Benefits of Group Fluency Therapy for People Who Stutter:
By Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP
(I stutter, and many of these tips helped)
(Many of these tips helped me talk in public and raise my hand to ask questions)
Support/Practice groups provide a safe space for people who stutter. These venues allow participants to speak openly about their experiences for people who are struggling with different challenges, such as stuttering. It allows them space to stutter without fear and to learn fluency skills. The format allows participants to meet others, learn skills and conquer fears. This is how I overcame severe stuttering and intense anxiety related to speaking in general.
In addition to providing support, stuttering groups also offer participants the opportunity to meet others who are facing similar situations and see that they are not alone in their experiences.
In this article, I will explore the different advantages of group therapy for people who want to work on their stuttering, be more fluent and be effective communicators.
Let’s Begin!
7 Key Benefits of Group Therapy
Here are just some of the benefits to group therapy for people who stutter:
1. Friendship
You’re not alone. When you walk into a group therapy session with people who stutter or adults who stutter, you will meet others who are struggling with similar issues. It can be very comforting to know that you are not the only one going through what you are experiencing.
2. A Safe Place to Talk
In group therapy, confidentiality is key. What is said in the group stays in the group. This is a safe place for you to open up and share your thoughts and feelings without judgment from others because each member there is going through the same thing. This is true for stuttering and fluency groups as well.
3. Build Confidence
The more you participate in group therapy, the more confidence you will have not only in sharing your story but also in hearing the stories of others. In time, you will develop trust not only in the group members but also in the therapists. Stuttering is challenging. You need help using fluency skills.
4. Decrease Isolation
Isolation with stuttering happens when you feel alone. When you’re feeling isolated, it’s easy to want to stay home and not see anyone. Group therapy can help reduce that isolation by providing a support system outside of your family and friends. If you stutter and join a group you are not alone.
5. More Challenging Speaking Situations
In group therapy, you will practice communicating with others in a safe and supportive environment. This can help build the confidence you need to communicate more effectively in other situations, such as at work or school. You will learn how to go on interviews, speak publicly and talk in person if you stutter.
Group therapy provides a unique opportunity to hear different perspectives on the same issue. This can help you see your situation in a new light and develop a better understanding of what you’re going through.
Self discovery
Group therapy is a journey of self-discovery. As you share your story with others and listen to others who stutter, you will learn more about yourself – your strengths, weaknesses, fears, values and beliefs. This can be a very empowering experience that can help you grow as a person.
There are many benefits to group therapy, making it an effective treatment option for people who stutter. If you are considering group therapy but can’t find the time to go to group therapies, you can always join a tele therapy to begin. Improved fluency is possible. I did it but even more effective with transferring stuttering and fluency strategies.
For more information please contact Lori Melnitsky is a renowned expert in stuttering and stutters at times as well but overcame it,