How I Support People Who Stutter
Stuttering has been a part of my life since I was five years old. It is a thread woven deeply into my identity, shaping my self-concept and emotional well-being in profound ways. Growing up, the speech therapy I experienced focused almost exclusively on the mechanics of speech-language pathology—techniques to achieve 'fluency.' While well-intentioned, it overlooked the psychological and social challenges associated with having a stutter. I know firsthand the isolation
that comes with living with a stutter, and breaking that isolation is a crucial first step towards healing.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in neurodiversity-affirming practices that look beyond fluency. I focus on the 'whole person,' addressing the social anxiety, self-stigma, and emotional impact that accompany speech difficulties. My approach builds confidence in communication, provides guidance for navigating social barriers, and works to process the internal experience of stuttering. By integrating psychological support with an understanding of lived experience, I help clients with speech challenges reclaim their voice and participate fully in their lives without the constant shadow of shame.