Unlocking Success: Choosing the Right Executive Function Coach

Tools & Strategies
Written By Joanna Hokama

Introduction

Executive function coaching is a personalized, goal-oriented approach that aims to enhance an individual's cognitive skills, such as planning, organization, time management, and emotional regulation.

This coaching method is particularly beneficial for those with executive dysfunction, including individuals with ADHD, learning disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries, as well as anyone seeking to improve their overall cognitive performance and productivity.

What is Executive Function?

Executive function is an umbrella term used to describe a set of mental processes that help us to plan, focus attention, remember, and juggle multiple tasks. They are neurologically-based skills that involve mental control and self-regulation and are essential for learning and everyday life activities, such as:

  • Completing tasks at work or school

  • Managing time efficiently

  • Organizing materials or information

  • Problem solving

  • Regulating emotions or behavior in social situations, and

  • Making decisions

The prefrontal cortex of the brain is responsible for executive functioning skills. This region of the brain develops throughout childhood into adulthood. When processes are impaired, due to certain conditions like ADHD or autism spectrum disorder, an individual can experience executive dysfunction, making it difficult to stay on track and complete tasks. This is where coaching can make a huge difference.

The Benefits of Executive Function Coaching

Executive function coaching is a specialized form of coaching that helps individuals develop the skills and strategies to better manage their executive function deficits.

Executive function coaches work with clients to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop personalized plans to help them better manage their daily lives. By providing guidance, support, and accountability, executive function coaching can help individuals with executive dysfunction lead more successful and satisfying lives.

How to Choose an Executive Function Coach

In general, coaching, including EF coaching, is not a regulated field. That means anyone can call themselves a coach, regardless of their education and experience. This means that it is important to do your research and make sure that the coach you are considering has the necessary qualifications and experience to help you or your loved one reach their goals.

Education and Experience

A qualified EF coach must have the appropriate combination of education and experience — and be willing to share that information with you. You may see a variety of visually-appealing logos on a coach’s website, denoting their affiliation with certain coaching organizations.

However, it is important to remember that just because a coach has completed a coaching certificate or training program does not mean they are equipped to help you make meaningful change. For example, a six-month certificate program is vastly different from a formal undergraduate/graduate degree.

While a coaching certificate certainly does not disqualify a coach, other aspects such as hands on clinical experience and knowledge of the client population is key.

When selecting a coach, consider asking specific questions about their education, training and experience, such as:

  • How many years have you been working as an EF coach?

  • Where did you receive your coaching training?

  • How many years of clinical experience do you have working with clients with ADHD or executive dysfunction?

  • Will you provide an example of a client you worked with and how you helped them?

Coaching Practice

How a coach conducts their business is another important factor to consider. Many coaches offer a complimentary “discovery” or consultation call where they will speak with you, the prospective client, for 15 to 30 minutes to learn about your challenges and needs and provide some general information about how they could help.

Red flag: be weary of any coach who does not offer a free consultation call.

Code of Ethics

All licensed clinicians and professionals in the healthcare industry adhere to a code of ethics within their discipline. However, since coaching is not regulated, coaches are not required to incorporate ethics into their practice. With that said, it is the standard practice of every coach I know, myself included, to abide by a code of ethics in their practice.

Virtual or In-Person?

For busy working professionals, meeting with a coach virtually is ideal. Others really need to meet in person in order to be successful. Ask the coach how they deliver services. Are they exclusively virtual or do they offer in-person sessions? Perhaps it’s a hybrid and they offer both. Be sure to have this information before proceeding and signing a coaching contract.

Coaching Packages

Asking the coach about their onboarding process and pricing is another important consideration. Many coaches offer packages that include multiple sessions and support in between appointments. While those services may sound great, they aren’t for everyone. Often, these packages or subscriptions require an up-front financial commitment.

Some of us with ADHD may have a difficult time saying no to a coach who is trying to sell us a package. Moreover, we may commit to something without having clear or up-to-date information about our current budget or financial status (which is one of the reasons you’re seeking the support of an EF coach in the first place!) So, be sure to know what you are signing up for before committing to anything long-term.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the best EF coach is the one who is the right fit for you. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with and confident in the coach’s ability to help you achieve your goals.

Conclusion

  • Executive function coaching is an effective way to help individuals with executive dysfunction manage their day-to-day lives.

  • By understanding executive function and executive dysfunction, and learning how to choose an executive function coach, individuals can gain the skills and support they need to reach their goals.

  • With the right coach and the right strategies, executive function coaching is one way individuals can achieve success.

So, if you or someone you know is struggling with executive dysfunction, consider giving executive function coaching a try. It could be the key to unlocking a brighter future.

Sources

Joanna Hokama
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