The Trauma of Stuttering: We need time to heal

By Lori Melnitsky, Speech-Language Pathologist and Person Who Stutters

Stuttering is more than just repeating sounds or getting stuck on words. It’s more than what you see or hear. For many of us, it’s trauma — deep, invisible, and long-lasting.

I’ve stuttered for as long as I can remember. And while I’ve made peace with it in many ways, the emotional scars still linger. Growing up, I dreaded saying my name in roll call, ordering at a restaurant, or reading out loud. I felt shame, embarrassment, and a constant fear of being judged. These weren’t just uncomfortable moments — they were experiences that shaped my self-worth.

That’s what people often miss: the trauma of stuttering isn’t just about the speech itself. It’s about being laughed at, interrupted, or overlooked. It’s about holding back your thoughts because you're too afraid to speak. It’s about the anxiety that builds before every phone call and the exhaustion that comes from constantly trying to hide your stutter.

As a speech pathologist, I see this pain in the eyes of my clients — children, teens, and adults who have been told to “slow down,” “take a breath,” or “just relax.” I’ve worked with college students who won’t participate in class, professionals who avoid interviews, and parents who ache watching their child struggle to get a word out.

Stuttering trauma is real. And healing from it is possible — but it takes more than fluency strategies. It takes compassion, support, and a safe space to be heard, even when the words don’t come out perfectly.

To those who stutter: your voice matters. Your experiences are valid. And you are not alone.

To parents, educators, and therapists: listen without judgment. Offer support without pressure. And remember, the goal isn’t always perfect speech — sometimes, the goal is simply to speak freely and be accepted.

We can’t erase the past, but we can create a future where stuttering isn’t something to be hidden — it’s something to be understood.

With help and undertanding one can enjoy speaking and enjoy their voice.