What happens if I am referred to Speech and Language Therapy for my stammer?

If you're referred to see a Speech and Language Therapist because of your stammer, don’t worry – they’re there to help you feel more confident when speaking.

What to expect

The first step is usually an assessment. This just means having a chat with the therapist so they can understand more about you and your stammer. They might ask things like:

• When did your stammer first start?
• What’s it like when you stammer?
• How do you feel about it?

This is nothing to worry about – it's just so they can get the full picture and figure out the best way to support you.

After this assessment, the therapist will write a short report. This might be shared with people who help support you, like your parents or carers, your school, or your GP – depending on your age and what’s agreed with you.

What can speech & language therapy do?

The therapist can give helpful tips and strategies to you, your family, and your teachers. These strategies are designed to make communication easier and help you feel more confident when talking.

If the therapist thinks more sessions would be useful, you’ll work together to set some goals – things like feeling more comfortable speaking in class, or finding ways to manage tricky situations. The sessions can also support your mental wellbeing and help with learning.

Where do sessions happen?

Speech and language therapy can happen in different places. You might have your sessions:

• At school or college
• In a health centre or hospital
• At a children’s centre
• At home
• Online (like a video call)

Remember, Speech and Language Therapists are there to support you – not to "fix" you. Everyone communicates differently, and therapy is all about helping you find what works best for you.