Frequently Asked Questions About Executive Function Coaching
Welcome to Engaging Minds! We are a leader in executive function coaching, helping students and adults strengthen the executive function skills they need to succeed in school, at work, and in life. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about executive function coaching.
What is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning refers to the brain’s “management system.” These mental skills—based in the frontal lobe—help us plan, organize, prioritize, start tasks, manage time, stay focused, regulate emotions, and adapt when things change. In short, executive functions are the skills that allow us to set goals and follow through. They’re the tools we all use every day to get things done—whether that’s completing homework, preparing for a test, or managing the demands of school, work, and life.
What is Executive Function Coaching?
Executive function coaching is a personalized, one-on-one process designed to help individuals develop and strengthen their executive functioning skills. Executive function coaching focuses on developing cognitive skills that help individuals manage their daily tasks and achieve their goals. These skills, often referred to as the “management system of the brain,” include organization, time management, prioritization, task initiation, planning, goal-setting, self-monitoring, and flexible thinking.
Many students struggle with the increasing demands of school, including managing multiple assignments, long-term projects, test preparation, and balancing extracurriculars. EF coaching can help them develop the skills to succeed academically and reduce stress. Executive function coaching is beneficial for a wide range of individuals, including: Gaining independence and preparing for middle school. Building foundational skills for academic independence. Preparing for increased academic demands and college readiness. Managing complex schedules, assignments, and transitions. Enhancing productivity, organization, and work-life balance. This can be particularly helpful for those transitioning careers, managing complex projects, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily demands. Executive function challenges can show up in many ways and are sometimes connected to ADHD, learning differences, or autism spectrum profiles. Our coaching focuses on strengths while providing practical strategies that empower individuals to navigate challenges, build skills, and thrive with confidence. Traditional tutoring often zeroes in on specific academic content like math, reading, or a foreign language. At Engaging Minds, our focus is different: we target the process of learning itself. Through executive function coaching, students strengthen skills like organization, planning, time management, and self-advocacy that cut across every subject and extend far beyond the classroom. For example, instead of reteaching math computations, a coach might help a student learn how to break down multi-step problems, study effectively for exams, or seek out resources when they’re stuck. These are transferable, lifelong skills that empower students to become confident, independent learners—well beyond the immediate homework assignment. Our coaching can address a variety of executive function skill areas, tailored to the individual’s needs. Common areas include: Consider EF coaching if you notice: Yes. Many adults seek coaching to improve productivity, manage responsibilities, or find better work-life balance. Whether you’re managing a demanding job, household, or both, we help adults develop tools to stay focused, efficient, and in control. Click here to learn more about our adult executive function programs Not at all. While many students with ADHD or learning differences find our coaching especially valuable, executive function skills are important for all learners. These skills—like planning, organization, time management, and self-advocacy—help students handle the growing demands of school, college, and professional life. Whether a student is navigating a transition (such as moving from middle school to high school or preparing for college) or simply looking to build stronger habits, our personalized approach supports a wide range of learners, from those facing challenges to those aiming to reach their highest potential. Our coaches help clients develop practical skills, such as: These skills are taught through hands-on application to the client’s specific tasks, ensuring relevance and immediate impact. Coaching helps individuals develop effective planning, organization, and time management skills, enabling them to break down large tasks, set realistic deadlines, and manage daily responsibilities more efficiently.
