Educational Therapy is a special type of intervention aimed at improving cognitive functioning and restructuring the process of learning, while employing therapeutic methods. Educational therapists support children and adults with learning struggles by targeting each individual’s underlying weaknesses in learning, whether it be decoding, reading comprehension, mathematical processing, or writing fluency. These foundational skills are strengthened in order to promote self-confidence and independence in the classroom and in everyday life.

In contrast to conventional tutoring, Educational Therapy does not merely focus on content mastery of particular disciplines, like Calculus or Biology. For instance, a tutor may help a student prepare for an upcoming English test on To Kill a Mockingbird by reviewing the characters, plot, and theme. However, an Educational Therapist will work with the student throughout the reading process, focusing on reading fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking in order to equip the student with the skills necessary for broader academic achievement.

While tutoring may be very advantageous for students only requiring enrichment in particular subject areas, Educational Therapy is better suited for students who struggle with more profound learning difficulties, such as Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, or Learning Disability. Students who exhibit significant organizational concerns, poor study habits, or weak test-taking skills also benefit greatly from Educational Therapy, as it targets the underlying processes related to these difficulties, such as visual memory, sequencing, and time management, while also providing compensatory strategies for success. Educational Therapists use a highly individualized approach, allowing them to tailor a program based on each student’s unique learning profile.