commentr/StutterSeptember 26, 2025

Content

I am a counselor at a school. I am trying to help a teen who came to me, due to how her  stuttering affects her confidence. We have been doing CBT and today, we worked on having self- compassion. She is extremely bright and BRAVE! Even though she stutters, she does not avoid social situations. For example, she tried out for a theater audition!!! Even though she did not get it, we celebrated the win of not allowing her stutter to hold her back. In addition, she raises her and in class to answer a question, even when she knows there is a high chance that she will stutter and get embarrassed. One thing I found interesting is that she mentioned, she barely stuttered in front of her speech therapist. This made me wonder if there is a psychological component? Knowing that is the person's profession and they will not "judge" you versus being in a classroom of peers, knowing there's a chance you will get made fun of. Does anxiety play a role for any of you? What has worked/not worked for you? Please offer any help or insight. Thank you!!!

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceCauses & VariabilityEmotional ExperienceIdentity & DisabilityCoping & Advocacy

Subthemes

Overthinking & MonitoringStress & Fight/FlightAnxiety & Social JudgmentIdentity & Self-PerceptionMindset shift