Hi, I’m Stephanie Jeret, a speech-language pathologist specializing in stuttering therapy for children, teens, and adults
Whether your child has recently started stuttering or you're an adult who has avoided certain speaking situations because of stuttering, speech therapy can help.
If you would like to learn more about the different types of stuttering, why stuttering occurs, and what parents should know about childhood stuttering, read my comprehensive guide to stuttering.
At Speak with Stephanie, I provide personalized stuttering therapy for children, teens, and adults who want to communicate more comfortably and confidently. My goal is not to change who you are or take away your unique voice. Instead, therapy focuses on helping you understand your stuttering, develop effective communication strategies, reduce frustration, and feel more confident speaking in the moments that matter most.
Whether your child has recently started stuttering, your teen is becoming more aware of their speech, or you are an adult who has avoided certain speaking situations because of stuttering, speech therapy can help.
Stuttering Therapy in Skokie and Online Throughout Illinois
I provide in-home speech therapy in Skokie and surrounding North Shore communities, including Evanston, Wilmette, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Niles, Park Ridge, Highland Park, and West Rogers Park. Online speech therapy is also available for clients throughout Illinois.
Every person who stutters has a different experience. Therapy is personalized based on your goals, communication needs, and what you want to achieve.
What Is Stuttering?
Stuttering is a difference in the way speech is produced that can include repetitions, prolongations, or moments when a person feels “stuck” while speaking.
Examples of stuttering may include:
-
Repeating sounds, words, or phrases (“b-b-ball” or “I-I-I want that”)
-
Stretching out sounds (“mmmmom”)
-
Blocks where the person knows what they want to say but has difficulty getting the words out
Stuttering may look different from person to person. Some people stutter openly and easily move through moments of disfluency, while others may hide their stuttering by changing words, avoiding speaking situations, or holding back what they want to say. If you would like to learn more about the different types of stuttering, why stuttering occurs, and what parents should know about childhood stuttering, read my comprehensive guide to stuttering.
Stuttering is one type of fluency disorder. Some individuals may experience another fluency disorder called cluttering, which can affect speech rate, organization, and clarity. Learn more about the differences between stuttering and cluttering.
Signs Someone May Benefit From Stuttering Therapy
A person may benefit from working with a speech-language pathologist if they:
-
Avoid raising their hand, answering questions, or participating in conversations
-
Feel frustrated, embarrassed, or anxious when speaking
-
Avoid certain words or situations because of fear of stuttering
-
Experience tension or struggle when trying to get words out
-
Have negative feelings about their speech
-
Want to feel more confident communicating with others
For children, parents may notice changes such as increased frustration, saying “I can’t talk,” avoiding certain words, or becoming upset when they have trouble speaking.
How Stuttering Therapy Works
Stuttering therapy is about much more than reducing moments of stuttering. The goal is to help individuals communicate with greater confidence, participate more fully in everyday conversations, and develop strategies that support their communication goals.
Every therapy plan is individualized, but treatment often focuses on three key areas:
Understanding Stuttering
Education is an important part of therapy. Learning about why stuttering happens can reduce fear, frustration, and uncertainty while helping children, teens, adults, and families better understand the communication process.
Developing Practical Communication Strategies
When appropriate, I introduce evidence-based fluency and communication strategies that can help make speaking feel easier and more comfortable. These strategies are practiced gradually and tailored to each person's goals, rather than expecting one approach to work for everyone.
Strategies may include techniques for managing moments of tension, reducing speaking pressure, and feeling more comfortable during challenging speaking situations. Learn more about strategies for managing stuttering when nervous.
Building Confidence and Participation
Many people who stutter begin avoiding certain words, situations, or conversations. Therapy focuses on reducing that avoidance, increasing confidence, and helping individuals participate more fully at school, at work, and in everyday life—whether or not every moment of speech is perfectly fluent.
Understanding how speaking situations, social pressure, and confidence can affect communication is an important part of stuttering therapy. Learn more about why some people who stutter speak differently when they are alone.
My Approach to Stuttering Therapy
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to stuttering therapy because every person experiences stuttering differently.
