Stuttering

Coming here was one of the best decisions I have made in my life; I wish that I had come two years ago. I'm glad to be part of such a great group of passionate therapists and supportive fellow stutterers and friends. This marks a pivotal point in my life, better prepares me for my future endeavors, and helps me take on challenges that I never imagined would be possible.

- Saeed Kalafchi

Our Programs

Like you, we are results-oriented. People of all ages can learn techniques for controlling their speech at Columbia Speech and Language Services and have been coming to our clinic for stuttering help since 1987. We are proud of our expertise and reputation in stuttering treatment. We are the only clinic in British Columbia where adult clients can receive government funding to attend our treatment clinics, and have been since 1995.

We offer a friendly, supportive environment that allows our clients to improve their speech, develop confidence, and gain morale by working with other people who understand what it's like to stutter. Our speech-language pathologists are passionate about bringing together current research, client feedback and our own extensive experience to create dynamic programs. We provide intensive practice of fluency skills, social communication skills, education for families and friends, and exercises for home practice.

Adults and older teens are seen in our intensive adult stuttering treatment clinic which is run annually in the summer. Intensive group treatment is the best evidence-based practice for long-term speech improvement for people who stutter or stammer.

Children and teens between the ages of eight and 15 are sometimes seen individually, and sometimes in small groups for semi-intensive group stuttering treatment. This is determined based on a child's needs, in consultation with your speech therapist.

For young children, we use the evidence-based "Lidcombe Treatment Program", which is the gold standard for children up to age eight. The Lidcombe Program for the treatment of early stuttering was originally developed in Australia. It is now used around the world by therapists who specialize in preschool-aged stuttering treatment.

To book an appointment, call us at 604-875-9100. Our receptionist is available to personally answer your calls from 9 to 5, Monday to Friday.

For more information, see our pages for stuttering programs for Children and Teens, for Adults, for Stuttering Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or for Funding Information.

Video Interviews

Speech Language Pathologist, Wendy Duke (owner of Columbia Speech), speaks with Studio 4 Host Fanny Kiefer about stuttering in children, adult stuttering, causes of stuttering, and stuttering treatment. Wendy and Fanny also discuss their impressions of the movie "The King's Speech". This is a 2 part interview.