Rachel Kapp and Stephanie Pitts- Educational Therapists
The Educational Therapy Podcast
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET share some life updates on this episode! They also chat about systems versus tools and how both are required to symbiotically work together. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET explore why traditional consequences often fail for kids with learning differences and/or executive functioning skills challenges—and what actually helps instead. They unpack the critical idea that consequences only work when a child already has the underlying skills, and explain how repeated punishment can increase stress, shutdown, and avoidance rather than learning. They reframe “misbehavior” as a skills gap and offer practical alternatives rooted in curiosity, explicit skill-building, and collaborative problem-solving. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET revisit a previous episode to discuss the concept of failing forward. They talk about why summer is the perfect chance to prioritize this idea, how to involve parents in the process when appropriate, and the importance of planning for “failing”. They share the transformation that can occur with prioritizing this conversation and plan and for what type of learners benefit from this goal. Make sure to listen to the end as they share a simple framework to help learners plan to fail forward. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET explore a common parent belief that they should “try everything else first” before seeking outside support. They explore why this hesitation shows up, including fears of overreacting, and the pressure to solve challenges independently. Rachel & Stephanie also explain the hidden costs of waiting—academically, emotionally, financially, and relationally—and why time is a critical factor in building executive functioning skills. They emphasize that educational therapy isn’t a last resort but an effective parallel path that helps learners thrive sooner. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET explore whether music helps or hurts a learner’s ability to focus. They break down why some students work better with background sound, why others become more distracted, and how the type of task—and the type of music—matters. The episode includes simple strategies families can use to help learners identify what supports their focus best and when silence, sound, or music is the right choice. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET unpack why executive functioning work is about increasing a learner’s capacity—not enforcing compliance. They break down the difference between behavior that comes from pressure and behavior that comes from internal skills, and they explain why real progress happens only when learners develop planning, regulation, and flexible thinking. This episode helps Smarties understand how shifting from “Do it because I said so” to “Let’s build the skills you need” leads to independence and long-term success. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
In this re-air of episode 190, Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss how the learners they work with at Kapp Educational Therapy Group and My Ed Therapist ALL have some emotional response to tasks that they avoid. Rachel and Steph dig into this–they talk about what it means, what it looks like, how to figure it out through getting curious, and some examples from their own experiences. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET explore a common concern they hear from parents: the fear that seeking support for their learner will lead to stigma—within their family, cultural community, or even in how their child sees themselves. They unpack why these fears are so prevalent and why they make complete sense, especially for families navigating cultural messages around achievement, privacy, and struggle. They also reframe the conversation to demonstrate that getting help is not a sign that something is “wrong,” but that it can be viewed as a proactive step toward giving learners the tools they need to thrive. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss why learners get stuck in decision-making and what they need in order to move on. They break down the executive functioning skills required to make choices, why overwhelm and perfectionism create paralysis, and how adults can help learners gain clarity and confidence. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome Ellen Galinsky to discuss her latest book The Breakthrough Years. Ellen is a “research adventurer,” parenting expert, president of the Families and Work Institute, former Fred Rogers Parenting Expert, a civic scientist and author. She talks about how her fundamental core question of “How can we best help kids learn and thrive?” has driven her career. She shares how she prioritizes what kids want to know–that they want us to understand them. She talks about how teens need opportunities for positive risks and how they don’t want the adults in their lives to fix things for them. This leads to a conversation about how to tolerate allowing learners to fix their own mistakes and Ellen shares her Shared Solutions strategy. She also shares what adults often experience with their teenagers and the importance of helping your learner find their passion. Connect with Ellen: Ellengalinsky@familiesandwork.org Ellen Galinsky: Linkedin Resources Mentioned: The Breakthrough Years Vroom Resource Mind in the Making by Ellen Galinsky Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET revisit an episode from the early days to talk about highly gifted students. When we think of neurodiversity or learning differences, we often think of students who have challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, etc. However, students with high intellect require a unique learning approach as well. Listen in to hear us discuss the typical challenges highly gifted students face and our ideas for how to overcome them. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET explore one of the most common questions families express when starting educational therapy: the desire for quick results. They discuss why this is such a universal question, what parents are actually asking for, and how professionals can guide families toward a clearer, calmer understanding of the educational therapy process. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 115: Learning About Learning with Dr Rishi Part 2 (Author Series) Ep 130: The 5 M’s of Talent with Dr. Rishi Sriram (Author Series)
