What is an executive functioning coach?

I have been casually doing executive functioning coaching for a couple of years now, and just finished a class to get my beginning coach certificate.  I first found out it was a thing several years ago, while working in one of my other passions--simply speaking, math tutoring.  I was tutoring Algebra in Panera one day and a woman asked me if it was executive functioning coaching.  I looked it up, and yes, algebra tutoring looks a lot like EF coaching :)  It was a match made in heaven!  

But what exactly are executive functions?  They are a set of skills we all use to stay on task, remember things, be places on time, and, basically, perform well at work, school, and life.  Everyone has a different EF skill profile; you will automatically have some you’re really good at and others that could benefit from work.  I think most of us feel that if something is a struggle for us, that’s just how we’re wired. For example, your friend who always loses her keys.  Why does she lose them?  Well, possibly it’s because she struggles with organization, or maybe working memory, or even sustained attention.  The really cool thing about this is, recent (within a few decades or so) brain research has revealed that we can change our brains and learn new skills throughout our lives.  And learning new skills changes the actual structure of our neurons!  So, if your friend with the keys identified keeping track of them as a goal and thought through a plan, she could actually get better at this skill, and it would become easier with time.  That last sentence is the most important one.  It would get easier with time.

There are a lot of different approaches to solving the key losing issue.  You could:

• Work with a therapist and try and find out a deeper reason you have trouble with keys (reason for issue)
• Work with a life coach and set key related goals and learn why keeping track of your keys is so important (inspiration/motivation)
• Work with a teacher and learn ways that other people find success keeping track of their keys (instruction in a specific method)

But, what I think is super cool about executive functioning coaches, like me, is that we combine all of these approaches by really finding out the specific circumstances that impact your key awareness, and, using that information and knowledge of your skills and weaknesses, we design a plan customized just to you.  Then we follow up and tweak the plan.  It’s combining the best of all 3 methods, and very, very effective.  And, while we’re doing that, you are forming new pathways in your brain that will help you in other areas involving those same skills.  

Coaching with me starts with getting to know each other/getting to know your executive functioning skill profile, and then we choose a specific goal to work on and together we make a unique plan.  Once that is established, we approach another goal. 

I firmly believe that everyone could benefit from some executive functioning coaching.  However, if you are frustrated by things like being chronically late, losing focus, being distracted, or getting started on non-enjoyable tasks, it is perfect for you!  I would love to meet you and see if we’re a good match!  

I will bill my first few clients at my normal tutoring rate this summer.  I’m gaining experience and positive reviews, before my big launch in the fall.   I work in person in southwest Austin (Circle C area) and on google meet for everyone else.  I vastly prefer in person, but we can get a lot done online as well.

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