How is educational therapy different from tutoring?

Although an educational therapist and client might do work together in a session that looks like tutoring, educational therapy is a comprehensive field. Educational therapists are trained educators who must keep current in the fields of special education, neuropsychology, psychotherapy, sociology, speech and language, and the law.

Most tutors are discipline-specific (i.e. a math, physics, or Spanish tutor) and use their time with students to help them work on homework or projects with impending deadlines, or study for upcoming tests. This helps the child with the current work, but does nothing to prepare the child to ultimately be successful without the tutor’s help. In my sessions with students, I use school assignments as material to work on the child’s bigger learning goals. Every piece of work we do becomes a lesson in how a child should attack this kind of work. In time, the student needs me less and less because the lessons of educational therapy have been internalized. I also work with students across all disciplines;

We had my child tested and the neuropsychologist recommended executive function coaching. Do you do that?

Yes! That’s definitely a part of what I do. If you haven’t already, check out my “Why isn’t my smart child doing better in school” page for more information on this.

How is educational therapy different from psychotherapy?

A traditional therapist works to psychoanalyze and resolve emotional problems; this becomes the “work” of psychotherapy. An educational therapist uses a therapeutic approach that acknowledges emotional problems without letting them derail the learning process. The two approaches can be complementary, and both may be appropriate for some students.

How often will my child need educational therapy?

That depends on your child’s issues and current functioning. In my practice, I require students to come at least once a week for one 50-minute session. Obviously more sessions a week is more rapidly effective, and for students who are already in crisis situations when they start seeing me, I will recommend coming at least twice a week to start. The vast majority of my students, though, come just one time a week.

When do students see you?

I work Monday through Thursday afternoons. My first weekday afternoon session is usually 2:00 p.m. (although I do meet earlier than that and sometimes even weekday mornings with college students and home-schooled children). My last session is from 6:00 to 6:50.

Will you communicate with my child’s school?

Absolutely! At your intake appointment, I will ask you and your child to sign a consent form giving me authorizing me to talk to personnel at your child’s school and any other clinicians already familiar with your child. Then, as we begin working together, we will decide as a team what kind of communication with the school makes sense. You will always know the nature and purpose of our communication. Typically the frequency of such communication is tailored to the age and needs of your child. My goal is always to form positive, productive partnerships with all members of your child’s educational team.

Is everything I say to Ms. Aubin confidential?

All information disclosed over the telephone or within sessions and the written records pertaining to those sessions are confidential and may not be revealed to anyone without your written permission, except where disclosure is required by law. Confidentiality and privilege do not apply between immediate family members, (i.e. parents and their children) unless otherwise agreed upon. I consult regularly with other professionals regarding my clients; however, my client’s identity remains completely anonymous, and confidentiality is fully maintained.