What does a typical Executive Function coaching session look like?
- Sean McCormick
- Aug 21, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 1, 2024
Last updated: August 1, 2024
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Are you a parent considering hiring an executive function coach to support your child with ADHD but wanting more details about what happens in a session?
You're probably wondering, "What could they possibly be doing that justifies that price..."
In this article, I'm going to break down for you some of the most frequently asked questions about what happens in EF coaching sessions like:
How long should an executive function coaching session last?
What should be worked on in an EF coaching session?
Where should the coaching session take place?
How is EF coaching different than tutoring?
And more!
If you consider yourself more of a visual learner, I've also recorded a helpful YouTube video on this same topic, which you can check out here 👇
Why are executive function coaching sessions worth the cost?
Students with executive function coaches often have a range of positive experiences, including:
Better grades
Less missing assignments
Improved communication with their teachers
(Plus, their parents are way less stressed 😌)
The reason for this is that they are receiving one-to-one support on their most pressing challenges.
EF coaches call this spot where students get stuck to the point of performance.
But instead of stuffing papers into their backpack and opting to playing video games, they are working with a seasoned professional who is teaching them the things they don't usually learn in class, like:
How to write an email
How to ask for extensions and additional support
How to break large projects into manageable chunks
These are skills and strategies that not just anyone can teach -- a skilled executive function coach is quite different from the average tutor.
How is an EF coaching session different than tutoring?
So, first off, anyone can call themselves a tutor. Just go to Wyzant and look at the range of results. You have kids in high school all the way to graduate school teachers.
As an executive function coach, it is different.
To call yourself an executive function coach, you have to know a thing or two about education and the root of all learning: executive function skills.
In a tutoring session, the focus is on learning a specific skill, but with EF coaching, it is the opposite.
In an EF coaching session, you learn a process that can be applied to any class or challenge.
With EF coaching, it's about learning the HOW not the WHAT.
So what happens in an EF coaching session, then?
As the founder of Executive Function Specialists and the Executive Function Coaching Academy, I've distilled the core principles of what should take place in an EF coaching session into an acronym.
It is an order of operations called P.E.M.D.A.S. and it stands for the following:
What does P.E.M.D.A.S. stand for?
Prioritizing the Secure Connection (5 minutes):
Establishing trust and rapport is the first step. Engaging the client with questions such as: "Is there anything you want to discuss before we identify any key assignments or tasks?" ensures that they feel comfortable and ready to work on their goals.
Establish SMART Goals (5 minutes):
This stage is about clarity and direction. Asking questions like “What would be different in your life for you to feel this meeting was worth your time?” helps in pinpointing what needs to be addressed and setting actionable, realistic goals.
Make Everyone Aware of the Goals (10 minutes):
Ensuring everyone is clear about the goals involves discussion and collaboration. Whether it's unclear assignments or writing an email, this stage is about making sure everyone understands the path forward.
Divide Goals into Chunks (5 minutes):
Breaking down tasks into manageable parts facilitates progress. Questions like "How could we break down this task into smaller parts?" guide the client in seeing how a big task can be tackled step by step.
Accountability (15 minutes):
Accountability is key for progress. By focusing on specific achievements and ways to prove completion, this stage encourages responsibility and follow-through.
Show Them You’re Proud (2.5 minutes):
Reflection on the session's successes fosters a sense of accomplishment. Asking “What do you feel most proud about from this meeting?” reinforces positive feelings and motivation.
Ending the Session (2.5 minutes):
Wrapping up the session with a clear plan for the next meeting and feedback ensures continuity and alignment.
Questions like “Can we confirm our next meeting on…” and “Was this helpful?” close the session positively.
How long are the sessions?
At EFS, sessions are up to 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of follow-up that may include:
15-minutes of meeting preparation
Weekly parent consult or progress updates to keep you informed on your student's progress via phone, email or text (according to your preference)
Conclusion
An effective EF coaching session is a multifaceted process, carefully structured to facilitate clear communication, goal-setting, collaboration, and accountability.
From prioritizing a secure connection with the client to dividing tasks into manageable chunks and emphasizing accountability, each stage is designed to support and empower the client.
By ending the session with reflection and planning for the next meeting, the coach creates a continuous cycle of growth and development.
Whether working with individuals managing ADHD or other executive function challenges, this approach ensures a meaningful and productive partnership that can lead to transformative change.
Hope this helps!
🤙🏻
P.S. These are skills that executive function coaches work on with their students. If you want to try working on them with your students, consider joining hundreds of other educators and parents who have completed my Semester Success Blueprint Course. In less than 2 hours, this comprehensive course will teach you and your student the system I developed to help hundreds of students learn how to manage school effectively and raise their self-awareness and engagement with school.
About Me
Hey! I'm Sean 👋
I'm a former public school special education teacher who realized that executive function skills are more important than knowing when George Washington crossed the Potomac.
Since then, I've made it my mission to teach anyone who will listen about how to develop these key life skills.
In 2020, I founded Executive Function Specialists to ensure all students with ADHD and Autism have access to high-quality online executive function coaching services. We offer online EF coaching and courses to help students and families.
Realizing I could only reach so many people through coaching, in 2021 I started the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains schools, educators, and individuals to learn the key strategies to improve executive function skills for students.
In 2023, I co-founded of UpSkill Specialists, to provide neurodivergent adults with high-quality executive function coaching services.
When not pursuing my passions through work, I love spending time with my family, getting exercise, and expanding my brain through reading. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.