How Can I Overcome Stuttering? Through Stuttering Speech Therapy
Author: Nimra Khan, Reg. CASLPO, Speech-Language Pathologist
Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Stuttering, a communication disorder characterized by disruptions in the normal flow of speech, affects millions of individuals worldwide. While there is no shortage of speech therapy options aiming to address and alleviate stuttering, a growing body of research emphasizes the importance of acceptance in the therapeutic process. In this article, we'll delve into the world of stuttering speech therapy, exploring the evolving perspectives on acceptance and its profound impact on individuals navigating the challenges of living with a stutter.
Before delving into the nuances of stuttering speech therapy, it's crucial to understand the nature of stuttering itself. Stuttering typically manifests as interruptions in the smooth flow of speech, marked by repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words, prolongations, and involuntary pauses. It often emerges during childhood but can persist into adulthood, significantly affecting one's self-esteem, social interactions, and overall quality of life. You can read more here about who discovered stuttering.
I want to highlight that some disfluencies are normal in speech – having fillers, occasionally repeating words. But when this occurs often, especially accompanied with tension, then it leads us towards an understanding of stutter.
Historically, traditional approaches to stuttering therapy have focused on fluency enhancement, aiming to eliminate or reduce stuttering behaviours. Techniques such as prolonged speech, fluency shaping, and breathing exercises have been staples in stuttering therapy programs. While these approaches have shown some success in improving fluency, they often neglect the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a stutter.
In my experiences, supporting breath-support and pacing has been the most beneficial for many clients as it creates a more calming speaking experience and generally more clarity in speech. I consider these strategies as a “toolkit”, to use when needed. On the other hand, as I will discuss further with “acceptance”, the covert/hidden aspects of stuttering can be used at all times and require a re-framing of your own perceptions of stuttering to eventually feel comfortable. Consider ways to reduce physical tension and what type of breather you are.
In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in the field of stuttering therapy. Researchers and therapists are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating acceptance-based strategies into treatment plans. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a therapeutic approach rooted in mindfulness and acceptance, has gained prominence for its effectiveness in addressing the emotional impact of stuttering.
Numerous studies have explored the role of acceptance in stuttering therapy, shedding light on its positive effects on mental health and overall well-being. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research found that individuals who underwent therapy incorporating acceptance-based techniques reported lower levels of anxiety and increased satisfaction with communication compared to those in traditional fluency-focused programs.
Moreover, a 2018 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Fluency Disorders analysed the outcomes of various stuttering therapy approaches. The findings indicated that interventions embracing acceptance-based strategies not only led to improvements in communication but also contributed to enhanced emotional resilience and self-acceptance among individuals with stuttering.
Acceptance in stuttering therapy extends beyond the therapeutic setting, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance in daily life. Embracing one's stuttering as an integral part of their identity fosters a positive mindset, empowering individuals to navigate social interactions with confidence and resilience. Incorporating mindfulness strategies can also help with this. This self-acceptance is a dynamic process, influenced by factors such as societal attitudes, personal experiences, and therapeutic support. Read more about the mind-body connection.
While the benefits of acceptance in stuttering therapy are evident, the journey toward self-acceptance is not without its challenges. Societal stigmas and misconceptions surrounding stuttering can contribute to feelings of shame and inadequacy. Therapists play a crucial role in creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages individuals to confront and overcome these challenges on their path to acceptance. The following are some of the main challenges that I have seen:
1. Social Stigma and Misconceptions:
People who stutter often face societal stigmas and misconceptions about speech fluency. These misconceptions can contribute to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and a desire to conform to societal norms, making acceptance challenging.
2. Negative Self-Perception:
Internalizing negative attitudes about stuttering can lead to a negative self-perception. Individuals may develop low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, and a belief that their worth is tied to their fluency.
3. Impact on Professional and Educational Opportunities:
Stuttering can create additional challenges in professional and educational settings. Some individuals may fear judgment or discrimination, which can affect career choices, job interviews, and academic performance.
