Can Stoicism inspire stuttering intervention? The clinical usefulness of an ancient philosophy

Background: A range of psychotherapies are effective in managing an individual's personal reactions to stuttering and reducing the impact stuttering has on their lives. Many of these therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, have their origins in Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy founded in 301 bce. Stoicism remains a relatively unexplored topic in the psychotherapy and speech and language therapy literatures. Aims: This paper aims to highlight the potential benefits of integrating Stoic principles and techniques into stuttering intervention. Methods: This aim is achieved through a discussion on Stoic philosophy and the range of techniques that have informed modern evidence-based psychotherapies that are effective with the stuttering population. Main Contribution: This paper initiates an important conversation on the usefulness of Stoicism to the field of stuttering. Key recommendations are provided for the integration of Stoic philosophy into future clinical and research practice related to stuttering. Conclusions: Stoicism offers philosophical guidance for the art of living, but also provides a range of strategies and practical techniques that have potential to expand the clinical toolkit of modern psychotherapy and speech and language therapy. Scientific validation of the clinical application of Stoicism is recommended to exploit its effectiveness with the stuttering population. What This Paper Adds: What is already known on the subject Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that has informed modern-day psychotherapies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Such therapies are recommended for use with individuals who stutter to target their personal reactions to stuttering and reduce any adverse impacts on their lives. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This paper discusses the principles and techniques of Stoicism with reference to how they align with modern psychotherapeutic approaches and speech and language therapy interventions used with individuals who stutter. Clinical implications and directions for future research are also presented. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are recommended to continue their use of psychotherapies such as CBT and ACT with individuals who stutter. In addition, SLTs are advised to explore Stoicism and its range of techniques to better understand the philosophical underpinnings of evidence-based psychotherapies and to expand their clinical toolkit.