Treatment Approach . . . Some clients benefit most from a stuttering modification approach in which they learn to decrease the severity of stuttering blocks and emotional reactions to them. Others do well with a fluency-shaping approach to help them learn various ways of speaking which prevent stuttering from occurring. Usually, the two approaches are combined in order to take advantage of the benefits of both forms of therapy. Many clients benefit from a holistic approach which considers facial expression, tone of voice, assertiveness, and other interpersonal skills to help them become above average speakers and excellent communicators.
Communication is a two-way event.
Perceptions of listener reactions and dealing with those reactions are important concerns. Many people who stutter have experienced teasing and other unpleasant reactions which have injured their self-view. Sharing these experiences with an empathetic professional can help the individual begin to recover from them. Exploration and expression of feelings surrounding stuttering and modification of thoughts about talking and communicating are viewed as essential aspects of coping with stuttering. Generally, sessions are held once or twice weekly in the beginning.