Tutoring, Coaching, and Therapy, Oh My!
If your child is struggling academically, you want to find the right support quickly. But knowing which type of support is the “right” one can be confusing. If your student is failing algebra, it might seem like the obvious choice to hire an algebra tutor.
But what if you discover that they have completed all of their algebra homework and are failing because they haven’t submitted it for a grade? In this case, they may know the material, so a tutor wouldn’t be waste of money. It’s possible they are forgetting to submit their homework or are consistently late to class and so miss the opportunity to turn it in for credit. In this case, an executive function coach may be the most appropriate support.
Your time and money are valuable, which makes choosing the right support for your child’s academics essential. Tutoring, coaching, and therapy are all common options parents seek for their students. I like to think of these supports on a spectrum, based on how directly they engage with academic material. On one end of the spectrum is tutoring, which focuses almost exclusively on academics. On the other end is therapy, which supports students in managing emotions and overcoming psychological barriers that may be impeding their ability to engage with academics.
Coaching falls in the middle—a student’s feelings toward school are relevant because those feelings impact motivation, and therefore the likelihood of following through on their academic plan. These feelings may be a topic of conversation during coaching sessions, but the coach’s goals typically focus on academic growth and achievement (though not necessarily grade output—I’ll save the discussion of process vs. outcome goals for another blog post).
Here's a quick overview of tutoring, therapy, and coaching:
Tutoring: Academics All the Way
Tutoring typically focuses on a single academic subject. In the example above, an algebra tutor would likely:
Review algebra concepts
Provide practice problems
Check homework for accuracy
Assist with challenging homework problems
Provide study support for tests
All of these interventions are aimed at helping the student master one subject or the skills required to succeed in a specific class. Certain tutors, like reading tutors, may be certified in specific programs, but they are usually individuals who have excelled in the subject or are teachers. Explore this article for more information about tutoring.
Therapy: Overcoming Emotional Barriers
Another type of support that more and more students are engaging with is therapy. Most descriptions of therapy focus on the emotional healing component of the work. There are numerous types of therapy, with some being more appropriate depending on a person’s specific symptoms or diagnosis. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and group therapy. Read more about some types of therapy here.
Coaching: Applying Cognitive Skills to Academics
Coaching falls in the middle of the spectrum between academics and emotions. Coaches are not typically licensed therapists but have some form of training in the specific area they advertise. Coaching differs from tutoring in that it does not focus directly on content, although academic coaching may include strategies to learn material more effectively. Similarly, coaching can help clients apply insights from therapy to their daily lives.
This article from CHADD further explores the differences between coaching, therapy, and tutoring.
If you’re still uncertain about which type of support is right for you, don’t hesitate to schedule a call—we can figure it out together.