Dr. Ellen Braaten

It is an all-too-common concern for caregivers…What causes kids to lose motivation, and what can we do about it?

Psychologist and learning expert Ellen Braaten comes to GPS to provide insight into the children and adolescents who have lost interest in engaging in anything other than video games and social scrolling. These kids need more than simple encouragement or the “right” school, teacher or coach to get back on track.

Braaten will offer a compassionate guide to help us understand the myriad biological, psychological and social factors that affect motivation. She will explain how to best identify your child’s unique strengths, weaknesses and personality traits. You will gain vital tools for tackling the motivational difficulties that are pervasive today and learn to build a plan that boosts your child’s confidence and engagement in real life.

Ellen Braaten, PhD is Executive Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School (HMS), and a Visiting Professor at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. She has been affiliated with MGH and HMS since 1998. Dr. Braaten is widely recognized for her expertise in pediatric neuropsychological and psychological assessment, particularly in the areas of assessing learning disabilities and attentional disorders. Her research and numerous publications focus on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, intelligence and assessment. She has published numerous books for professionals and parents, including “Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up,” and “Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less.”