Methods of ReferralYour GP can refer you.You can self-refer by email to Central Admin Booking or by phone: cdda-tr.centralbooking@nhs.netTel: 01388 825700

You can refer via the Durham Stammer Support Group website:www.durham-stammering-support-group.co.uk

Therapy is available at the 5 hospital sites in County Durham and Darlington

University Hospital of North Durham: Tel: 0191 3332591

Darlington Memorial Hospital: Tel: 01325 743152

Chester le Street Hospital Tel: 0191 3332591

Bishop Auckland General Hospital: Tel: 01388 455134

Shotley Bridge Hospital: Tel: 01207 594517

We are also on Facebook:CDDFT Durham Stammering Support Group

Another useful website:British Stammering Association www.stammering.org

Contact details

Central Appointments Bureau Speech & Language Therapy

Bishop Auckland General Hospital Cockton Hill Road Bishop Auckland County Durham

Tel: 01388 455200

www.cddft.nhs.net

Find us on Facebook

Let us know your thoughts,www.patient.experience.cddft.nhs.uk

Date Published: May 2017Date of Review: May 2020Responsibility: Speech & Language ThearpyReference No: PIL/CG/0480Version: 1

Stammering

in Adults

Information Leaflet

@CDDFTSpeechTherapy

What is Stammering?

Stammering is a complex communication disorder which results in disruption to the fluency of speech. It can vary widely from mild repetitions of sounds or words to silent blocks with a lot of struggle. Stammering can also be ‘interiorised’ or hidden as the person may habitually conceal their stammer through word avoidance. This can lead to high levels of anxiety and negative feelings about stammering.

Stammering can also occur later in life as a result of a brain injury or neurological disease.

How can stammering affect a person’s life?

Stammering can be a very isolating condition and people who stammer frequently report feeling frustrated, embarrassed and ashamed when they are unable to communicate freely. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, low mood and loss of confidence. Many people choose not to talk about their stammer or how they feel about it and can become more isolated. Stammering has been shown to have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life.

How can Speech and Language Therapy help?

You will be seen by therapists who are specialists in treating stammering. Many people find that having the opportunity to talk about their stammer more openly is an important first step. We offer a wide range of psychological techniques including.

Acceptance and commitment therapy Mindfulness and compassion focussed

therapy Solution focussed therapy Cognitive behavioural therapy

We also use fluency and behavioural techniques to enable you to have more control of your stammer.Speech and Language Therapy does not cure stammering but it can help you to manage your stammer more effectively and to deal with the emotional and psychological impact that stammering can cause. As your stammer is unique to you, therapy is very individual and involves working closely with your therapist on your goals.

You can be seen for assessment and therapy in a 1:1 setting and if appropriate we will offer group therapy.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your communication and feel your stammer is holding you back, then do contact us. Even if you have tried therapy in the past, things may have changed, and this may be a better time for you to have support.

What others have said

“I wish I’d had therapy years ago. It has given me more confidence in myself.”

“The therapy has been very helpful, just being able to talk about it has been invaluable.”

“I’ve found the support group very supportive, everyone has made me feel so welcome, I’d definitely recommend it to everyone who stammers.”