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Welcome to this page I created just for you—a place where stuttering is embraced, understood, and supported.

Whether you’ve been navigating life with stuttering for years or are just beginning to explore what it means for you, this is a safe and compassionate space to reflect, grow, and thrive.

As someone who stutters, I understand the unique challenges and strengths that come with it. I also know how empowering it can be to build a deeper connection with yourself and your voice. My goal is to help you navigate the complexities of stuttering with greater confidence.

Together, we’ll explore how stuttering fits into your life—not as a limitation, but as part of the vibrant, multifaceted story that makes you, you.

What is Stuttering?

Stuttering is a unique way of speaking that affects how words flow. It may involve repetitions (like saying a word or sound more than once), prolongations (stretching out a sound), or blocks (moments when speaking feels stuck). While stuttering is most noticeable in speech, its impact often goes far beyond words.

For many, stuttering can bring feelings of frustration, anxiety, or even shame. It might lead to avoiding certain conversations, situations, or even people. Yet, stuttering is also deeply human. It reflects the complexity of how our minds and bodies interact with language, emotion, and social connection.

It’s important to know that stuttering doesn’t define your worth or ability to communicate meaningfully. In fact, many people who stutter have found ways to embrace their voice, overcome challenges, and share their stories with pride and purpose.

In therapy, we’ll explore what stuttering means for you, unpack its emotional impact, and work towards greater self-acceptance and confidence in your communication.

My approach

My approach to therapy for people who stutter is holistic, compassionate, and rooted in the belief that stuttering is just one part of your unique story—not something to fix, but something to work with and embrace. Together, we’ll explore your relationship with stuttering, uncovering the patterns, emotions, and beliefs that shape how you experience your voice and the world around you. I draw from a range of evidence-based, trauma-informed modalities to support you, including:

Internal Family Systems Therapy: To help you explore the different “parts” of yourself—like the inner critic, the perfectionist, or the protector—and how they relate to your stuttering.

Somatic and Mindfulness-Based Approaches: To tune into your body’s signals and reduce the anxiety and tension that can accompany speaking.

Narrative Therapy: To reframe the story you tell about stuttering, empowering you to see it through a lens of resilience and growth.

 

Our work will focus on more than just speech—it’s about helping you connect with your authentic self, feel more confident in relationships, and live fully without being defined by stuttering.Whether it’s building communication strategies, processing difficult emotions, or simply having a space to be heard, our sessions will be tailored to your goals and needs. Together, we’ll work toward a place where you can speak—and live—with greater ease, freedom, and self-compassion.

 

 

Why Choose Therapy for Stuttering?

Therapy for stuttering isn’t about “fixing” how you speak—it’s about embracing who you are and finding confidence in your voice. Stuttering can bring unique challenges, from navigating social situations to managing the internal emotions that arise with speaking. Therapy offers a supportive space to work through these experiences and grow stronger because of them.

 

Here are some of the ways therapy can help:

Reduce Anxiety: Learn strategies to manage the worry or fear that can accompany speaking, whether in casual conversations or high-pressure situations.

Build Resilience: Gain tools to navigate moments of difficulty and strengthen your ability to bounce back from challenges.

Improve Communication Confidence: Shift from avoiding certain words, situations, or interactions to approaching them with greater ease and self-assurance.

Deepen Self-Understanding: Explore how stuttering fits into your story and uncover how it shapes—but does not define—your identity.

Foster Self-Compassion: Move away from self-criticism and toward a kinder, more accepting relationship with yourself.

Choosing therapy is about giving yourself permission to be seen, heard, and valued—exactly as you are.

My Story

As someone who stutters, I understand the journey—the moments of hesitation, the challenges of being misunderstood, and the courage it takes to express yourself fully. Stuttering has been a profound teacher in my life, shaping how I connect with others, how I face vulnerability, and how I embrace authenticity.

My own experiences have given me a deep empathy for the challenges that come with stuttering, as well as a profound respect for its complexity. This connection fuels my passion for helping others who stutter find their voice—not just in the literal sense, but in how they show up in the world with confidence and purpose.