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET break down one of the most persistent myths in school, work, and home life: the idea that multitasking is a skill. The science is clear — the brain cannot actually multitask. What the brain does is rapidly switch between tasks, and that switching is far more costly than most people realize. Rachel and Stephanie discuss what is really happening in the brain when learners try to “do it all,” why multitasking leads to more mistakes and slower progress, and what strategies support executive functioning and stronger learning habits. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 186: All or Nothing Brain (Executive Function Series) Ep 346: All About Body Doubling (Executive Functioning Series)
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss the role of the educational therapist as a middleman. We dig into the middleman role educational therapists often end up playing — between parents, teachers, clinicians, tutors, and everyone else on a child’s support team. They discuss the benefits and challenges of this role and how to keep boundaries that are in alignment with your values. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome Claudia, a former parent from My Ed Therapist, to the podcast. Claudia shares her journey with her daughter, Emma, who is autistic, has ADHD, and has Pathological Demand Avoidance (or “Persistent Demand for Autonomy”). Claudia shares about the impact of these diagnoses on her relationship with Emma and the family. She shares about how Stephanie’s rapport had a tremendous impact on Emma’s ability to be more flexible. She shares about the difficult decision to transition schools and the importance sports had for Emma. They chat about the role of perfectionism, how they approached the college decision, the importance of prioritizing the relationship with your child, and examining Claudia’s role as the parent. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 309: Pathological Demand Avoidance with Diane Gould (Professionals Series)
In this re-air of episode 169 (originally aired August of 2021), Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET talk with Dr. Sharon Saline, author of What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life. Dr. Saline discusses her goal of improving the connection between parents and learners with ADHD through improving conversation. She walks them through her 5C’s of parenting, which are self-control, compassion, collaboration, consistency, and celebration. They also dive into a conversation about medication. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET are back to chat about commitment overwhelm. Families often say things like “We’re too busy right now” or “Let’s wait until next semester.” But sometimes those words aren’t about scheduling — they’re about commitment overwhelm and that heavy feeling that starting something new, even something helpful, might just be too much to handle. In this episode, Rachel and Steph unpack what commitment overwhelm really is, why it shows up for both learners and families, and how to meet it with empathy and structure instead of pressure. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 07: Educational Therapy vs Tutoring
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET celebrate 400 episodes of Learn Smarter! In this special milestone episode, they reflect on what they’ve learned over the years—from their learners, their guests, their listeners, and each other. Rachel and Steph share their biggest takeaways about growth, executive functioning, and the parenting journey, and they look back on some of their favorite moments and funniest behind-the-scenes stories. They also take time to thank the Learn Smarter community for showing up week after week to learn, reflect, and grow together. This episode is part celebration, part reflection, and part love letter to everyone who’s been part of the Learn Smarter journey. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Ep 201: Executive Functioning Skills Master Class with Dr. Peg Dawson (Executive Functioning Series) Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 115: Learning About Learning with Dr Rishi Part 2 (Author Series) Ep 130: The 5 M’s of Talent with Dr. Rishi Sriram (Author Series)
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome back Dr. Karen Wilson, a pediatric neuropsychologist, founder of ChildNexus, and podcaster of Diverse Thinking, Different Learning. She teaches Rachel and Steph about early indicators that could impact learners. She shares how the early signs are used as information and early signs should be observed in relationship to their peers. She talks about the importance of listening to parent/teacher gut and intuition and they have a quick discussion about the true impact of COVID. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 61: The Assessment Process with Dr. Karen Wilson Ep 325: Neuropsych vs. Psycho Ed Assessments with Dr. Karen Wilson (Local Professionals)
Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET talk about the lost art of boredom and why it’s so essential for developing executive functioning skills. It’s well documented that kids, learners, and adults are really overscheduled and overstructured (and we really do not like and have a problem tolerating being bored). Rachel and Steph explore what boredom actually does for the brain, how it supports creativity, problem-solving, and self-reflection, and why tolerating “nothing to do” is an important life skill. They share practical strategies for helping learners relearn how to rest, think, and just be, even when it feels uncomfortable for parents and learners at first. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist