Educational Therapy

Much of Diana Vaniotis' practice during the summer is dedicated to educational therapy, or regularly scheduled sessions of one-on-one instruction for school-age children. A problem with reading is usually the most common issue, but difficulties with spelling, writing and language expression are also addressed.

Parents seek educational therapy when they either want to be proactive in preventing reading problems (kindergarten-first grade), or when other interventions such as special education, after-school help, and grade retention have failed to teach their child to read (second grade through high school). You can learn more about the content and structure of sessions in Reading.

Educational therapy is also referred to as tutoring, or coaching. However, educational therapy reaches beyond helping with homework to teach skills and strategies that support learning. Its application is both a science and an art, as it brings to bear not only the therapist's knowledge and training, but his/her intuitive talents as well. Every educational therapist shapes his or her practice in a unique way that may include any combination of the following: teaching, testing, assessments, consultations, and/or advocacy.

Key to the success of educational therapy is the one-on-one format that provides positive, immediate feedback in a "safe" environment; one in which a child is not embarrassed or threatened by exposure of what he is unable to do in front of peers, siblings or parents. Diana carefully selects material that the student can master. New concepts are introduced with many opportunities for guided practice. Correct answers are reinforced and incorrect answers are redirected and presented another way. Students, who may have been reluctant when they walked in the first time, leave sessions in good spirits because every thing they have attempted in that hour has been a success. And, success is the flower of competence; as competence blooms, so does confidence, which is the core of self-esteem.

Diana understands that educational therapy requires a substantial commitment from parents, both in time and finances. She is likewise committed to helping your child learn skills, strategize the social and emotional aspects of learning problems, and to forming a supportive relationship with your child and those involved in his or her educational development.