It was so wonderful being able to talk fluently with my wife and kids after going through the HCRI program. For the first time in my life, I was able to use the exact words I wanted to say to my family at the moment I wanted to say them.

Before attending HCRI, communication with everyone – including family members — was a problem for me. I ridiculed myself for stuttering, and was always afraid of finding myself in a position of having to talk and not being able to do it.

I thank my wife for my attending the Hollins treatment program. She saw an article about HCRI and requested information. As an older participant, I found the therapy to be hard work. It was challenging to re-learn and practice how to speak. Yet, when I came home I was fluent. It lasted a few weeks and then my speech started to degrade. It was then that I realized that HCRI isn’t a magical pill for stuttering; rather, you have to practice on an ongoing basis to keep fluency.

The more I practiced and used the techniques I learned, the better I was able to converse and communicate. As a result, two years later I received a job promotion and was put in charge of a division with direct supervision of 20 people, where I was required to lead meetings and give presentations to upper management.

Now I hold a job with the U.S. State Department that requires me to travel internationally, hold meetings and give briefings. I don’t hesitate walking into a room where I don’t know anyone — and then giving a presentation. I actually enjoy it.

Frank Banks
Engineer
U.S. State Department