Finding My Voice Through Creativity: A Journey with Stuttering - Naomi Zauderer
This blog is reposted with Naomi’s permission. See the original on Naomi Zauderer’s website www.innercompasstherapy.com
Catching up. Uri Schneider with Naomi Zauderer.
“We all have a voice waiting to be heard, and therapy is often the place where it begins to emerge.”
When I was in second grade, my weekly visits to a speech pathologist began. I remember sitting with my father in the quiet waiting room, curious about the sterile smell that reminded me of a hospital. My eyes were often drawn to a collage on the wall, filled with photographs of famous individuals who had also struggled with stuttering. These actors, leaders, and scientists seemed to transmit kind messages of hope through their portraits, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in my challenge.
But that inspiration would fade quickly as I dove into the monotonous speech exercises and techniques during my sessions. I felt like I was treading water, my progress minimal. Yet, there was one moment I eagerly anticipated: when my therapist would step out of the room to chat with my father about my “progress.” During those brief intervals, I was left alone in the hollow office, armed with only a few crayons and a sheet of paper. That was when my imagination took flight, offering a small yet profound sense of relief.
A year later, I switched to a new speech pathologist who worked much closer to where I lived. The exercises and techniques were similar, but he introduced something different: more time to draw. Each week, during our sessions, he invited me to share experiences related to my stuttering, school, home life, and friends. He encouraged me to illustrate these stories, to bring them to life on paper.
“Drawing allowed me to express what words often failed to capture, turning moments of frustration into art.”
This was the beginning of my journey as a cartoonist.
I started creating comic strips depicting my everyday struggles and moments of vulnerability. One common theme was being called on to speak in class. In one sequence, I would draw myself raising my hand only to begin stuttering. The next panel might show the teacher telling me not to raise my hand unless I knew the answer or simply moving on to another student while I struggled to get my words out.
These comics became a powerful outlet for me to process my feelings and experiences. Drawing allowed me to express what words often failed to capture, turning moments of frustration into art.
Bringing Creativity and Compassion to Therapy
Looking back on that time, I now realize how foundational those drawing sessions were—not just for navigating my relationship with stuttering but for shaping the way I approach challenges today. Creativity offered me a way to process my emotions, find my voice, and reclaim my sense of agency.
As a therapist, I carry this understanding into my work with clients. I know that words are not always enough, and healing doesn’t come from a one-size-fits-all solution. For some, it’s through mindfulness or movement. For others, it might be journaling, art, or exploring the unique parts of themselves that have been hidden or silenced. My practice emphasizes creating a safe space where each person can discover what resonates most deeply with them—whether that’s through evidence-based tools, creative outlets, or simply the chance to share their story with someone who listens without judgment.
We all have a voice waiting to be heard, and therapy is often the place where it begins to emerge. For me, it started with a crayon in hand. For you, it might begin with the courage to take the first step.
This blog is reposted with Naomi’s permission. See the original on Naomi Zauderer’s website www.innercompasstherapy.com
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