Webinar Series: A Personal Insight into the Psychological Impact of having a Stammer

Webinar Series 2027

Speaker: Anthony Church

I'm a retired IT manager living in the west of Ireland.  I'm married with 5 children and 5 grandchildren. We raise puppies for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and volunteer for other charities.  I'm a slow but keen runner and am in the middle of a part time BSc Psychology degree with the Open University. 

I have always stammered, and it has dominated all aspects of my life. I shall explain what stammering is, is and compare it to an iceberg- the physical manifestation (blocks, facial contortions, etc.) is the small part above the surface.  Below the surface there's shame, anger, frustration, etc. I'll discuss the impact on my sense of self and identity by not being able to say my name and express myself as I would want. On the hand, I have had a successful career, perhaps enabled by an enhanced…