One outcome of trauma is the inability to articulate what has happened or, in the case of ongoing trauma, what is happening. The trauma associated with stuttering often results in this loss, creating a sense of mystery and frustration around the experience of stuttering. Understanding the lived experience of stuttering as a form of trauma and having language to talk about it are vital parts of the healing process.

In this talk, we will increase our understanding by exploring stuttering as trauma, examining the body's response to trauma, and identifying language that helps describe and make sense of these experiences. We will also highlight the value of trauma-informed therapy and community engagement and support.

Chaya Goldstein-Schuff, MA, CCC-SLP, is a person who stutters and is a speech-language pathologist at the Sisskin Stuttering Center. She specializes in trauma-informed therapy for individuals who stutter, applying trauma-informed principles and practices to support clients feeling safe in their bodies while stuttering. She is researching the experience of stuttering as a form of complex trauma to deepen the understanding of the lived experience of stuttering.