Author: hcri

HCRI: Driven By Research

Hollins Communications Research Institute
Driven By Research

HCRI is a pioneering institution in the continued development of research based, behaviorally oriented stuttering therapy. Our long term research on the observable features of stuttered speech has provided a strong foundation for development of practical and effective treatment programs for stuttering, including the Precision Fluency Shaping Program, and the more advanced and recent stuttering therapy program, the Hollins Fluency System™

HCRI has been a leader in the comprehensive behavior analysis of stuttered speech. We have identified a series of “fluency targets” involving articulation, voicing and respiration that can replace the distorted motor events of stuttered speech.

HCRI has also devoted work to developing specific methods of training within our therapy program. We have learned which training sequences are maximally effective and what skill levels must be attained within each step of the therapy process in order for success to follow at the next step. Laboratory derived principles of learning have been applied throughout the therapy program in order to foster effective acquisition and long term retention of fluency.

Our research has shown that the cognitive and emotional components of stuttering result directly from the presence of disturbed speech muscle movement patterns. This research has enabled us to develop methods of therapy that deal in a balanced manner with the motor, cognitive and emotional aspects of stuttering.

Research conducted at HCRI has permitted us to develop electronically based measurements of fluency skills. With our computerized instrumentation, we can measure a person’s progress through important stages within the therapy process. Our devices allow each person in therapy to receive immediate, precise feedback about the accuracy of performance on specific fluency targets. This advanced method of training within therapy provides each person with explicit knowledge of what must be done to generate fluent speech.

Additional research projects at HCRI deal with the role of sensory feedback in speech motor guidance, the detailed analysis of how stuttering is organized, and the development of improved fluency target measurement systems.

HCRI’s research continues with long-term monitoring of clients after therapy. This work helps us better define the relationships between fluency targets, training methods and the retention of fluency skills. It also guides us in making small, but important improvements within the therapy program.

Our Staff
HCRI’s staff consists of full-time clinicians, researchers and support personnel who specialize in the treatment of stuttering and in research on stuttering. Clinical staff members hold advanced credentials and have extensive experience in working with all levels of stuttering severity. Click Here to meet our staff.

View the videos at the left in order to learn more about how HCRI is advancing the understanding of stuttering and the ability to treat it effectively. This special therapy is only available at HCRI in Roanoke, Virginia USA. To receive more information by mail about HCRI’s stuttering therapy,Click Here

My Stuttering was Increasingly Interfering with Daily Tasks

Participating in the HCRI therapy program gave me more confidence and enabled me to take on leadership roles in my academic career that I never before would have considered.

When I was a teacher, I could control the environment in my classroom and create structure that helped with my speech. Yet, once I became a school administrator, things changed and my stuttering was increasingly interfering with daily tasks. I was not comfortable doing presentations, speaking up in meetings or talking on the telephone.

That’s when I decided to enroll in the HCRI program. The therapy was hard work. Yet, I learned how to control my stuttering. My fluency continued to improve with each day of treatment.

Since stuttering is a journey that continues through life, I realized when I returned home that I needed to regularly practice the breathing, articulating and other skills I learned at Hollins to maintain my fluency.

Soon after attending HCRI, I landed a new job with greater responsibility. With practice and smooth speech, I have more self-assurance than ever before and can comfortably talk in front of people whenever the need arises. Hollins provides a great program.

Anthony Sturges
Chief Operating Officer
Aurora Public Schools

Stuttering – Fear, Anxiety and Stress when I Need to Communicate.

While it was always a struggle, I never let my stuttering stop me as I went through school and started on my career path. Yet, I always felt like I paid a price for each of my accomplishments.  That price meant dealing with immense fear, anxiety and stress every time I needed to communicate.

When I started working after business school, I realized how important strong communication skills were to my future. To advance in my field, I needed to master public speaking and effortlessly give presentations, participate in meetings and talk on the phone.

Since childhood, I have participated in different types of speech therapy and even tried using a special device designed to help with stuttering.  None of the approaches helped with my fluency.

Then I was told about HCRI by a senior executive from my company who took a special interest in my career development. She knew of a colleague who had tremendous success with the Hollins program and put me in touch with him.  Soon thereafter, I went to Roanoke and participated in the program.  It was the first time any speech therapy had worked. At HCRI, I learned techniques and exercises that enabled me to speak fluently.

Since attending the program, my fear and anxiety from stuttering have been replaced with enjoyment and anticipation. I’ve advanced to a new position with my company and now look forward to presenting in front of groups and talking with business associates.

While I didn’t recognize doors being closed before I went to HCRI, now I definitely see them opening. Henry Kessler
Product Manager
Bristol-Myers Squibb

A Thank You To Hollins Communications Research Institute

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

Welcome to Hollins Communications Research Institute

Cutting edge research conducted by the staff of the Hollins Communications Research Institute has demonstrated the valuable role of scientific analysis in the creation of an objective, reliable, and effective 12-day treatment for stuttering. At HCRI, stuttering therapy represents a specific combination of advanced behavioral and computer technologies that enhance the learning and retention of fluent speech.

98% of HCRI program graduates say they would recommend this advanced stuttering therapy program to others who stutter. For many HCRI graduates, stuttering therapy is a one-time experience as fluency has replaced stuttering and continued therapy is not necessary. For persons who wish to have post-therapy support, HCRI offers a variety of services, including FluencyNet™, a new internet accessible home or office fluency support system that is available to alumni on a 24/7basis.

This treatment is only available at HCRI in Roanoke, Virginia USA. HCRI has treated over 5500 persons who stutter. If you stutter, or know someone that stutters, we invite you to learn more about the effective stuttering therapy provided at HCRI. To receive information by mail about HCRI’s stuttering therapy, Click Here, or call us at: (540) 265-5650.

Cutting edge research conducted by the staff of the Hollins Communications Research Institute has demonstrated the valuable role of scientific analysis in the creation of an objective, reliable, and effective 12-day treatment for stuttering. At HCRI, stuttering therapy represents a specific combination of advanced behavioral and computer technologies that enhance the learning and retention of fluent speech.

98% of HCRI program graduates say they would recommend this advanced stuttering therapy program to others who stutter. For many HCRI graduates, stuttering therapy is a one-time experience as fluency has replaced stuttering and continued therapy is not necessary. For persons who wish to have post-therapy support, HCRI offers a variety of services, including FluencyNet™, a new internet accessible home or office fluency support system that is available to alumni on a 24/7basis.

This treatment is only available at HCRI in Roanoke, Virginia USA. HCRI has treated over 5500 persons who stutter. If you stutter, or know someone that stutters, we invite you to learn more about the effective stuttering therapy provided at HCRI. To receive information by mail about HCRI’s stuttering therapy, Click Here, or call us at: (540) 265-5650.