Understanding Stammering in Adults
Approximately 1% of adults stammer. Stammering is a neurological communication difference experienced by an estimated 70 million people worldwide.
Stammering (also known as stuttering) is a difference in the way speech flows. It may involve repetitions, prolongations, blocks, or feeling stuck on words. Stammering can vary from day to day and across different situations.
There is no “cure” for stammering. We believe stammering should be understood as a difference, not something that needs to be fixed or eliminated. Adults who stammer do not need therapy simply because they stammer. However, some people may benefit from speech and language therapy for stammering to help them reduce struggle and tension in their speech and to support confidence, communication, and participation in everyday life.
Adults who stammer may:
Repeat sounds, words, or phrases
Prolong sounds or get “stuck” (known as blocking) on words
Experience uncomfortable physical tension during speech
Experience challenging feelings of anticipation and threat of stammering
Avoid specific words, sounds, or speaking situations
Experience anxiety or reduced confidence when communicating
Feel unable to participate as fully as they would like to in life, out of a fear of openly showing their stammer
Feel pressure to hide or mask stammering
Struggle with negative, even traumatic past experiences related to speaking
Experience significant effort and fatigue associated with communication
Many adults who stammer develop strategies to hide or minimise their stammer, often called masking or covert stammering. Although these strategies can bring temporary relief, they may increase anxiety and limit confidence, spontaneity and authentic participation in life.
We believe good communication is about more than fluency. For many people who stammer, the freedom to speak spontaneously and express themselves fully and authentically can ultimately be more important than speaking without a stammer.
Stammering and Communication
Speech and language therapy for adults who stammer can support individuals to better understand their communication and build a more flexible, relaxed and confident relationship with speaking.
Stammer affirming therapy may include:
Exploring individual experiences of stammering
Understanding patterns of speech and communication
Reducing avoidance of words, sounds, or speaking situations
Building comfort with stammering and greater openness in communication
Supporting more spontaneous, authentic communication
Developing tools to manage moments of stammering when needed
Supporting communication confidence in work and social situations
Addressing anxiety linked to speaking
Practising real-life or challenging situations in a supportive environment
Supporting self-advocacy and disclosure (if desired)
Exploring ways to communicate effectively without pressure to be fluent
Reducing the tendency to ruminate on stammering, freeing up ‘brain space’ to think about other things
A key part of stammer affirming therapy may involve shifting the focus away from “perfect” or fluent speech, and towards communicating freely, meaningfully and effectively, regardless of whether stammering is present. We aim to support you to say what you want to say, when you want to say it.
Therapy may include elements of the following evidence-based approaches:
Avoidance Reduction Therapy (ARTs)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy (MBSR)
How Stammer Affirming Speech and Language Therapy Can Help
We assess each person holistically and tailor stammering therapy for adults around what matters most to each person.
It is important that therapy is stammering-affirming. We do not support approaches that focus only on fluency or aim to eliminate stammering. Instead, our approach to adult stammering therapy focuses on:
Reducing the impact of stammering on daily life
Increasing communication freedom and spontaneity
Reducing avoidance and increasing participation
Building confidence in speaking situations
Supporting self-acceptance and autonomy
Improving overall quality of life
For some people, this may include speech strategies. For others, the focus may be on reducing struggle, increasing openness, and developing a more accepting and positive relationship with stammering.
We aim to support you to say what you want to say, when you want to say it.
We offer:
In-person speech and language therapy at our UK clinics
Online speech and language therapy for adults who stammer
Flexible appointments to fit around work and daily life
How Can We Help?
If you are looking for speech therapy for stammering for adults, our experienced team is here to help.
We offer personalised speech and language therapy for adults who stammer, including assessment and one-to-one therapy tailored to your goals.
Contact us to discuss therapy options or support for yourself or a loved one.
Next steps
Start with an enquiry — we’ll guide you from there.
Option 1: ➡️ Complete our New Client Form and a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.
Option 2: Get in touch with any questions you may have - we’re here to help!
📞 01908 614 479
✉️ enquiries@magicwordstherapy.co.uk
📍 Looking for your nearest clinic?
We have 7 conveniently located clinics across the UK. We also offer online therapy wherever you are, whenever you need it!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, we provide face-to-face speech and language therapy at our UK clinics, as well as online therapy, so you can access support in a way that works best for you.
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Yes. Online speech and language therapy for adults who stammer can be highly effective and allows you to practise communication in real-life environments.
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Speech and language therapy does not aim to “cure” stammering. Instead, it focuses on helping you communicate more freely and confidently and develop a positive relationship with your stammer.
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No. While some people choose to use speech strategies, therapy often focuses more broadly on communication confidence, reducing anxiety, and increasing spontaneity and participation.
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Disclosure of stammering is a personal choice. Therapy can support you to explore whether and how you might want to share this.
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Not at all. Many people seek stammering therapy as adults and find it highly beneficial.
