Therapy for adults who stammer is also available at all the main hospital sites in County Durham and Darlington. These include University Hospital of North Durham, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Shotley Bridge Hospital, Chester le Street Hospital and Bishop Auckland Hospital. All the therapists are experienced in working with adults who stammer.
Even if you have tried therapy in the past, it can still be worth referring again as methods and techniques change and also you may have changed. Help is available so you do not have to suffer in silence.
You will be seen initially for an assessment which lasts about an hour. The therapist will discuss your stammer with you and explore the impact your stammer has on you and your life.
Therapy is arranged in blocks which can continue for as long as is necessary and is negotiated with your therapist.
Techniques used in therapy include: block modification, avoidance reduction, fluency shaping, vocal fold management , solution focussed therapy, personal construct therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness meditation, voice skills, confidence building, goal setting and more.
Therapy can be demanding and hard work and motivation and perseverance are required but your therapist will support and encourage you along the way. A strong commitment to improving your communication skills is a must.
Speech & Language Therapy does not cure stammering and at this present time there is no known cure for stammering.
Speech & Language Therapy can help you to manage your stammer more effectively and to deal with the emotional and psychological impact that stammering can cause.
You can be referred for an assessment by your GP or you can self refer by phoning 01388 825700 or write to:
AHP Central Referral and Booking DepartmentFurther information about Speech and Language Therapy for stammering in the County Durham and Darlington area can be found at http://www.cddft.nhs.uk