Why an Educational Therapist Matters
Why am I an Educational Therapist? I struggled in school, and this challenge profoundly changed the direction of my life. The difficult part was that I flew under the radar. I was an early reader—by the age of three, I was reading every stray book, carton, instruction manual, or newspaper I could find. My primary school years went by easily until I hit a wall in 3rd grade with math. While memorizing multiplication tables was never a problem, I found concepts like division and telling time especially challenging.
Third through fifth grades were a confusing and humiliating time for me. The shame and embarrassment from my struggles severely impacted my self-esteem. Teachers often told me I was ‘not trying hard enough,’ ‘lazy,’ or that I had a ‘fear of math.’ Although I belonged to the highest reading groups and the MGM (GATE) classes, the school placed me in the lowest math groups.
I distinctly remember the day in seventh grade when I gave up trying altogether. Diagramming sentences, a fairly simple concept for most of my classmates, was something I just couldn’t grasp. From that moment, I began making excuses for my poor grades and inability to complete basic tasks. I created a fantasy world where I told others that I came from an uncaring and chaotic home, hoping it would explain my struggles and lack of academic success.
My experience highlights the critical role of educational therapy in addressing hidden learning challenges and their impact on self-esteem. For those who can relate, or if there is a child or adult who could benefit from a deep dive into how education and learning experiences shape one’s self-worth, I strongly encourage you to reach out for support and discussion. Additionally, this journey can provide valuable insights and healing for anyone affected by these challenges. Educational therapy offers personalized strategies and guidance to empower learners, helping them overcome barriers and regain confidence in their abilities.
