Why Stuttering Therapy Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP

When people start stuttering therapy, they often hope for fast results. It is natural to want fluency to improve quickly, but meaningful, lasting change takes time. Stuttering therapy is not a sprint with a quick finish line. It is a marathon that rewards steady effort, patience, and growth. I've been working on my communication and fluency skills for nearly my entire life. I'm still learning things along the way.

1. Real Progress Takes Consistent Practice

In a sprint, you give everything in one short burst. In a marathon, you build endurance and consistency. The same is true in therapy. New speech patterns take time to develop and even more time to feel natural. Weekly practice, small daily habits, and ongoing reflection are what create real, lasting change. Quick results can be motivating, but slow and steady progress is what sticks.

2. The Goal Is Lifelong Communication Confidence

Fluency is only one part of the journey. Stuttering therapy also focuses on how a person feels about speaking, how they manage moments of stuttering, and how they communicate in real life. These deeper changes take time. Therapy is about building confidence, resilience, and a healthy relationship with speech, not just speed or perfection.

3. Setbacks Are Part of the Process

Every marathon has tough miles. Stuttering therapy is the same. There will be days when fluency feels easy and others when it feels frustrating. These ups and downs are not failures. They are part of the process of retraining the brain and strengthening communication skills. The key is to keep going and trust that each step forward matters.

4. Progress Looks Different for Everyone

No two people stutter in exactly the same way, and no two therapy journeys look alike. Some people make noticeable changes in a few weeks, while others see gradual improvement over many months. A marathon mindset helps clients focus on their own progress instead of comparing themselves to others. We all reach the finish line at a different time.

5. The Relationship with the Therapist Matters

In a marathon, having the right coach can make all the difference. In stuttering therapy, a supportive relationship with the therapist helps clients stay motivated and accountable. Trust, communication, and collaboration allow therapy to adapt over time as the client’s goals evolve. This partnership helps build lasting success, not quick fixes.

6. Maintenance Keeps the Momentum Going

When the main phase of therapy ends, the work is not over. Just like marathon runners keep training after the race, people who stutter benefit from ongoing maintenance. Occasional check-ins, group practice, or self-guided exercises help keep skills strong and confidence high.

Remember…

Stuttering therapy is a journey of endurance, growth, and self-discovery. It takes time to build new habits, shift mindsets, and gain confidence. There are no shortcuts, but every session and every effort matters. The real reward is not crossing the finish line; it is realizing how much stronger, braver, and more confident you have become along the way.