Frequently Asked Questions

 Understanding the power of strengths and imagining success is more powerful than the barriers imposed by weaknesses or unproductive thinking. This is true for students facing a learning challenge, inattention or feelings of revenge from bullying. Research has considered a theory that suggests that imagination can be as powerful as real world experiences in terms of moving on from grievances or unproductive thoughts. A look at perpetrators of school shootings reveals that many of them experienced bullying which fueled a desire to avenge a real or imagined wrong. Similarly a student who ascribes to being a disabled learner, “ I can’t read or do math” holds that view of themselves in their imagination. Without interrupting this cycle of unproductive thinking, the imagination goes unchallenged and often becomes a lasting reality. 

 Strength based assessments turn the tables on traditional assessment and therapy models. From start to finish the goal is to identify student strengths and leverage them for greater success; in contrast to focusing on what does not work with the intent of fixing a neurodevelopmentally wired weakness. The student is an active participant who contributes to their composite profile by evaluating strategies that work for them and identifying and committing to using their own learning strengths. Ed therapy clients are the client- not their parent so our students own their strategies and own their success. 

 Our students enjoy the coaching process that allows them to take a close look at their learning with the guidance of a specialized learning expert. We like to use actual school work and current academic demands to guide our work with your child. The analogy of “teaming up to be detectives” closely parallels the experience of identifying strengths and the strategies chosen to harness greater success. Strategies and support are provided for reading, writing and math but also to explore different ways to access memory and manage time. Students evaluate how well strategies work. Demystifying a learning profile is an essential part of the experience for each child in order to remove blame, explain why a struggle exists and empower their learning.

 Usually insurance requires a diagnosis based upon more traditional mental health testing models and therefore our services are rarely covered. Educational therapy and tutoring expenses however can be used as a tax deduction. 

 This program establishes a school-wide culture of stepping back from getting back in elementary and middle schools. It starts with online professional development for educators sharing up to date research about revenge addiction and school violence. Direct application is made possible through a conversation model that guides children to use their imagination and conclude that getting back is not their best choice. School-wide posters, classroom copies of Step Back or Get Back "choose your own ending" books and SBFGB bracelets (Step Back from Getting Back) serve as a way to infuse this philosophy into the school's culture.