What happens in a session? Executive function coaching unveiled
Updated: Apr 26
In this post, I will answer three common questions about adult executive function coaching:
What happens in a session?
What can an executive function coach help with?
How do I know if executive function coaching is working?
Upon completing my graduate degree, I started working with a coach.
My coach asked me questions that challenged limiting beliefs and taught me how to set big yet attainable goals. I am forever grateful for my coach and still seek his advice today.
In this article, I will walk you through the three phases of our coaching model, personalized to provide you with the same experience I had.
Have you considered working with a coach to improve your executive function skills?
Yes, I'm actively considering it.
I've thought about it, but I'm not sure.
No, I haven't considered it yet.
What can I expect from the first session?
The first session kicks off the Discovery Phase. This phase lasts roughly one to three weeks.
The first session is all about your one, big goal. By the end of the session, you will clarify and write a goal that you and your coach will work toward.
Most of us have many goals floating around in our minds. While having a multitude of aspirations is admirable, it can often lead to paralysis by analysis.
During the first session, we ask powerful and thought-provoking questions to help you dive deep into your “why”. For example:
If you could wave a magic wand, how would your life be different after working together for 90 days?
Imagine yourself one year from now. What are you doing? Where are you living? Who are you spending your time with?
What are your values? Which value is most important to you?
Be prepared to uncover and challenge your limiting beliefs during the first session.
What happens next?
ith your goal set, we teach you how to create a roadmap for success. This is where the coaching truly begins. You will learn how to predict and overcome executive function obstacles, make effective decisions, and tackle tasks you often procrastinate.
According to Lydia Saad, a Director of Social Research:
“34% of goal-setters and 24% of all U.S. adults are people who are "winging it," meaning they …won't write them down or create a specific action plan with steps to achieve them.”
We will help you combat this.
What does a typical session look like?
Each session begins with a check-in. We discuss your biggest wins and challenges from the previous week. By reflecting, you develop stronger self-awareness, allowing you to thrive and handle future challenges.
Then, we revisit your roadmap and micro goals. We determine what is going well and what is getting in the way. Again, more time for intentional reflection.
Based on your roadmap, we coach specific EF systems and tools. These are individualized to your goal and will guide you in overcoming EF obstacles while learning how your brain thrives.
Using a holistic growth mindset approach, you also develop habits and routines designed to help you manage the demands of daily life and feel less overwhelmed.
Each session ends by resetting a micro goal that you will focus on until the next session.
In between sessions, you are not alone. We are available for email and text check-ins and troubleshooting. We are your accountability partner and will be there every step of the way.
What can an executive function coach help with?
An EF coach can be especially valuable for neurodivergent adults. Here’s how an EF coach can assist:
Time Management: Developing strategies to manage schedules effectively, prioritize tasks, and minimize procrastination.
Organization: Creating personalized systems, like a launch pad, to stay organized, which can help reduce stress and increase efficiency.
Task Initiation and Completion: Offering techniques to start and complete tasks more reliably.
Planning and Prioritization: Guiding in setting realistic goals, breaking down tasks into manageable steps, and determining priorities to streamline workflow.
Self-Monitoring: Teaching methods to monitor and regulate behavior and emotions in the workplace, crucial for maintaining professional relationships and productivity.
Impulse Control: Implementing strategies to manage impulses and make thoughtful decisions, aligning actions with long-term objectives.
How do I know if executive function coaching is working?
With a clear roadmap and newfound skills and habits, you'll begin to execute at a higher level.
You will feel more organized, less stressed, and develop self-awareness. When you encounter challenges during the week, you will use a tool from a session to help you overcome the obstacle.
When matched with a great coach, you will feel more confident and be able to make intentional and effective decisions. According to The Institute of Coaching,
"80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence, and over 70% benefit from improved work performance, relationships, and more effective communication skills."
Most of all, you will progress towards the big goal you set for yourself during the first session.
If you want to learn more about executive function and how a coach can help you grow specific executive function skills, check out our comprehensive guide:
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About the author
Eric Kaufmann, M.Ed is a Professional Educational Therapist and Certified Executive Function Coach. He is the Co-founder of UpSkill Specialists, an online adult executive function coaching company designed to guide adults in overcoming disorganization, procrastination, and productivity roadblocks so they can unlock their potential. Eric is also the founder of Elevate Learning Solutions, an Educational Therapy practice located in San Clemente, CA, that guides students with neurological differences toward becoming independent and confident students and self-leaders.