Educational Therapy & Executive Functioning: What MFTs Need to Know to Support Neurodiverse Learners

Presented by Rachel Kapp, Educational Therapist, M.Ed.

No CE credit 

This workshop gives mental health professionals practical, research-based tools for identifying and addressing executive functioning (EF) challenges in clients. Participants will learn how to ethically support children, teens, and families through non-shaming, developmentally appropriate strategies—and how to collaborate effectively with educational therapists for improved outcomes.

This workshop equips mental health professionals with practical tools for understanding and addressing executive functioning (EF) challenges in clinical practice. Executive functioning refers to cognitive skills like planning, time management, and self-regulation that are critical for emotional and academic success. These challenges often appear in clients with ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, and mood disorders.

Participants will be introduced to the PRO Framework, a three-phase model used in educational therapy that focuses on building systems, developing skills, and fostering independence. Attendees will learn how to identify EF difficulties, support families with effective strategies, and collaborate with educational therapists to enhance treatment outcomes. The presentation emphasizes non-shaming, developmentally appropriate interventions and supports ethical, interdisciplinary care for children, adolescents, and families.

About the Presenter

Rachel is a Los Angeles native who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Sociology and minored in Jewish Studies. Rachel’s background as a mentor preschool teacher helped her gain a firm foundation in explicit instruction and was the perfect segue to her career as a Board Certified Educational Therapist. She completed her Educational Therapy coursework at the California State University, Northridge in December 2015 and became Board Certified in May 2018. She owns Kapp Educational Therapy Group, an all virtual group practice that specializes in Executive Functioning skills challenges and supports learners nationally. She is also a co-founder and co-host of the Learn Smarter: the Educational Therapy Podcast, a resource offering over 350 episodes of educational content for educators and families. In her free time, Rachel loves spending time with her husband and sons, watching baseball (go Dodgers!), and cooking and baking for friends and family.

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