Exploring Options: Therapy versus Coaching, Deciding What Suits You Best
Executive functioning coaching is a service designed to help individuals, especially those who are neurodivergent, develop personalized strategies to overcome challenges in areas such as planning, organizing, time management, problem-solving, and managing emotions.
In the initial sessions, the coach meets with the client and family to discuss strengths, challenges, and set clear goals. This phase is crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of the client's needs and desired outcomes, and for assessing their readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
Throughout the coaching process, the focus is on tangible actions and strategies. Unlike mental health therapy or counseling services, executive functioning coaching tends to avoid delving into emotions, past experiences, and trauma. Instead, it concentrates on practical tools and interventions to improve executive functioning skills.
As the coaching progresses, a final plan of action is drafted, which includes the coach gathering tools, interventions, and exercises to use in the next several sessions. During the progress monitoring phase, coaches work closely with clients and family members to reflect on and celebrate accomplishments, and begin mapping out the final stages of their coaching plan.
The length of executive functioning coaching can vary, ranging from a single session to a series of weekly or bi-weekly meetings for months or even years. Coaches typically charge an hourly rate, with fees ranging from $75 to $250 per hour, depending on their credentials and experience.
The benefits of executive functioning coaching are substantial. Neurodivergent individuals can expect increased productivity, improved workplace relationships, greater confidence, better work-life balance, and enhanced ability to channel creativity and energy into productive outcomes. Coaching also aligns environmental and sensory accommodations with neurological needs, supporting regulation and reducing sensory overwhelm.
It's important to note that insurance companies often consider coaching as a non-clinical service and may not cover it under insurance plans. However, some employers may fund executive functioning coaching services as part of employee assistance programs or wellness benefits.
When looking for an executive functioning coach, it's essential to ask about their experience working with individuals with executive function challenges, their specific training, their track record of success, their coaching style, how they accommodate different learning styles, what tools they use to evaluate progress and client outcomes, their availability for meetings, their fee and payment policies, and whether they meet in person, online, or hybrid.
Executive functioning coaching may not be the best fit for everyone. It may not be suitable for those seeking on-demand services, those needing trauma-based or mental health support who are not seeking help from a qualified mental health professional, those unwilling or unable to challenge their own assumptions, and those looking for a quick fix or magic bullet.
In conclusion, executive functioning coaching fosters self-awareness, practical skill-building, and personalized strategies that transform challenges into professional strengths for neurodivergent adults. By focusing on tangible actions and strategies, this coaching approach empowers neurodivergent individuals to thrive professionally while honoring their unique cognitive profiles.
[1] Understood.org, (2021). What is executive functioning coaching? Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-and-thinking/articles/what-is-executive-functioning-coaching
[2] Life Skills Advocate, (2021). Executive Functioning Coaching. Retrieved from https://lifeskillsadvocate.com/executive-functioning-coaching/
[3] ADDitude, (2021). What to Expect from Executive Functioning Coaching. Retrieved from https://www.additudemag.com/what-to-expect-from-executive-functioning-coaching/
[4] The ADHD Coach, (2021). What is Executive Functioning Coaching? Retrieved from https://www.theadhdcoach.com/what-is-executive-functioning-coaching/
- In the initial meetings, the coach and client discuss life skills like goal setting, time management, and mindfulness, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the client's needs and set clear, achievable goals.
- Executive life coaching focuses on practical strategies and tools for personal growth, such as education and self-development, learning, and personal-growth techniques.
- Through life coaching, individuals can expect benefits like improved life skills, increased productivity, stronger workplace relationships, and a better work-life balance.
- When searching for a life coach, it's essential to consider their experience in life skills coaching, their training, success rate, coaching style, ability to accommodate different learning styles, and their methods for evaluating progress and client outcomes.
