Know More, Do More
How is stuttering treated using the Novotalk System?
Novotalk employs an integrative treatment approach grounded
in well-known, traditional stuttering therapy techniques mainly focused on
fluency shaping. It includes special modifications designed to help you develop
natural and fluent speech. The course emphasizes self-learning and digital
feedback through Novotalk’s patented monitor. Additionally, the Novotalk system
helps maintain this acquired fluency by offering a short, convenient, and
accessible platform for daily practice after achieving fluent speech. The
therapy is led by an experienced speech therapist. The course also features an
emotional component called “creating a speech space,” which addresses the
emotional challenges that often accompany stuttering.
What’s the Fluency Shaping Method?
The Fluency Shaping method is not new. It has been used successfully for decades. The core idea of the method is to develop fluency gradually. Each stage focuses on specific patterns. Once a pattern is learned and internalized, the individual can begin working on a more advanced pattern. The method involves repeated and consistent practice of these patterns until they are reliably established in the speech muscles and new neural pathways in the brain are strengthened.
How effective is the treatment? Is it suitable for all?
If you practice, it will work. The techniques we use in our programs will give you effective, easy-to-understand tools. You should notice improvement in speech fluency within days. Supporting research clearly shows that anyone who uses these techniques consistently will see significant improvement in speech fluency.
What if my disfluency is special, or unique, how will you know?
During your initial clinical assessment, we will evaluate your speech and specific aspects of your dysfluency. If needed, the experienced therapist may develop a personalized plan tailored to your individual needs.
What do you need in order to participate in the course?
Technical requirements: To start the course, you will need an internet connection with at least 5 megabytes of bandwidth, the latest version of a web browser (preferably Chrome), and headphones (or earphones) with a microphone that connects to a computer, preferably via USB.
Time aspect: Keep in mind that learning the basics of the Novotalk system is intense and takes 30-45 minutes of daily practice for two to three months. After that, the implementation phase requires focused practice 3-4 times a week for 10 months.
What happens after I finish the program?
There’s a maintenance module that helps you maintain your newly acquired fluency. Practicing a little each day will keep stuttering at bay.
Are the programs and sessions supervised?
Yes. Each patient is assigned, in addition to “Emily,” our virtual therapist, a professional and experienced speech clinician or therapist who supervises progress in the program, provides feedback, and intervenes if needed. Also, you can contact the supervising speech therapist and ask them (almost) anything.
In some cases, the clinician’s time is billed separately, but he has a dashboard that helps him be efficient and effective in his feedback and overall oversight.
How often do you have to practice? How long is each practice session?
The basic course introduces a few skills (or levels), built gradually, that will eventually help you control your speech and speak fluently. Each skill will be guided and demonstrated, and afterward, you will need to practice and master it before moving on to the next skill.
We recommend practicing daily for 30 minutes to master the techniques, which will allow you to apply them in real-life situations later on.
Once all these learning levels are completed, the user advances to the implementation stage.
After completing the basic course, the frequency of practice sessions varies depending on individual needs, ranging from 5-7 minutes to 20 minutes a few times a week. At this stage, you’ll gradually improve your ability to use what you’ve learned in everyday speech.
Is the program individual or in a group?
The program is personalized, and each person learns and trains at their own pace. However, once you complete the program and are ready to start using these skills in spontaneous speech, you’ll be encouraged to practice the techniques with other users through video chats. In these chats, you’ll practice, share experiences, and interact with others in similar situations. A member of the Novotalk speech therapy team supervises some of these online conversations.
What about the emotional stress I am experiencing because of stuttering?
Every program includes a unique emotional support module called “Creating a Speech Space.” This module is specifically designed to help you manage the emotional burden. We at Novotalk believe that without emotional support and awareness of the emotional aspects related to stuttering, it is very difficult to achieve the full potential of the treatment.
Will my stutter disappear?
The short answer is yes. But there’s a “but”.
Stuttering is a chronic condition that most experts agree results from a combination of physiological, neurological, psychological, and environmental factors. The specific mechanism controlling these various factors is still unknown and varies from person to person. There is no evidence of a universal cure for stuttering. However, with the right techniques and consistent practice, fluent speech can be achieved in the vast majority of cases.
What are the advantages of the Novotalk program?
- Self-guided – you decide when to practice and for how long – you set the pace
- You can train and practice from anywhere – no need to go visit a clinic
- It’s adaptive and personalized – so it fits your specific needs
- Real-time and actionable feedback
- Professional supervision
- Maintenance mode – to ensure you don’t lose what you learned
- A large peer community
- Holistic solution – provides the technique along with emotional tools to implement it in stressful situations
How much does this cost?
Novotalk is now accepting participants for a limited pilot, heavily-discounted program in New York State and New Jersey, open to individuals 18 and older. Contact us for the promotional price.
What if I want to cancel my subscription?
There’s a money-back guarantee within two weeks of starting the program, minus $200 administrative cost and the clinical evaluation.