I know firsthand how powerful it can be to work with someone who “gets it.” My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore your unique path. Together, we’ll work not only on speaking but also on embracing the person behind the words.

Common Challenges for People Who Stutter

Living with stuttering often means navigating challenges that go beyond speech itself. While everyone’s experience is unique, many people who stutter encounter similar hurdles, such as:

  • Fear of Judgment: Worrying about how others perceive your speech or feeling pressure to meet societal expectations of fluency.

  • Avoidance of Speaking Situations: Steering clear of conversations, public speaking, or even casual interactions to minimize discomfort or embarrassment.

  • Emotional Weight: Experiencing frustration, shame, or anxiety tied to moments of stuttering.

  • Struggles with Self-Confidence: Feeling hesitant to express yourself fully, even when you have valuable things to say.

  • Relationship Dynamics: Facing challenges in how stuttering impacts communication with loved ones, colleagues, or new acquaintances.

Acknowledging these challenges is an essential first step toward growth and change. Therapy offers a space to address these difficulties with compassion, empowering you to approach speaking—and living—with more freedom, confidence, and self-acceptance.

You are not alone in these struggles, and with the right support, these challenges can become opportunities for resilience and growth.

What to Expect in Therapy

Therapy for stuttering is a collaborative journey, tailored to your unique experiences, goals, and needs. It’s not about achieving perfect fluency—it’s about finding greater ease, confidence, and self-acceptance in how you communicate and live.

Here’s what the process might look like:

  • First Session: We’ll start by getting to know you—your experiences with stuttering, your goals for therapy, and any challenges you’d like to address. This is a safe space to share your story and explore what’s most important to you.

  • Ongoing Sessions: Together, we’ll work on a range of goals, which might include:

    • Managing the emotions tied to speaking, such as anxiety or frustration.

    • Building communication tools that align with your authentic self.

    • Exploring deeper patterns or beliefs that influence your relationship with stuttering.

    • Strengthening self-compassion and resilience.

  • Your Pace, Your Journey: Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. We’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable and meaningful for you, adjusting our focus as your needs evolve.

Ultimately, therapy is a partnership. It’s about creating a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to explore new possibilities. With time, patience, and a commitment to growth, you’ll discover ways to navigate stuttering—and life—with greater clarity, freedom, and confidence.

FAQs

What if my goal is not to “fix” my stuttering?
That’s completely okay. Therapy isn’t about fixing stuttering, but rather exploring how you relate to it and finding ways to live confidently with it.

 

How long will therapy take?
The duration of therapy depends on your unique needs and goals. Some people feel empowered after just a few sessions, while others may find deeper, ongoing work helpful.

 

Will you help me with specific speech techniques?
Yes! Along with addressing the emotional aspects of stuttering, I can help you explore various techniques to improve speech flow and manage speaking situations.

 

What if I don’t want to talk about stuttering in therapy?
That’s perfectly okay too. You can bring in whatever feels most relevant to you. Therapy is about exploring what’s on your mind and helping you find tools to thrive in all areas of life, not just speech.

How long are the therapy sessions?
Sessions are typically between 50 minutes to an hour long, depending on your needs and goals for each session.

 

Do you offer a sliding scale?
Yes! I offer a sliding scale for individuals in university, those with low income, or people serving in the military. Please contact me directly to discuss your specific situation and see if you qualify for a reduced rate.

 

Do you accept insurance?
I am currently in-network with Aetna, Oxford, Carelon, and Cigna insurances. If you have out-of-network benefits, you may be able to get reimbursed through your insurance. Please contact your insurance company directly to inquire about your out-of-network benefits and how to submit a claim.

 

Do you offer services for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)?
Yes, I offer consultation services for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) working with individuals who stutter. If you're an SLP seeking guidance or resources, feel free to reach out to discuss how I can support you in your practice.

If you’re ready to start your journey toward greater confidence, self-compassion, and empowerment in how you communicate, I’d love to connect with you.
Take the first step by filling out the form below. I’ll get back to you shortly to answer any questions you may have and help you schedule a session that fits your needs.

Contact me

© 2024 Naomi Zauderer, LCSW

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