We Must Do Better: The State of Stuttering Therapy Today
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
I Am Dismayed and Shocked by What I Hear About Stuttering Therapy By Lori Melnitsky, Speech-Language Pathologist, Specialist in Stuttering and Person Who Stutters
As both a speech-language pathologist and someone who has lived with stuttering, I am deeply dismayed and honestly shocked by the stories I continue to hear from clients and families about their past experiences with stuttering therapy. The latest is a 17 year old who was told to not try speech therapy, rather struggle and accept. This came after she could not present in class last year. A year later she spoke for 20 min to complete her graduation project with much more fluency, minimal stuttering and increased self esteem.
Parents tell me their children were told to “slow down and take a breath.” Teens share that they were encouraged to “hide their stutter” or simply “accept struggling.” Adults recall therapy that focused only on accepting stuttering, while ignoring their strong desire for greater fluency and real communication tools.
Let me be clear: stuttering is complex. It’s more than just speech—it touches self-esteem, confidence, social interaction, and identity. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. But therapy that fails to give people who stutter the tools, strategies, and emotional support they need is not only ineffective—it’s harmful.
I’ve heard of students being pulled out of class for years with no measurable progress and unrealistic goals . I’ve heard of therapy sessions where the word “stuttering” wasn’t even said or overly discussed . I've heard of well-meaning therapists who didn't truly understand stuttering, and unknowingly left their clients feeling more defeated. This is not ok. It is acceptable to refer out if it is not your expertise.
We must do better. Stuttering therapy should be:
Empowering, not shaming
Personalized, not cookie-cutter
Evidence-based, yet human-centered
Led by people who listen, understand, and believe in change
It’s not just about fluency. It’s about giving people the confidence to speak, to participate, to advocate. It’s about reducing fear, not just counting stutters. It’s about hope.
If you or your child has had a discouraging experience with stuttering therapy, please know this: you are not alone. And it’s not your fault. There are therapists who truly specialize in stuttering, who can make a difference, who can walk with you on this journey—not just give you a worksheet and wish you luck.
I say this as someone who was once afraid to speak, and now speaks to advocate for others.
We can change the narrative around stuttering therapy. And it starts with listening to those who stutter.
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