One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Can you help me or my child stop stammering?” It’s an entirely understandable question. We live in a world where fluent speech is often seen as the goal, and stammering is something people feel they need to fix. Over the years, my views have changed and so has my approach.
I don’t focus on “getting rid of” a stammer. In fact, I don’t really work on fluency goals at all. My aim is to help people speak more easily and comfortably, in a way that feels natural and authentic to them.
Stammering is a valid way of speaking. It’s a different way of talking, and it doesn’t need to be changed or hidden. For many people, trying to stop stammering can lead to more pressure, anxiety and struggle. Instead of working towards fluency, I support people to feel more confident and at ease with how they speak.
There is no cure for stammering. Some people find their stammer lessens over time, while others notice it varies depending on the situation. For many, trying to stay fluent all the time can be exhausting and unsustainable. Techniques and strategies can sometimes help, but they rarely work for everyone or in every situation. Many people share their frustration when old strategies stop working, or when maintaining fluency feels like hard work.
I believe no one should ever feel they have to fix how they talk. Stammering is an acceptable way of speaking and I believe society needs to do more to embrace and value stammering voices.
Of course, this doesn’t mean stammering is always easy. It can come with a mix of complex feelings such as shame, anxiety, embarrassment or frustration. It’s important to acknowledge these experiences with understanding and compassion.
If you are considering therapy (or wondering how it can help), our work together can explore what is most important to you or your child. This may include learning more about stammering, exploring thoughts and feelings around speaking, building confidence to say what you truly want to say, reducing physical tension and finding ways to communicate more easily and comfortably. For some people, this process may lead to moments of increased fluency, but that is never the main goal. The goal is to feel more confident and at ease with your speech.
When working with very young children (especially those under five) my focus is working directly with parents. Together, we create a positive communication environment, build an understanding of stammering and learn ways to increase their child’s confidence, resilience and wellbeing, rather than trying to eliminate or reduce stammering.
As a speech and language therapist with over 16 years’ experience and a father who stammers, I am committed to raising awareness of stammering (stuttering) and sharing the latest evidence-based updates.
Have you seen my free guides about stammering? You can access them here, completely free of charge.
I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to add your comments and feedback below. If you would like to stay connected, you can sign up for stammering therapy updates here or visit my website here for more information about my approach to stammering support.
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