Educational Therapy
What is Educational Therapy?
Educational Therapy looks beyond what a child is struggling with to understand how the child learns.
At EmpowerKidz, we work closely with children and teens ages 5–15 who may struggle with reading, writing, math, attention, executive functioning, processing, or other learning differences. Our approach combines educational therapy with individualized cognitive and academic support to understand strengths, identify areas of need, and develop the skills and strategies that support successful learning.
EmpowerKidz provides educational therapy in Ballantyne, NC, serving families throughout Ballantyne, South Charlotte, and surrounding communities. We provide individualized support designed to help students become more confident, strategic, and independent learners.
Educational Therapy at EmpowerKidz: Cognition Before Content
Tutoring often focuses on strengthening skills and understanding within a particular academic subject. At EmpowerKidz, Educational Therapy takes a broader view by considering both academic performance and the underlying processes that influence how a student learns.
At EmpowerKidz, we begin by understanding the cognitive abilities that support learning-attention, memory, visual and auditory processing, reasoning, and problem-solving-so academic instruction can be built on a stronger foundation. Learning depends on the interaction of many abilities, including attention, memory, language, processing, reasoning, executive functioning, and academic skills. When a child struggles with reading, writing, or math, understanding this broader learning profile can help us determine where additional support may be needed.z
By addressing relevant foundational abilities alongside explicit academic instruction and executive functioning support, we help students develop strategies and skills that can support more confident and independent learning.
Educational Therapist vs. Tutor: What's the Difference?
Tutoring typically focuses on helping a student strengthen skills or understanding within a particular academic subject. Educational therapy takes a broader approach, examining how the student learns and addressing underlying learning processes, academic skills, executive functioning, and the social-emotional factors that may affect learning.
Put simply, tutoring often emphasizes what a student is learning, while Educational Therapy places greater emphasis on how the student learns. That includes:
- Understanding a child’s unique learning profile—both strengths and challenges
- Developing learning and social-emotional strategies
- Fostering a growth mindset
- Building communication and self-advocacy skills
Who is an Educational Therapist?
Educational therapists help build a child’s academic skills and self-confidence. They come from a range of professional backgrounds, including:
- General or special education teachers
- Reading or math specialists
- Social workers
- Speech and language pathologists
- Counselors with additional certifications
Educational therapists may also help families understand how a student’s learning needs relate to the supports outlined in an IEP or 504 Plan and collaborate with families, educators, and other professionals so that intervention outside school complements school-based support.
The Association of Educational Therapists (AET) is a professional organization that provides information about Educational Therapy, professional standards, training, and credentialing. Because educational therapists come from varied professional backgrounds, families are encouraged to ask about a practitioner’s education, specialized training, experience, and credentials when determining whether they are a good fit for their child’s needs.
What Skills Does Educational Therapy Address?
Educational Therapy may address a range of academic, cognitive, executive functioning, and social-emotional skills based on each student’s individual learning profile.
Academic & Learning
- Reading
- Reading comprehension
- Spelling
- Writing
- Math
- Critical thinking
- Study skills
Cognitive Processing
- Attention
- Working memory
- Visual processing
- Auditory processing
- Processing efficiency
- Reasoning
- Problem solving
Executive Functioning
- Planning & prioritizing
- Organization
- Time management
- Task initiation
- Flexible thinking
- Self-monitoring
Social-Emotional Learning
- Self-awareness
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Self-advocacy
- Relationship skills
- Social awareness
- Responsible decision-making
- Growth mindset
If your child is struggling in school, Educational Therapy can help you better understand their learning strengths and challenges and identify appropriate strategies and supports.
EmpowerKidz provides Educational Therapy for children and teens ages 5–15 in Ballantyne, South Charlotte, and surrounding communities. Contact us to learn more or schedule an initial consultation.
