Can Stammering Be Worked On Directly?

A very common question we’re asked in stammering therapy is whether we can work on the stammer directly – and our answer is often the slightly awkward: “it depends”.

Stammering (also known as stuttering) is a neurodevelopmental difference in how speech is produced. For many people, it isn’t something that can simply be “fixed” with techniques, and it may persist to some degree regardless of what is practised in therapy. Because of this, we always start by looking at the wider communication environment and any negative thoughts, emotions or experiences linked to stammering before considering direct speech work.

Many people who stammer show very few visible features such as repetitions or blocks, but experience significant fear, anxiety or anticipation around speaking. This emotional side of stammering can have a major impact on confidence and participation. Addressing these factors – through speech and language therapy and CBT (at The Stammer Space we use both professionals to target each area) – is often an important first step. Once this is in place, we can then consider whether direct stammering therapy feels appropriate.

There are a range of direct stammering techniques that may be explored. These can include rate reduction (slowing speech and using pauses to reduce time pressure), pull outs or cancellations (working with moments of stammering to reduce physical tension and struggle), and approaches such as the Camperdown Programme, which focuses on slow, gentle, stretched speech. The choice of approach depends on individual goals, how a technique feels in real-life situations, and whether it is genuinely helpful. It is always okay to decide that a particular technique is not for you.

The aim of direct stammering therapy is never to change who you are or how you naturally communicate. Constantly monitoring or altering speech can be tiring and unnatural. Direct strategies are best viewed as optional tools – things to try if they increase confidence, comfort or a sense of control around stammering, rather than as a cure.

If you would like to discuss direct stammering strategies in more detail, we offer a free 15-minute introductory call. Please get in touch to arrange this.