Stuttering Treatment: Online Private Speech Therapy UK

Stuttering (Stammering) Treatment for Adults and Children by our Expert Stuttering Therapist. 

Alison, our UK based Clinical Specialist Speech Therapist in Stuttering has 28 years’ experience of working in the field of Stuttering. 

She has worked at the Michael Palin Centre in London (an International Centre of Excellence for the Treatment of Stuttering) and is one of the few Registered European Fluency Specialists in the UK.

Alison is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and The Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP) 

Stuttering affects a person’s ability to speak fluently. Online Private Speech Therapy for Stuttering does not focus just on the stutter itself, but the ways you think and feel about stuttering. Through Stuttering Therapy you will learn about your stutter, reduce avoidance of situations and reduce your negative thoughts about stuttering. 

What’s the difference between Stammering and Stuttering?

In the UK, we use both the terms ‘stammering’ and ‘stuttering’ whereas other countries called it ‘stuttering’. Both stammering and stuttering mean the same thing.  

What is a Stutter?

A stutter affects a person's ability to speak with fluency. Speech Therapy does not focus on just the stutter itself, but the ways you think and feel about stuttering. Through online Speech Therapy for stuttering, you will learn about your stutter, reduce avoidance of situations and reduce your negative thoughts about stuttering.

Adults sometimes contact us saying they are unsure whether they have a stutter. Typically, a stutter features the following behaviours:  

• Repetitions of single syllable whole words, such as “and-and-and or I-I--I-I”

• Repetitions of sounds or syllables, such as “co-co-computer” or “c-c-c—cat”

• Elongating or prolonging sounds (prolongations), such as fffffffish or aaaaaapple

• A word gets stuck and does not come out at all (blocking), such as “b……….all”

However it is important to remember that stuttering is more than these repetitions, prolongations and blocks. People who stutter often have a number of negative thoughts and feelings about talking such as embarrassment, anxiety, fear, and frustration. They might worry about how others will react or what they will think of them if they stutter.

Why do people Stutter?

Stuttering is complex. In term of what causes stuttering, we now know that it is neurological and differences have been found in areas of the brain involved in talking for those who stutter compared with those who do not stutter. It is also thought to be a genetic or hereditary condition. 60% of people who stutter also have a relative who stutter or used to stutter.   

Stuttering typically starts in childhood. Most children who start to stutter will go on to speak fluently but 3% of adults will continue to stutter into adulthood.  

Why do I Stutter more when I’m nervous?

While individuals do vary, we know that when someone is feeling nervous they often tend to stutter more. You might be feeling nervous about stuttering in front of others or concerned about how your listener will react, or what they will think if they hear you stutter. These worries may lead you to tense your muscles, or may distract you from focusing on what you want to say. This can lead to more stuttering.

It is important to remember that while you may stutter more when you are feeling nervous, nervousness is not the cause of stuttering.   


Can Stuttering be cured?

While there is no cure for stuttering, Speech and Language Therapy for stuttering can be effective in reducing the impact that stuttering is having on your day to day life. You can develop your confidence to communicate, learn strategies to make talking easier and to reduce the negative thoughts and feelings you have about your stuttering.

Stuttering does not have to hold you back.