Some children are comfortable with their stuttering and simply need support developing communication skills. Others may feel frustrated, embarrassed, or worried about how others respond when they speak. Teens and adults may avoid certain situations because they fear getting stuck on words or being judged.
That is why therapy begins with understanding the whole person—not just the moments of stuttering.
Together, we can identify what communication success looks like for you or your child. For some individuals, this may include learning fluency strategies that make speaking feel easier. For others, it may focus on building confidence, reducing avoidance, advocating for themselves, and feeling more comfortable participating in conversations.
You can learn more about practical strategies and ways to support communication confidence in my guide on how to stop stuttering when nervous.
I do not believe success is measured only by speaking with perfect fluency. Success is being able to communicate your thoughts, connect with others, and use your voice confidently.
Therapy is collaborative, supportive, and individualized. I will work with you to build practical skills while recognizing that every person's communication journey is unique.
Why Families Choose Speak with Stephanie
Choosing a speech therapist is an important decision. Families want someone who understands not only the mechanics of speech, but also how communication affects confidence, relationships, and everyday life.
At Speak with Stephanie, therapy is:
-
Individualized: Each treatment plan is based on the client’s specific goals, strengths, and communication needs.
-
Supportive: Sessions are designed to create a comfortable environment where children, teens, and adults feel understood and encouraged.
-
Functional: Strategies are practiced in real conversations so skills can carry over into everyday situations.
-
Collaborative: Families and clients are active participants in the therapy process.
-
Personalized: As a private practice owner, I provide direct care and get to know each client’s unique communication journey.
What to Expect During Stuttering Therapy
Every therapy session is individualized because no two people who stutter have the same experiences or goals.
For younger children, therapy is often play-based and includes games, books, and engaging activities that encourage natural communication while introducing speech strategies in a way that feels fun—not overwhelming. Parents are an important part of the process, and I provide coaching and practical strategies that can be used at home to help support communication between sessions.
For teens and adults, therapy focuses on real-life communication. I focus on practicing the situations that matter most to you, whether that's answering questions in class, participating in conversations, giving presentations, making phone calls, interviewing for a job, or speaking more confidently at work.
Rather than practicing strategies in isolation, we work on using them naturally during meaningful conversations. I also address the thoughts and emotions that can come with stuttering, helping you build confidence alongside communication skills.
Most importantly, therapy is a collaborative process. Together, we can celebrate progress, problem-solve challenges, and create a plan, problem-solve challenges, and create a plan that supports your communication goals—whether that means speaking more comfortably, participating more often, or simply feeling more confident using your voice.
Stuttering Therapy for Children
Children who stutter may experience a wide range of emotions around their speech. Some children are not bothered by their stuttering, while others may become frustrated or begin avoiding talking.
Early support can help children build positive communication experiences and prevent stuttering from negatively affecting confidence.
Pediatric stuttering therapy may focus on:
-
Creating a supportive environment for communication
-
Helping children understand stuttering
-
Reducing frustration around speaking
-
Teaching strategies in a child-friendly way
-
Encouraging confidence and participation
I work with children in a way that feels comfortable, engaging, and supportive. Therapy often includes games, conversation, and activities that allow children to practice communication skills naturally.
Stuttering Therapy for Teenagers
The teenage years can bring new challenges for people who stutter. Teens may become more aware of how others perceive their speech and may worry about presentations, friendships, classroom discussions, or meeting new people.
Some teens and children who stutter may also experience teasing or negative reactions from others. Learn more about supporting children who stutter and addressing bullying.
Teen stuttering therapy may focus on:
-
Increasing confidence in speaking situations
-
Managing reactions to stuttering
-
Preparing for presentations or interviews
-
Learning self-advocacy skills
-
Practicing communication strategies that fit their goals
The goal is not to make teens feel like they have to hide their stuttering. The goal is to help them feel comfortable using their voice.
Stuttering Therapy for Adults
Many adults who stutter have experienced years of avoiding speaking situations, changing words, or feeling anxious about communication.
