The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering (MPC) offers a range of individual and group therapy for children and young people who stammer and/or clutter and their parents, and for adults who stammer and/or clutter.
What ages is it for?
The MPC team offer assessment and therapy to all ages.
What does it do?
Emphasis is placed on supporting children, young people and adults to be the most confident and competent communicators they can be. Programmes look at developing social communication skills, confidence and resilience and speech management skills.
Therapy approaches include:
One-to-one therapy
- Palin Parent Child Interaction Therapy (Palin PCI) for under 7s and their parents (i.e. enabling parents to understand their child’s stammering and giving them strategies on the best ways to support them).
- Palin Stammering Therapy for School Children: for 8 to 14-year-olds and their parents.
- Individual therapy for young people aged 15-18.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for all ages.
- Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for all ages.
- Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness for all ages.
- Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) for all ages.
- Individual therapy for adults.
Group therapy courses
- Intensive group therapy programme for 10- to 14-year-olds and their parents.
- Intensive group therapy programme for 15- to 18-year-olds.
Each of these therapy approaches is based on the understanding that stammering is affected by a range of factors. Parents are involved until their child is approximately 15 years of age, as they are in a unique position to support and encourage their child.
Who delivers the therapy?
The approaches are delivered by highly specialist Speech and Language Therapists with additional qualifications in a range of psychological approaches.
where is it?
The Michael Palin Centre, 13-15 Pine St, Farringdon, London EC1R 0JG.
When are the group courses?
Courses for ages 10-14, with their parents
This is a one-week course held every October half term or Easter break. A parent group runs at the same time.
Courses for ages 15-18, with an optional parents day
This is a two-week course every July and four follow-up meetings over 12 months. There is an optional one-day workshop for parents too.
How much does it cost?
Therapy is available through the NHS or private route for UK residents; and via private route for those living outside the UK - see their website for more details.
Children and young people who stammer and/or clutter from across the UK can access a charitably funded assessment.
Adults who stammer can access the MPC via the NHS or private route. Adults who live in Camden and Islington can refer themselves; all other adults require a GP referral and their GP’s agreement to fund assessment, and therapy if required.
MPC also offers a telehealth service for assessment and individual therapy via Skype/Facetime.
Where can I find out more?
Email mpc.admin@nhs.net or phone 0203 316 8100.
Or visit The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering's website for more information or for a referral form.