4. Limited Public Awareness:
Limited public awareness and understanding of stuttering can contribute to misunderstandings and insensitivity. Educating others about stuttering may become a constant effort for individuals seeking acceptance.
5. Pressure to Conform to Fluency Norms:
Society often places pressure on individuals to conform to traditional fluency norms. This pressure can lead to a constant internal struggle between accepting one's authentic communication style and conforming to societal expectations.
6. Emotional Impact of Stuttering Events:
Experiencing moments of severe stuttering, commonly referred to as "stuttering events," can have a profound emotional impact. These events may lead to heightened anxiety, fear of social situations, and avoidance of speaking altogether.
7. Relationship Challenges:
Stuttering can pose challenges in forming and maintaining relationships. Individuals may fear judgment or rejection, leading to social anxiety and difficulty establishing connections with others. This is so different for each individual. I’ve worked with clients who stutter most in front of strangers, while others are able to hide their stuttering very well in front of strangers but stutter most in front of close family – this can be due to feelings of comfort (not having to hide), or discomfort (a family member who might have negatively judged them in the past).
8. Cumulative Effects of Past Negative Experiences:
Past negative experiences related to stuttering, such as bullying or ridicule, can create lasting emotional scars. Overcoming the cumulative effects of these experiences is an ongoing process in achieving acceptance.
9. Accessibility to Acceptance-Based Therapies:
Access to therapy programs that emphasize acceptance can be limited in certain geographical areas or communities. Some individuals may face challenges in finding therapists who specialize in acceptance-based approaches to stuttering.
10. Struggling with Speech Therapy Goals:
Individuals engaged in traditional fluency-focused therapy may struggle with the pressure to achieve specific fluency goals. The constant pursuit of fluency can impede the acceptance of stuttering as a natural part of communication.
It's important to recognize that the path to acceptance is highly individualized, and these challenges may not be universal. From my own experiences with clients, I’ve seen the best outcomes for those individuals who are ready to discuss the hidden/internalized aspects of their stutter. Many clients can also find a CBT approach helpful.
To further explore the transformative power of acceptance in stuttering therapy, let's turn to personal narratives. Real-life stories of individuals who have embraced their stuttering offer valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs on the path to acceptance.
Amanda Mammana: America’s Got Talent contestant
Source: The Stuttering Foundation
Amanda describes herself as a very outgoing child who became shy when her stutter became more prominent. This led to hiding her stutter despite support from people around her, and she describes this as an internal battle for many years. She received therapy as a teenager and adult, mainly focused on vocal strain while speaking.
The biggest barrier to overcome for Amanda was her own acceptance of stuttering moments; giving herself time, and not feeling that it wasn’t worth speaking if she did stutter. She still has a stutter, but she doesn’t let it reduce her opportunities. For instance, she describes journaling every day and working on breathing and mindfulness to keep her mind and body calm.
Lani Roy
Source: Canadian Stuttering Association
Lani describes her experience, having stuttered since she was very young, to the changes involved in starting her Bachelor of Science degree. She discusses the covert aspects – feelings of insecurity, unintelligence, guilt, and more. A pivotal point for her development was meeting others who stuttered; she felt she was not alone in this.
After working on the fluency shaping aspects (such as easy onsets, mentioned earlier in this article) to manage those stuttering moments, she brings up that her own perspective on how she viewed herself really helped change her attitude towards stuttering.
The evolution of stuttering speech therapy toward acceptance-based approaches marks a significant step forward in addressing the holistic needs of individuals who stutter. Research findings consistently highlight the positive impact of acceptance on mental health, communication satisfaction, and overall well-being. As therapists continue to integrate acceptance and mindfulness into their practice, individuals with stuttering are empowered to embark on a journey of self-discovery, embracing their unique voices with confidence and resilience. The path to acceptance may be challenging, but it is a journey that holds the promise of self-empowerment for those who stutter.
To speak with a psychotherapist or one of the speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, schedule an initial consultation by clicking the link below or calling (647) 795-5277.