Adult stuttering therapy can help with:
-
Workplace communication
-
Presentations and meetings
-
Social conversations
-
Phone calls
-
Self-confidence
-
Understanding and managing stuttering
Whether you have stuttered since childhood or recently noticed changes in your speech, therapy can provide support and practical tools for communication. If you have recently started stuttering as an adult, learn more about why stuttering can begin suddenly and when to seek an evaluation.
Why Does My Child Stutter?
Many parents worry that they did something wrong or wonder if they should tell their child to slow down. Stuttering is nobody's fault, and early guidance can help parents respond in ways that support their child's communication and confidence.
Many children begin stuttering during early childhood, often between the ages of 2 and 6, when language development is rapidly increasing. During this time, children are learning new words, creating longer sentences, and developing more complex communication skills.
For some children, the coordination between language planning and speech movements does not develop as smoothly, which can result in moments of stuttering.
Many young children experience periods of typical disfluency as they develop language skills. However, some children continue to stutter and may benefit from support from a speech-language pathologist who specializes in fluency disorders.
It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between typical disfluencies and stuttering. My guide explains typical disfluencies vs. stuttering and what signs parents can watch for.
Factors That May Increase the Likelihood of Persistent Stuttering
While it is not possible to predict with certainty whether a child will continue to stutter, research has identified several factors that may increase the likelihood that stuttering will persist, including:
Family history
Children who have a family member who stutters may have an increased likelihood of continued stuttering.
Age of onset
Children who begin stuttering at an older age may have a higher likelihood of continued stuttering.
Length of time stuttering has occurred
Stuttering that continues over a longer period of time may be more likely to persist.
Type and severity of stuttering
Frequent repetitions, prolongations, blocks, physical tension, or visible struggle may indicate that an evaluation would be helpful.
Stuttering Therapy FAQ
Will my child outgrow stuttering?
Some children naturally become more fluent as they develop, while others continue to stutter. A speech-language evaluation can help determine whether monitoring or therapy would be beneficial.
Should I correct my child when they stutter?
Usually, it is more helpful to create a calm, supportive speaking environment rather than asking a child to slow down, start over, or “say it again.” A speech-language pathologist can provide strategies for supporting your child’s communication.
Does stuttering therapy eliminate stuttering?
The goal of therapy is not simply to eliminate stuttering. Many people who stutter benefit from learning strategies, reducing struggle, increasing confidence, and feeling more comfortable communicating.
Can adults benefit from stuttering therapy?
Absolutely. Adults who stutter can benefit from therapy at any stage of life. Therapy can help with communication goals, workplace demands, social situations, and confidence.
How do I know if stuttering therapy is right for me or my child?
If stuttering is affecting confidence, participation, emotions, or everyday communication, an evaluation can help determine the best next steps.
Do you work with schools?
Yes. I can collaborate with teachers and school teams when needed.
Speech Therapy for Individuals who Stutter
At my Skokie, Illinois speech therapy practice, I offer in-home speech therapy for children and adults who stutter who live near Skokie, Wilmette, Evanston, West Rogers Park, Winnetka, and surrounding North Shore suburbs.
Online Stuttering Therapy Throughout Illinois and New York
I offer virtual speech therapy for those who stutter throughout Illinois & New York
Stuttering can make your child or adult feel like they are constantly battling to find their voice.
Help stop struggling and start speaking freely.
Begin Speech Therapy for your Child Who Stutters in Illinois or New York
PHONE CONSULTATION
First, you’ll speak to the owner of Speak with Stephanie. I will answer your questions and discuss your concerns.
SCHEDULE A STUTTERING EVALUATION
Book a stuttering evaluation. The evaluation may take several sessions to allow for a more thorough understanding of your needs and abilities. After the evaluation, I will develop an individualized speech therapy program specific to your needs.
SPEECH THERAPY FOR STUTTERING
I will work with you toward your communication goals through individualized therapy sessions.
Call or email me to schedule your Free Stuttering consultation
In-home speech therapy for individuals
in Skokie, Wilmette, and surrounding Illinois areas