My name is Patricia. I’m from Germany but moved to the U.S. in 2014. I hold a Ph.D. in chemistry; I’m in my forties, married but without children. I started stuttering around age 4. For around four decades, I blocked on 90% or so of my words in virtually all conversations. Since my stutter was so public and noticeable — heavy blocks, sometimes a complete inability to say words or communicate at all, total speech shutdowns — I spent most of my early life trying to overcompensate. I thought, If I can’t speak like everyone else, maybe I can at least be the “perfect” daughter, the nicest student, the most polite stranger. I pushed myself to be studious and well-behaved, always trying to make sure people liked me. But inside, it was exhausting—exhausting to constantly shape my identity around what I lacked: fluency.
Although stuttering didn’t stop me from getting a good education, it definitely held me back in my career. I didn’t dare reach for the stars. Just thinking about going into an interview or having to talk on the phone filled me with dread. I told myself I wasn’t qualified, when the truth was I was scared to speak.
I first heard about Lee Lovett and his program back in 2017. I read the book—one of the earlier versions—and watched some of his videos on YouTube. His words stayed with me, but at that time, I was involved in a different speech program with a completely different approach. So I didn’t join then. But the idea of his methods never really left my mind.
Fast forward to January 2025. Something shifted, the time was right, and I finally felt ready. I downloaded the ‘StopStutter’ App, signed up, and jumped in with both feet—and I’ve never looked back.
Within the first two months, I became a PWSS. WSSA’s Mobile App, StopStutter, itself, is a goldmine — one place with everything you need: the tools, the masterclasses, the mind training, the coaching videos, and best of all, the practice groups. WSSA itself is a whole world of ex-stutterers, where people just like me are not only working to overcome stuttering but some are already fluent and have grown into the best version of themselves.
The most challenging part for me was actually the mind training. At first, I didn’t really believe in it, but because I’m a “good student” (see the pattern? 😉), I did it anyway—and slowly but surely, I began to see how it helps rebuild my confidence from the inside out and to even train the mind to think about speech as fluent and life as better. I now look forward to social situations. I want to show up and speak. I have a voice, and I want—and deserve—to be heard, and now I’m being heard and accepted.
The only regret I have? Not joining sooner. When I first discovered the program years ago, it almost seemed too good to be true. Who offers this much help for free? But maybe I wasn’t ready back then. I was ready now—and I’m so grateful that I took the leap.
A massive thank-you to Coach Lee, whose dedication and love for this community still blow me away. And thank you to Coach Danny, who showed me the ropes during our first session and has been a constant support ever since. And of course, thank you to the other members—your hard work and courage inspire me every day.
Patricia, Arizona, May 2025