There are many differences! One of the biggest may be that I don’t use a specific program. I draw from my diagnostic clinical skills to target each client’s specific challenges and needs, using materials and content relevant to their interests and goals. I am informally assessing throughout each session to fine tune my treatment for each client and make sure they’re making progress. This individualization also allows me to utilize a client’s strengths, maximize their motivation, and move flexibly among goals depending on what a person is facing any given day. Finally, I can provide testing for diagnostic purposes, as well as progress monitoring.

I can serve all clients in Washington State via telehealth on Zoom. Some in-person session spots in Bellingham may be available—please inquire at the time of the complimentary intake call.

If a child is at a school with poor literacy instruction, receiving extra help prior to an evaluation may be a reasonable course of action. However, if a learning disability may be contributing to difficulties obtaining literacy skills, it is extremely helpful and highly recommended to receive an official diagnosis. Many neurodevelopmental disabilities can contribute to difficulty in learning to read, write, and spell, including dyslexia, developmental language disorder, autism, and ADHD. Knowing the root causes of the challenges helps determine the best course of treatment. Also, having a diagnosis often leads to additional support at school, like a 504 plan for accommodations.

Not having a diagnosis should not keep one from receiving the support they need. We can always discuss this further during the complimentary intake call.

After determining we are a good fit for therapy during the initial intake call and finding a weekly session time that works, we begin! I always prioritize building a relationship with the client. Children need time to trust me and believe in the process. We often play games while learning or practicing what has been taught. When possible, I choose content that’s relevant to a client’s interests, passions, schoolwork, or current events so they’re engaged and motivated.

The best way to learn to read is to understand spelling! So, we spend a lot of time studying words: how they’re built and what the letters are doing in them. We may also study different ways words can be put together to form a sentence, and how sentences are put together to form paragraphs. All of this can be done in surprisingly fun ways.

I work hard to help each client achieve their best literacy outcomes. Some people will need support for building skills while also learning how to use accommodations, like dictating or studying from an audiobook. Therapy is rarely focused on one single goal but rather has the broad intention of observing the person’s entire environment to eliminate barriers keeping them from achieving their best.

Length of intervention varies tremendously. Learning disabilities range from mild to severe, and a person’s support system at home or school can also impact treatment time. Generally, most children with learning disabilities will require at least a year of consistent intervention. Children who are receiving extra support purely to compensate for poor instruction at school often experience progress after several months of treatment.

We take breaks for school vacations. Weekly sessions are not required during summer break. Some clients take a break from treatment after a year or two and then come back later to fine tune  or build their skills.

I do not take insurance. I am private pay only. Sliding scale options are available upon request.