Fluency Disorders Treatment & Therapy
Helping children and adults achieve confident, fluent speech with therapy.
Engaging in speech therapy to address fluency issues—such as stuttering—can greatly enhance individuals' communication abilities and confidence, regardless of their age. Through targeted speech therapy sessions, you will deepen your understanding of fluency disorders and develop the necessary skills to boost your confidence and communication effectiveness, ultimately working towards more fluent speech.
For children, speech therapy becomes an invaluable tool in promoting speech fluency. These sessions focus on equipping your child with the skills they need to communicate effectively and confidently, laying a strong foundation for them to become adept speakers as they grow.
Adolescents and teens grappling with fluency disorders frequently experience anxiety or apprehension about speaking in social situations due to the fear of stuttering. During speech therapy, teens will explore various techniques designed to improve fluent speech, empowering them to engage more freely in conversations and social interactions.
As an adult, you may have previously sought speech therapy to manage your fluency disorder. Over time, you might find that some skills have faded or that you could benefit from a “refresher” course. At Verse, our dedicated clinicians will guide you through tailored strategies and exercises aimed at revitalizing your speech fluency. By doing so, you can work towards achieving both your professional and personal communication goals!
Explore Fluency Disorder Treatment Options
At Verse, our dedicated clinicians truly recognize and appreciate the unique differences among our clients. This understanding shapes our approach as we tailor treatment plans to address your concerns. Through comprehensive clinical assessments, we develop a personalized strategy to enhance your communication skills while also actively encouraging you to identify and express your personal communication goals. If you're unsure where to begin, there's no need to worry; our skilled Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Stuttering Modification Therapy
Stuttering modification therapy is designed to target the specific disfluencies that you experience. This process involves implementing a variety of strategic techniques and exercises that help you gain a deeper understanding of your unique disfluency components. With this increased awareness, you can navigate your speech challenges more effectively.
Fluency Shaping Therapy
During your sessions, your clinician will explore several strategies with you, ensuring that you find one that resonates with you and can be realistically applied in your daily life. For instance, your SLP might introduce compensatory techniques, such as reducing your speech rate or incorporating specialized breathing exercises, aimed at promoting more fluent speech.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Integration
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) plays a vital role in our fluency therapy approach. This aspect of treatment focuses on addressing the anxiety and negative associations that often accompany stuttering or the anticipation of a disfluency. Throughout your therapy sessions, you will engage in meaningful conversations and participate in various exercises designed to boost your confidence, which in turn, helps enhance your overall speech fluency.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (For Children)
For younger clients, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is a widely utilized method that emphasizes education and active involvement of parents. This intervention aims to foster positive speech habits in children and significantly reduce the likelihood of developing avoidance behaviors or fear-related reactions to their disfluencies. By working together, parents can create a supportive environment that promotes healthy communication.
Technology-Assisted Therapy Tools
Our telehealth platform allows our SLPs to utilize a wide range of therapeutic tools, allowing for an engaging and dynamic therapy experience. The convenience of virtual sessions facilitates accessibility and ensures that you remain motivated during your time with us. Additionally, our SLPs will encourage you to practice the skills you've learned in your sessions independently. Don't hesitate to ask your SLP about any home practice opportunities that can further enrich your therapeutic journey.
Understanding Fluency Disorders
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) defines a fluency disorder as any disruption in the natural flow of speech. This includes irregularities in rate and rhythm, as well as noticeable disfluencies such as repetitions of sounds, syllables, words, or phrases; prolonged sounds; and occasional blocks where speech is interrupted completely.
These speech disruptions can often be accompanied by physical symptoms, including excessive tension, avoidance of speaking situations, struggle behaviors, and secondary mannerisms like facial grimaces or hand movements (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], 1993).
Fluency disorders can affect individuals of all ages and may lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and embarrassment. Fortunately, speech therapy serves as an effective avenue to help individuals overcome these negative emotions and transform into confident communicators.
Benefits of Fluency Disorder Treatment
Engaging in speech therapy specifically tailored to address fluency concerns can lead to a significant boost in self-esteem and pride, ultimately enhancing your overall quality of life. Through dedicated practice, individuals can work towards achieving smoother, more fluent speech and cultivate a more positive mindset regarding their fluency challenges.
