What is Executive Functioning Coaching?
Contributed by MHRS Clinical Director Carrie Wasterlain, LCSW
In today’s world, the increasing role of technology, the pressure to boost productivity, and the relentless pace of life can make it feel impossible to stay in control. As I write this, I’m overwhelmed just looking at the 58 tabs and endless folders on my desktop—let alone the never-ending to-dos and “tabs” open in my mind.
While digital innovations have made it easier to stay connected and access information, they’ve also created an environment of constant stimuli and interruptions. The barrage of notifications, endless communications, and growing to-do lists can quickly become overwhelming, even for the most organized among us. In fact, as recently as yesterday I had to go to the grocery store again because I forgot something – TWICE!
So, if even highly organized people are struggling (I’m an EF coach myself), what does this mean for those facing mental health or executive functioning challenges? For many, it means feeling alone, hopeless, and fearful of never being able to keep up or achieve their goals.
This is where Executive Functioning (EF) Coaching comes in. The goal is to empower clients to regain control over their routines, responsibilities, and aspirations, in a tailored, structured way. EF coaching isn’t a quick fix—it’s a supportive, collaborative process that requires commitment from both coach and client.
So what exactly does EF coaching look like?
Executive functioning coaching involves a series of personalized, one-on-one sessions designed to help individuals improve skills such as planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation. Given the pressures of modern life, there are few people who wouldn’t benefit from EF coaching in some way. But for those particularly affected by disorganization, shifting between tasks, or feeling stuck in their progress, EF coaching can be transformative.
Our clinicians are trained in working with individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges, in addition to ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They are also well-versed in the eight executive functions that help us navigate the world: impulse control, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, working memory, self-monitoring, planning and prioritization, task initiation, and organization.
Transformative Examples:
Discussing coaching in the abstract can be a bit…dull. So let’s take a real-life example. Imagine “Mary” struggles with organization and impulse control, often forgetting appointments, missing deadlines, and wasting time on tasks that don’t align with her goals. In Mary’s first EF session, she and her coach might start by identifying what’s currently not working and where she wants to be in a few months.
Together, they brainstorm solutions that cater to Mary’s needs. If Mary is highly visual, her coach might suggest using a color-coded calendar or a bullet journal. They’d work together to set up this tool and establish accountability. Future sessions could focus on time-blocking, prioritization strategies, and time-estimation skills to help Mary plan her time more effectively. Over time, Mary and her coach would steadily chip away at the barriers holding her back, creating new systems and routines that build her confidence and sense of control.
Mary is just one example of what EF coaching could look like. Let’s consider another example – “Alex”, who can’t seem to stay on track in finding a new job. He is finding it hard to keep track of job postings, application deadlines, and the different documents required for each position. Despite having good intentions, Alex often gets sidetracked, misses deadlines, or submits incomplete applications.
Our coach would first help Alex break down the job search into manageable steps. For instance, they might set up a job application checklist with tasks like researching companies, tailoring resumes, drafting cover letters, and following up. Instead of feeling lost in a sea of job postings and deadlines, Alex would have a structured plan and system in place, enabling him to apply for jobs more effectively and reduce the anxiety associated with the process.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed for the first time or have always struggled to feel confident and in control, executive function coaching might be the right step toward building your capabilities and reclaiming your sense of ownership over your life. In today’s world, the pressure to be constantly efficient and productive is immense, and it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when everyone else seems to be thriving in this high-speed environment. Although it requires commitment, EF coaching can lead to lasting growth and positive changes that build upon each other, helping you get on track toward a sustainable, fulfilling life.
Our admissions team is here to discuss without any pressure to commit. To learn more about service offerings at both Eating Disorder Recovery Specialists and our sister organization Mental Health Recovery Specialists, email admissions@edrs.com.
