"I'm not afraid to participate in discussions like in the past."
My stuttering has become much less severe and I've learned to manage it more effectively. I'm not afraid to speak up and participate in discussions like in the past.
My treatment exceeded my expectations. I learned more than just techniques to manage stuttering, but how to reduce the anxiety and negative emotional impact it has.
Alida acted as a guide/coach, leading me up the path to reaching my speech goals. She is a fantastic therapist and wonderful person.
The Center genuinely cares for its patients. It's always a pleasure to interact with them.
-- Brian S.
"Your advice always works."
Alida, thank you always for your advice. It always works - you are magical.
-- Maria.F., Patient's Mom
"Therapeutic Listening has brought about drastic changes."
Since you
introduced Jake to Therapeutic Listening, I have noticed drastic
changes in his attention span, attention to details, and his ability to
stay on task. He is much more receptive to trying to say more
words on his own, and doesn't pitch a fit when we prompt him.
--Margaret W., Parent
"Alida taught me not to be ashamed of my stuttering."
I
have been going to Alida for a little under a year for speech help and
have seen major improvement in my speech. Alida taught me not to
be ashamed of my stuttering -- for me the biggest challenge
because in the sixteen years I have been here I never talked about it
before. ... I am so glad I decided to start speech. It
has helped me tremendously with my talking and with my everyday life.
--Donald M., Teenager
"You rescued me and my voice."
I want to thank you so much. You came into my life to rescue me
and my Voice!!
--Halley P., Voice Client
"You've taught me a lot about how to work better with my own kids."
Our
weekly trips to you have been wonderful. I've always loved your
creative energy, and you've taught me a lot about how to work better
with my own kids. You are a terrific teacher and therapist, and
we are all going to miss you sorely when we move. Thank you so
much for everything you taught our kids.
--The C. Family
"Jennie's progress has astounded us."
Alida
has provided speech therapy services for my daughter, Jennie, for one
year. Jennie's progress has astounded us, and I would highly
recommend Alida for anyone young or old in need of speech and language
services. Both her innovative techniques and relationship
building skills have paved the way for a most successful outcome for
Jennie.
--G.M., Parent (From a letter to Jennie's
Pediatrician.)
"Bill's autistic non-verbalness is a thing of the past."
Bill's
autistic non-verbalness is a thing of the past now, thanks to the
transformative means of Alida's therapy sessions. After several
years of sessions with Alida, Bill can interact socially and
communicate his basic needs. He has learned self
confidence. Our family and friends appreciate his charm.
The joy we now feel in his company surpasses the few times when we felt
the bitter struggle to overcome his disability. Alida's
persistent attention to his unique needs, her loving and firm behavior
modification, her strenuous review, and her professional evaluations,
all with parental involvement factored in, portray a therapist who
sincerely believes in the human spirit: "Alida-Engelism."
As our family matures, we continue to support and develop Bill's
progress as we celebrate the beauty of being human. Thank you,
Alida!
--Jane L., Parent
"Thank you so much for your patience and understanding."
You
are wonderful! You have helped Robert so much, and not just with
his speech. Thank you so much for your patience and
understanding. You even know when to tell mom to "Go for a little
walk." (Mom put a smiley face here.) We were blessed to
have found you. Thank you.
--R & M, Parents
"Thank you for thinking outside the box."
There's
not a child in the world that wouldn't benefit from a talk with
Alida. Thank you for a most imaginative approach, because that's
what J-- responded to. She has blossomed this year in so
many ways. She not only speaks clearly, but she enjoys being
heard. Thank you for thinking outside the box. All the
best.
--G & R, Parents
"You also helped (my son) over all as a person!"
Alida,
you are so patient and wonderful! Not only have you helped my son
with fluency, but you also helped him over all as a person! With
your guidance, teaching, and support, our whole family has grown and
learned to communicate better. I can't thank you enough. Love,
--Laura L., Parent
"You have such a calming effect on me."
Alida,
you have such a calming effect on me, and subsequently on my
voice. I never thought you could improve me but you have!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
--L. J., Adult Voice Client
"Our little girl has blossomed!"
What
a wonderful gift God has given to us: You! The most
wonderful things have happened to us since you came into our
lives. Our little girl has blossomed and is responding
wonderfully to your teachings. Her eyes are brighter and her
confidence has mushroomed. In your motherly, loving, and professional
manner, you have transformed her from a child that was lost into an
eager and curious person. I look forward to our visits, and I
must say underneath your firmness F-- recognized the benefit of your
persistence and enjoys her new-found understanding. S-- and I
cannot express our heartfelt thanks and our gratitude to you adequately
enough. What you have done for our child we will never
forget. God bless you. Gratefully,
--V. & S. M.
(Parents)
Transgender Help
Alida helped my voice to become more feminine (I'm an M to F person.), and I've become more confident
in social situations. It was definitely a positive experience. I was never pushed to do anything
which made me uncomfortable, but my comfort zone was expanded so I could take things on when I was
ready. I would recommend the Center to others. My limits were respected but I wasn't allowed
to hold myself back out of fear so I made progress. Alida was always supportive.
I felt comfortable talking to her about anything. I'm very grateful for the huge
impact she 's had on my life.
--A., Transgendering Patient, New Haven, 2013
