Executive Functioning
At Elevate Coaching & Advocacy, we provide online and in person executive functioning coaching for middle, high school, and college students so they can overcome academic anxiety, disorganization and time management by teaching them self advocacy, communication and systematic thinking skills so they can feel confident, ambitious, and equipped to succeed.
Key Components
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive processes and mental skills that enable individuals to plan, organize, manage time, control impulses, regulate emotions, and achieve goals. These skills are primarily managed by the prefrontal cortex of the brain and play a crucial role in everyday life, academic success, and work performance. The key components of Executive Functioning are Working Memory, Inhibitory Control (Impulse Control), Cognitive Flexibility, Planning and Prioritization, Organization, Time Management, Emotional Regulation, and Self-Monitoring.
Examples in Action
Examples of Executive Functioning in action include completing a multi-step project by breaking it into smaller tasks., staying focused in a noisy environment, switching strategies when the first approach isn’t working, managing frustration during a difficult task, remembering to bring all necessary materials for an activity and meeting or project.
Manifesting Conditions
Difficulties in Executive Functioning can manifest in individuals with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Individuals with with executive functioning challenges may struggle with procrastination, organization, time management, grades or emotional regulation.
Coaching
Executive Function Coaching is a specialized, goal-oriented process designed to help individuals improve their executive functioning skills. This type of coaching provides personalized strategies and support for developing skills such as organization, time management, emotional regulation, and task completion. A coaching session is accommodates an individuals areas of weakness through personalized goal setting, skill-building strategies, accountability and motivation, self awareness and reflection, practical tools and resources, and emotional support.
EF Coaching vs. Therapy or Tutoring
While therapy addresses emotional or psychological issues and tutoring focuses on academic content, executive function coaching is about building practical skills and habits to improve everyday functioning. It’s forward-focused and action-oriented, emphasizing real-world application.