, plan how to attain these goals and be supported and encouraged in actioning them.
Your workbook contains a structured support plan for your first six weeks of recovery following the course. This initial period is key to your recovery and the book helps you to keep focus.
Lifetime follow up support is provided for you after your initial course. We don’t just train you in the McGuire technique and then let you go your own way; we WANT to ensure your success. In addition to your Primary Coach, other coaches and graduates are on hand to ensure that if you have a problem, there is always someone you can call to discuss, address and plan a way to rectify your speaking issues.
Each new student will be given a copy of the course manual “Beyond Stuttering” on the first day of the course. This manual incorporates all you will learn on the intensive course and much more.
Support groups will operate in Cape Town, Johannesburg/Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom on a weekly or fortnightly basis to provide contact, mutual support and friendship with recovering stutterers. Support groups will also be run in other areas if there are enough graduates. One day and weekend events are also arranged by Support Groups to reinforce your new speaking personality.
Once you have paid your membership fee, you become a life long member and you can return to as many intensive courses as you like. As a graduate (i.e., you have completed your first course) these additional courses are opportunities to consolidate your skills and understanding as well as helping to train new students in the technique. You will find that even in the early days you will be able to assist, inspire and support new students on their first intensive course.
The programme has a world wide telephone list of experienced graduates who WANT you to call them to access support at the end of a phone line.
There is a worldwide Internet discussion group where you can make contact with other graduates, and discuss various issues and share information. It has voice, text and email facilities.
The lifetime membership entitles you to access all the Programme’s resources, including intensive and refresher courses, Support Groups and the phone list. The Programme is here for you to use as much or as little as you want. Our aim is to help YOU to recover from YOUR stutter.
The membership fee is only due on the second day of your first intensive course. If you decide on the second day that the course is not for you, there is no charge, except for accommodation. You can therefore leave the course on the second day without having to pay the membership fee.
The current cost for lifetime membership to the Programme worldwide is R8 000. All follow up support is free of charge.
It is important to note that you are not only paying for one course. You are becoming a life long member with the right to attend all follow up courses. The more courses you attend, the better your speech will become, but you’ll only have to pay the membership fee once.
Bursaries are available to people who cannot afford the full membership fee. Please contact us in this regard.