In this episode of EZ Conversations, James Burden shares his journey as a speech therapist specializing in stuttering. He discusses the deeper issues of fear and shame associated with stuttering and how overcoming them can make a voice unstoppable. James recounts his experiences with various therapy approaches and mentors and how a personal crisis led him to rethink his methods. He now champions a holistic approach that includes self-acceptance and debunks the myths related to stuttering. James also touches on political movements around stuttering and the concept of ableism and provides practical exercises to help those who stutter. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone dealing with stuttering or interested in speech therapy.
Unstoppable Voice, the 3-Step System Helps Professionals and Entrepreneurs who Stutter Speak with Conviction—So They Can Confidently Stand Out in Meetings, Impress Clients, and Go After Their Goals… without constantly worrying about their speech.”
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:58 James’ Journey into Stuttering Therapy
02:34 Challenges and Realizations
03:56 The Concept of Ableism
05:28 Holistic Approach to Stuttering
07:09 Personal Adversity and Meditation
09:14 Self-Acceptance and Stuttering
11:26 Mindset and Stuttering
17:49 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
26:03 Political Movement and Advocacy
30:19 Practical Exercises for Stuttering
41:02 Conclusion and Contact Information
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- BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/ez10 for 10% off your first month of therapy
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- Mint Mobile: https://trymintmobile.com/ezconversations for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan
- Mental: https://getmental.com/ez
- NuCalm: https://nucalm.com/free-trial?/ref=ez for a one-week free trial
- Descript: https://get.descript.com/e2d248wpwtav for creating podcast episodes
- LeanWorlds: https://get.learnworlds.com/EZCONVERSATIONS
- Dr. Lewis Nutrition: https://drlewisnutrition.com/ez
Or find Furkhan’s Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
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I am a men's coach, therapist, group facilitator, podcaster and author. My journey began five years ago when I was going through a separation. I found myself alone and in a shame spiral that our culture and society covertly exert on people due to the perceived "failure" of a marriage. Unfortunately, I personalized that message which led me to fall deeper into a hole, causing me to surround myself with people that did not serve me and engage in substance abuse. While seeking therapy, I was not making the wholesale changes I needed.
As part of my experience with therapy, I realized that I am not alone in the challenges men my age experience (I separated at the age of 34/35). I realized I could be a voice for men like myself and offer support in this space. In the middle of the pandemic, I applied for a Master's degree in Psychology to become a therapist. This change was a significant shift for me as I worked in the corporate world as an engineer. Once I leaned into the space of supporting other men, I also started a podcast to normalize these difficult conversations and started a men's group a year later with the support of a friend.
I thought I was giving something back when I started the men's group. However, I quickly realized I was getting substantially more from the connections I built than I initially anticipated. It was also something I needed because I was going through another breakup.
At that point, I also realized that I had not taken the time to heal, and I was outsourcing my healing through romantic relationships, substances, material acquisitions and superficial relationships. I decided to step away from the outgoing lifestyle and started to focus on my healing which was another phase of evolution for me on my journey. Over the last year and a half, I have become mindful of the people I spend my time with. I have cleaned my lifestyle of substances, toxic environments and behaviours. I have focused on my sleep, my health and my knowledge. I have improved my spiritual relationship with myself, which was lacking the most over the past five years. This is the best I have felt.
As part of my solitude journey and to find myself again, I also released a book encapsulating my journey, which I hope to share with others. My book is titled: The Pursuit of Self-Love.
