The Use of Relaxation in the Therapy of Stuttering

Abstract

Relaxation techniques play a crucial role in the management and treatment of stuttering, complementing both behavioral and speech-focused interventions. Stuttering is not solely a motor speech disorder but also a condition influenced by emotional, cognitive, and physiological tension. Excessive muscle tension in the respiratory, phonatory, and articulatory systems can exacerbate disfluencies and secondary behaviors. Relaxation strategies—such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, and guided imagery—aim to reduce physical and psychological stress, promote smoother speech initiation, and enhance self-control during communication. By decreasing global and speech-related anxiety, these techniques help clients achieve better fluency, improve body awareness, and foster a sense of confidence and calmness in speaking situations. Integrating relaxation within a holistic stuttering therapy program supports long-term fluency maintenance and contributes to the overall well-being and communicative competence of individuals who stutter.