Supporting A Growth Mindset In Therapy
By Jessica Jordan, MS. OTR/L
What Is the Growth Mindset?
Growth mindset is the concept that views skills as something that can be developed, rather than something innate. With practice, hard work, and intrinsic motivation, people can grow their talents, intelligence, and abilities over time. Rather than trying to prove their intelligence in a given moment, they begin to understand that skills can always be improved with effort.
How Does It Work?
The human brain is constantly creating and removing neural pathways. When a specific pathway is used over and over again, it becomes stronger and more permanent. Mistakes help the brain learn to recognize an error and make corrections. When that happens, the brain starts to build a new pathway and the more that new pathway is used, the more automatic it becomes.
If an individual is surrounded by empowering feedback and support, their brain can begin to view mistakes as a natural part of learning. Over time, that also helps them become more receptive to feedback and more confident in trying again.
Why Does It Matter?
After listening to an episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, I was really able to unpack how skill development is tied to effort. I learned how much feedback and internal narratives shape our ability to make progress.
So what do I mean by that?
Well, growing up, I really wanted to be labeled the “smart” student. But looking back, I realize how easily that kind of label can become tied to your identity. And current research actually finds that it isn’t the most supportive approach.
There is growing evidence that shows greater success comes when praise or feedback is tied to effort, rather than fixed traits. A statement like “You really kept pushing through even when the problem became challenging” supports growth far more than “You’re so smart with math.”
The literature finds that the narratives we hear shape our behavior. That’s why, as Huberman shared, it’s so important to “reward the verbs.” Link the praise to the effort either before or after because effort is something we can control. It’s something we can build on with persistence and effort.
How Growth Mindset Shows Up in OT Sessions
As an occupational therapist, hearing this podcast motivated me to change the kind of feedback I offer to the individuals I serve and the people I love (especially my own children).
I see each person as complete and whole, and I see the effort they bring into every session. Whether the skill has developed fully or not, that effort matters. And I don’t want it to go unnoticed.
Takeaway for Parents, Teacher, Therapists, and Caregivers
I hope you can carry this idea into your own life whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, boss, co-worker, or friend. When we link our encouragement to effort, we support deeper confidence, stronger learning, and a more lasting sense of growth.
Helpful Links
If you found this post helpful, you’ll love our therapy resources! Whether you’re a parent or therapist, our apraxia and autism courses are here to offer practical tools, compassionate guidance, and real-world strategies you can use every day.
👨👩👧👦 For Parents & Caregivers: Autism Training | Online Course for Parents and Caregivers
🧑🏫 For Therapists: Therapist Course for Apraxia and Autism | Mentorship for OTs and Therapists
🏥 Work With Us: In-Person Occupational Therapy (San Diego & Long Beach Areas) | Virtual Coaching
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