Fluency (Stuttering) Therapy

Therapy for easier, more confident speaking

At Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center, our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide individualized fluency therapy for children, teens, and adults who stutter. We focus on real-world speaking success—at home, in school, at work, and in the community—using evidence-based strategies, age-appropriate coaching, and supportive practice plans.

Who can benefit

• Young children who repeat sounds/syllables, stretch sounds, or get “stuck” starting words
• School-age students who avoid reading aloud, presentations, or social conversations due to stuttering
• Teens and adults who experience speaking tension, time pressure, or anxiety in everyday or professional situations
• Anyone whose fluency affects participation, confidence, or quality of life

If speaking feels hard—or if family, teachers, or coworkers notice struggle or avoidance—an evaluation can help you understand next steps.

What to expect

1) Evaluation

Your SLP will complete a fluency assessment and discuss when, where, and how speaking becomes difficult. We consider voice, articulation, language, and the impact stuttering has on school, work, and relationships.

2) Personalized plan

Therapy is tailored to age, goals, and daily routines. Depending on needs, your plan may include:

• Fluency-shaping techniques (e.g., gentle/easy starts, rate and phrasing, breath support)
• Stuttering-modification strategies (e.g., pull-outs, cancellations, reduced tension)
• Desensitization and communication confidence (reducing the fear/avoidance cycle)
• Real-life speaking practice (classroom tasks, work calls, ordering in restaurants)
• Caregiver/teacher coaching (for children) and home practice routines

3) Functional carryover

We measure progress and shift practice into everyday speaking—so skills show up where they matter most.

Signs a fluency evaluation may help

• Repeating sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., “b-b-ball”)
• Prolonging sounds (e.g., “mmmmm-milk”) or getting “stuck” starting words
• Facial/body tension while speaking; frequent restarts or word changes
• Avoiding certain words, situations, or speaking roles
• Worry, frustration, or reduced confidence related to talking

Why choose CORE Center

• Individualized therapy for children, teens, and adults
• Evidence-based approaches that fit your goals and contexts
• Support for carryover into home, school, and workplace routines
• Convenient outpatient care in Washington and Odon, Indiana

• Collaborative care with families, teachers, and healthcare providers when appropriate

Locations and scheduling

• CORE Center – 421 E. Van Trees Street, Washington, IN
• CORE Center at North Daviess – 800 S. West Street, Odon, IN

Call (812) 254-8889 to schedule a fluency (stuttering) evaluation or ask about referral requirements. Many insurers require a physician referral—our team can help you determine next steps.

FAQs

Will therapy “cure” stuttering?
Stuttering varies from person to person. Therapy focuses on easier, more confident communication, reducing struggle and avoidance, and building tools that fit daily life.

How involved are parents/caregivers?
For children, caregiver coaching is essential. We’ll share practical strategies you can use at home and with the school team.

How long does therapy take?
Duration depends on age, goals, and response to strategies. Your SLP will outline a plan and timeline after your evaluation.