A Paradigm Shift in Stuttering Treatment

Description:What happens when a speech-language pathologist also stutters? Some Stutter, luh! Welcomes Robert Kurliand, a trilingual SLP, neuroscience enthusiast and a person who stutters, who brings a mix of clinical expertise and personal insight on STUTTERING! Join us to know more about Robert’s refreshing perspective on stuttering treatment, emphasizing authentic communication, personalized therapy, and stuttering appreciation rather than just acceptance!Notes:In this thoughtful conversation, Robert talks about therapy that should focus on helping people who stutter become effective communicators, not necessarily fluent speakers. He values authentic communication and stuttering appreciation, suggesting PWS should celebrate the personal growth that comes from the journey. He also offers deep insight into the real-life emotional and psychological challenges faced by people who stutter. Robert emphasizes that PWS shouldn’t let their stutter define or limit their career choices. Robert believes the field of speech therapy is broad, so deep specialization in stuttering is rare but needed. He also highlights the emotional aspect of stuttering—fear, shame, avoidance—that is often more impactful than the physical symptoms and SLPs need better tools, frameworks, and support to address these emotional layers effectively.As the conversation follows, we see a deeper reflection on acceptance vs. appreciation, and how changing the language we use to describe our stuttering journey can lead to greater authenticity and peace. While "acceptance" is often framed as the ultimate goal in therapy, the word "appreciation," is more empowering and less pressure-filled.Many people who stutter develop ingrained habits of avoiding difficult words, situations, or speaking altogether. He points to the concept of "avoiding avoidance" that encourage confronting these strategies only when they interfere with saying something important or meaningful. Because when core identity or values are at stake, avoidance can cost more than the stutter itself. He also has powerful reflections on self-disclosure, authenticity, and why owning our stutter can bring us closer to others.Mary Wood Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sgj6jrZaMA#Stuttering #SpeechTherapy #Neurodiversity #SomeStutterLuh #SLP #MentalHealth #Communication #fluency #acceptance #stutteringacceptance #stutteringawareness #stutteringappreciation #authenticity