Improved Speech Fluency
Therapy provides a supportive environment for individuals to explore and understand their disfluencies. Through personalized care, clients can engage in various strategies and exercises designed to enhance their fluency. These sessions not only focus on improving speech patterns but also aim to cultivate a sense of self-assurance that empowers individuals to navigate everyday situations with confidence and ease.
Reduced Anxiety Around Speaking
The skills you acquire in therapy can empower you to engage more comfortably and confidently in conversations, presentations, and public speaking! Imagine stepping into any speaking situation with a newfound sense of assurance and ease!
Enhanced Social and Professional Confidence
Therapy sessions provide the opportunity to learn and apply practical strategies that foster confidence during a variety of social interactions, be it delivering presentations or navigating the nervousness of first dates. When you feel assured in your communication skills, the benefits radiate throughout your life, positively influencing personal relationships, professional performance, and social engagements.
Enhanced Social and Professional Confidence
Therapy sessions provide the opportunity to learn and apply practical strategies that foster confidence during a variety of social interactions, be it delivering presentations or navigating the nervousness of first dates. When you feel assured in your communication skills, the benefits radiate throughout your life, positively influencing personal relationships, professional performance, and social engagements.
Why Choose Verse Therapy for Fluency Disorder Treatment?
At Verse, we believe that everyone is unique, and we value your input! We consider your medical history, both formal and informal, and your goals to create a personalized treatment plan. If you ever have questions or concerns, our clinicians are here to listen and help.
Virtual Convenience
At Verse, you can work with speech therapists right from your own home! No more long commutes or noisy waiting rooms. All you need is a computer or tablet and a good internet connection.
Flexibility
We’re dedicated to making speech therapy accessible for you and your family! That's why our therapists offer a flexible schedule, ensuring we can meet with you at a time that works best for your needs. Let's find a time that fits your life!
Accessibility
Experience the power of virtual therapy! Regardless of your location, you can connect with highly qualified therapists who are dedicated to helping you thrive. Your journey to better communication is just a click away!
Personalized Care
Our speech therapists prioritize evidence-based therapeutic practices while tailoring speech therapy to meet your personal goals, making therapy engaging and functional.
What to Expect from Fluency Disorder Therapy
01Initial Consultation
At Verse, our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) take the time to review your history before developing an assessment plan. During your evaluation, you will discuss your past medical history and speech therapy goals. You will also participate in a variety of assessments (both formal and informal). If time permits, your SLP will review the findings and discuss your speech therapy goals.
02Personalized Treatment Plan
Fluency treatment plans are generated based on your specific objectives, the areas tested during the assessment, and the goals established by your SLP's observations. These treatment plans are customized for each individual and their unique goals.
03Ongoing Sessions and Monitoring
Once a schedule for your recurring sessions is established, your speech-language pathologist will monitor your progress. This involves documenting daily notes and collecting data to track improvements and areas that may require further attention. Through this process, the SLP can ensure that the therapy is effective and tailored to your evolving needs.
04Transition to Maintenance
Practice is essential for achieving fluency goals. Your SLP will regularly suggest strategies and methods for practicing outside of your speech therapy sessions.
Meet Our Fluency Specialists
Erica Thomas
Erica is an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist with over 10 years of clinical expertise, treating patients from 6 months to 108 years old. She specializes in various speech and language disorders and holds LSVT certification for Parkinson's voice concerns.
Paul McGill
Paul McGill is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over five years of experience in various settings. He specializes in social communication, school-related language disorders, and cognitive communication disorders. Paul holds ASHA certification and enjoys hiking and gaming.
Lisa Ceballo
Lisa is a seasoned speech-language pathologist with a decade of experience in diverse settings, serving individuals from children to the elderly. She holds an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, is licensed in California and Florida, and values holistic, evidence-based approaches.
Take the First Step Toward Smoother Speech
Treating a fluency disorder can be intimidating and sensitive and may cause uncertainty. At Verse, we can assist you in eliminating your communication fluency concerns. Schedule a complimentary intake consultation with one of our intake specialists to start on your journey today!