Find out about the different courses for adults who stammer.
If you're looking for help with stammering, one option is to go on a course. There are several to choose from and you can read about them all below.
Chat with us if you have any questions. Call our free helpline on 0808 802 0002 or start a webchat.
Before we list the options, here's an introduction and overview of the different types. Read our disclaimer too.
Why choose a stammering course?
If you'd like support, a course might be an option for you, for these reasons:
- One-to-one NHS therapy might not be available where you live.
- The shorter timescale might be more suitable for you than having ongoing therapy.
- They're mostly group courses, which are good opportunities to meet other people who stammer.
Unlike NHS therapy, though, stammering courses are not usually free.
Which course is best?
Below, we've listed the main courses in the UK. There isn't one course that suits or 'works' for everyone. What one person finds helpful might not suit another, so you might need to try different things.
Remember that none of them are a 'cure' or a 'fix' for stammering. They all need constant work and effort to get the full benefit.
List of therapy courses
Firstly, here is a list stammering therapy courses, which are run by qualified speech & language therapists.
City Lit
City Lit is an adult education centre offering group stammering therapy courses. They have a range of intensive, evening and one-day courses.
It's based in London but they also do online courses if you live elsewhere.
Click the button below for more information, links and contact details.
List of other courses
Below is a list of alternative options to stammering therapy courses.
- These courses teach strategies that aren't included in therapy courses. For example, 'costal breathing'. Read more on our 'Adult Options Explained' page.
- Rather than therapists, these courses are run by people who have been on them and found them helpful.
Please note: courses might use language that some people may object to. For instance "We can help overcome stammering". Depending on your viewpoint, discretion is advised. See 'Things to watch out for'.
City Lit (Non-therapy courses)
City Lit also runs courses for public speaking, acting, improvisation, mindful drawing and more for people who stammer.
Empowering Voices
Empowering Voices runs 3-day residential courses throughout the UK.
It teaches the costal breathing technique together with desensitisation exercises.
Click the button below for more information, links and contact details.
The McGuire Programme
The McGuire Programme runs 3- or 4-day residential courses across the UK.
It supports adults who stammer by teaching and practising the costal breathing technique. They combine this with relaxation exercises and mental strategies.
Click the button below for more information, links and contact details.
The Starfish Project
The Starfish Project runs 3-day courses in Eastbourne, in the south of England.
It supports adults who stammer by teaching and practising the costal breathing technique. They combine this with reducing avoidance, increasing confidence and developing a positive attitude.
Click the button below for more information, links and contact details.
The Stammering Self-empowerment Programme
The Stammering Self-empowerment Programme is a free online course that teaches two fluency-enhancing methods. It's designed to help develop a deeper understanding of stammering and what affects it.
Paul Brocklehurst, its founder, is an academic who has carried out extensive research into stammering.
Click the button below for more information and links.
Getting funding for courses
There are a couple of ways you might be able to get funding for a stammering course.
GP funding
You could try asking your GP to fund a stammering course. This is only occasionally successful, however, but it might be worth a try.
Asking your employer
You could try asking your employer to pay for you to go on a stammering course. They might be happy to support you, particularly if it can help your professional development.
If you're unsure about how to ask for it, contact our Employment Support Service. We can discuss with you how to approach your employer.
Things to watch out for
Above are the main stammering courses for adults in the UK. Some might use language that could be seen as biased and non-neutral. For example, they might refer to stammering as an affliction or misfortune. Some people argue that describing stammering in this way adds to the stigma, while others don't.
You might come across other approaches online that aren't on our list. To safeguard against untested or unqualified providers, we recommend choosing one which:
- offers realistic expectations of change and NOT an offer of a cure or a way of 'stopping' stammering
- provides clear and unambiguous information about what it does and how much it costs. Also, how long it is and the commitment needed
- recognises the need to accept one's stammer at some level, to help speech and/or a change in attitude
- is nationally recognised as supporting people who stammer to communicate confidently. We judge this based on an organisation's track record, a considerable body of independent user reviews and good feedback.
Is going on a course the 'right' thing to do?
Some people feel comfortable with their stammer. Some feel proud of their difference. They might view the problem as being the way society doesn't make space for them. Others might not feel so positive, and some might have a mixture of feelings.
There's no right or wrong way for dealing with stammering. It's about what feels right for you.
Other options
Stammering courses are one option for adults who stammer. For other options, see:
- One-to-one Adult Speech & Language Therapy
- Mental Health Support, with details of how to access talking therapies
- See if there's a stammering support/self-help group near you. These are great places to get peer support.
Course not working out?
Are you having doubts about the course you are having? Doesn't feel like the right fit for you? See What To Do If Your Adult Therapy/Course Isn't Working Out.
Disclaimer
Courses, therapy providers and tools listed here are reviewed intermittently by the STAMMA Service Panel.
Inclusion on the website does not indicate endorsement by STAMMA. It simply indicates that those listed have met the basic criteria for inclusion. Details of courses and therapy is for information purposes only. This information is not advice and should not be treated as such.
Through this page you can link to other websites that are not controlled by STAMMA. We bear no responsibility for the accuracy, content or nature of these sites. This includes any language used to describe or refer to stammering.
Getting your service listed
If you have a service or course you'd like us to include here, see How To Get Your Service Listed.
What next?
- Become A STAMMA Member for free and join the community. We'll keep you updated with our activities.
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