For most patients, a combination of one-on-one therapy, group meetings, and self-help are the best sources of stuttering help. Since each individual is unique, different methods may work better for everyone. Stuttering is often attributed to emotional disturbances, so additional therapies like counseling or hypnotherapy may also be beneficial.
Much like any condition, stuttering help is most effective when it is started early. Many times stuttering and stammering problems occur during childhood. It may be attributed to a stressful situation or emotional upset, since cases of stuttering often begin during or after a traumatic event. This is not always the case, as many children stutter for unknown reasons. There may be various causes of stuttering, or it may be due to a combination of physical and emotional issues.
One of the most common sources for stuttering help is counseling with a speech therapist. These trained individuals offer advice on avoiding stuttering. This often includes speaking exercises, learning to slow down before speaking, and breathing deeply before beginning a sentence. Methods like these are often helpful since stuttering occurs more often when a person becomes excited or upset and begins talking too quickly.
Many times stuttering begins just after or even during a traumatic or stressful event. This is most common amongst children, although adults may experience it as well. Hypnotherapy is sometimes beneficial as stuttering help in these cases because it allows patients to undercover the roots of their emotional problems. Using hypnosis may be especially useful in those who do not know or understand what issues are upsetting them. It is particularly hard for many children to accurately express their feelings when under stress because they do not always realize what is making them feel that way.
Group therapy and self-help methods may also be good sources for stuttering help. In groups, patients may be able to perform similar exercises as with one-on-one therapy but they are surrounded by others who suffer from the same problem. Attendees may also be able to interact and talk about their difficulties, thus getting even more practice in speaking clearly in stressful situations. Many groups are led by a counselor or therapist who can offer input and treatment ideas to all patients. Reading books are watching videos may also be beneficial, at least in the beginning, because it allows people to learn exercises without the embarrassment of talking in front of others.
Children who develop a stutter should be seen by a doctor or speech therapist to discuss treatment options. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome for many sufferers. Adults who suddenly develop a stutter should seek the advice of a medical professional.