What Exactly is Educational Therapy And Does My Child Need It?

"When a child is struggling in school, it takes a toll on their self-esteem and wellbeing.  They start to feel like there’s something wrong with them. An accurate diagnosis is the first step to changing that. Once it’s understood what skills a child is lacking, an educational therapist can help them get back on track in school and boost their confidence, too." (Caroline Miller, Child Mind Institute) 


When kids are struggling in school, it can be a very challenging journey.  It's hard on the child's confidence, and the parents struggle with knowing what to do.  When children struggle with learning disabilities or attention difficulties, it can be an overwhelming experience.  

Educational therapy is a growing field in learning challenges and disabilities.  

Educational therapists are highly trained in learning challenges and offer personalized intervention, strategies, and techniques to support a child's specific learning needs.


What is Educational Therapy?

Educational therapy supports students who need individualized intervention techniques and strategies to learn effectively. It involves personalized strategies to address difficulties and enhance overall learning skills.  

Educational therapists are highly trained, graduate-level professionals who develop intervention plans to help support students with learning disabilities or those who need additional support in academic areas.  


Why are you called "therapists" if you aren't licensed therapists?

    Therapy is a huge part of the practice.  As educational therapists, we address the whole child by helping to bridge the home and school for academic success.  Many times, supporting the student also means supporting the parents.  We also become a safe adult for the child, so they often feel comfortable confiding in us at times.  When children are struggling academically, their confidence is usually affected, so the educational therapist helps support the student's confidence by helping them see themselves as a competent learner.  

    A large part of the practice is the relationship and rapport built between the educational therapist and the student.  Often, the educational therapist helps the child transform their negative perceptions about their academic selves into a more self-aware and positive feeling and attitude.  


Does my student need an educational therapist?

✔ Parents and/or teachers have been concerned about student's level of academic proficiency in certain areas (possibly below grade level)

✔ A recent evaluation has indicated a learning disability, ADHD, ASD, or other impairment that impacts learning

✔ The student's confidence is waning in certain academic areas, and motivation is struggling

✔  It doesn't feel like all my child's needs are getting addressed, and we need support and guidance to navigate the journey


If any of these pertain to your child, then it would be a good idea to reach out to an educational therapist and find out more about how they can help.  To find a list of educational therapists near you, you can visit:

ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATIONAL THERAPISTS





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