07/22/2026
I’ll be completely honest: I have not even mentioned the name of a fluency shaping strategy in my sessions in YEARS.
But this wasn’t always the case.
I used to start by working through the strategies to see which one my client liked best. But guess what??
Even if they liked one, they still rarely used it in a functional situation outside of therapy, rarely felt it was natural, or rarely felt it was helpful.
It sometimes seemed that they were using it or reporting using it just to try to please me in a way? (any SLPs out there feel the same?)
So, what do I do instead?
Some people assume the answer is “radical acceptance” and “talk therapy” and reminders that “it’s okay to stutter”.
And that’s not true.
You can’t force someone into feeling physically safe & comfortable stuttering openly, you have to guide them over the bridge to get there.
There IS still direct, physical practice involved in getting a person to feel comfortable openly stuttering; it just does NOT include strategies with a goal of fluency.
This practice is rooted in openness, vulnerability, and unlearning old patterns, in order to get to authentic, spontaneous, open stuttering.
Curious to learn more? Comment “LEARN” or drop your questions below👇🏼