Students see higher grades, better test scores, and increased confidence, while adults experience greater productivity and goal achievement at work. By learning coping strategies and stress management techniques, clients can better handle overwhelming situations, leading to less anxiety and a greater sense of well-being. As clients master new skills and see tangible progress, their self-esteem and independence grow, empowering them to take ownership of their learning or work. Coaching provides tools for emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and managing setbacks, fostering resilience and adaptability in academic, professional, and personal contexts. With improved executive functioning, individuals feel more in control of their daily lives, experience increased intrinsic motivation, and are better equipped to pursue and achieve long-term goals. Coaching is tailored to each individual’s strengths and challenges, with ongoing support and progress monitoring to ensure continuous growth and success. Clients learn to tackle complex problems, adapt to new situations, and develop flexible thinking skills essential for lifelong success. Executive function coaching equips both students and adults with practical skills and strategies that enhance academic achievement, professional growth, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Engaging Minds is a pioneer in executive function coaching, with a proven track record of success. Here’s what sets us apart: Our team includes expert educators with advanced training in executive function and a passion for skills-based learning. We take great care to match each student with a coach whose expertise and style align with their age, needs, and personality—because a strong match yields stronger results. We recognize that every learner is unique. Coaching is highly individualized, with strategies tailored to each client’s strengths, challenges, and goals. We don’t just offer quick fixes. We build lasting habits and sustainable strategies that empower clients to thrive long after coaching ends. Our proprietary EMChat™ system provides parents with weekly session summaries and the ability to reply directly from their email. It also facilitates easy communication with teachers and other providers, ensuring alignment across home, school, and coaching. Sessions are delivered primarily online for convenience and flexibility, but they are highly interactive. Coaches share screens, dig into school portals, and use real assignments as the foundation for teaching skills. This makes sessions engaging, practical, and immediately applicable. Unlike “online school,” our one-on-one coaching is dynamic and responsive. Our coaches have years of experience keeping students— even those with attentional challenges—focused and motivated in a virtual setting. Executive functions influence every part of life. We address not only academics, but also extracurricular, personal, and professional goals—helping students and adults build confidence and independence across settings. At Engaging Minds, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Our specially trained coaches work one-on-one with clients, primarily online, to: Our methodology emphasizes practical application, ensuring clients gain confidence by immediately applying strategies to meaningful tasks. We also offer enrichment electives through our EM Academy for students seeking additional academic engagement. Engaging Minds delivers most coaching sessions online for maximum convenience and accessibility. Using secure video conferencing, clients connect one-on-one with expert coaches from anywhere—without the added time and stress of commuting. A 55-minute session is just that, not stretched into 90–120 minutes by travel. Our virtual coaching works because it’s personal, interactive, and focused. Coaches share screens, work directly in school portals, and use the student’s own assignments as the foundation for teaching executive function skills. This makes the work immediately relevant and engaging, and ensures students have a vested interest in the process. With so much schoolwork now online, it feels very similar to sitting across a table together—just each on their own device. Our team has been coaching virtually for years and knows how to keep sessions lively and focused, even for students with attentional challenges. We use interactive tools and collaborative strategies to build connection and keep momentum strong. Unlike the experience of “online school,” coaching sessions are individualized, responsive, and skill-based. And with schools now permanently anchored in digital platforms, we have more direct access to assignments, grades, and feedback than ever before—allowing us to provide timely, targeted support. We put a lot of thought into pairing each client with the right coach. Our team is made up of highly trained educators with advanced degrees and a passion for executive function and skills-based learning. During the initial Zoom intake session, we get to know your child’s needs, strengths, and personality. This helps us make a thoughtful match—one that fosters a supportive, motivating relationship and sets the stage for meaningful progress. On average, students work with us for about 12 months. Some may stay for 6–9 months, while others continue for multiple years. The duration of executive function coaching varies depending on the individual’s goals and the complexity of the challenges. Some clients may see significant progress in a few months, while others may benefit from longer-term support. As schoolwork becomes more complex, student needs evolve. What shifts is the level of organization, planning, and independence required to meet higher expectations. At Engaging Minds, we’re in the habit-building business—and lasting habits take time to develop, strengthen, and apply at each new stage. We work with clients to establish realistic timelines and regularly assess progress. Absolutely. At Engaging Minds, we believe coaching is most effective when everyone is on the same page. Through our secure EMChat™ portal, parents receive weekly session summaries right in their email—and can reply directly to their coach with questions or updates. Teachers and other providers can also be looped in through EMChat™, making it simple to share insights, track progress, and coordinate support. This ongoing collaboration ensures students feel supported across home, school, and coaching. For adults, we offer programs like From Chaos to Calm, which combine personalized coaching with opportunities for group connection and accountability. EM Academy is our enrichment program offering executive function-focused electives designed to excite students and enhance academic engagement. They are designed for elementary and early middle school students. These electives complement our one-on-one coaching by providing additional opportunities to practice executive function skills in a structured, engaging format. We make it easy to find out. Every family begins with a complimentary consultation where we learn about your goals and challenges and share our approach to coaching. For students, teacher feedback can provide helpful perspective; for adults, reflecting on areas like time management, organization, or follow-through can highlight where support is needed. From there, we tailor strategies to your unique learning style and needs, so you can feel confident you’re in the right place. Getting started is easy! We recommend the following steps: Progress at Engaging Minds is measured in more ways than just grades. Our coaching is designed to build lasting habits and independence, so we look for growth across several areas: In short, progress isn’t just about short-term fixes—it’s about building the routines, strategies, and confidence that empower clients to thrive well beyond their time at Engaging Minds. We offer competitive pricing, with sessions starting at $145 per 55-minute session and ranging up to $190 depending on the package you choose. Families can select from 12-, 18-, 24-, or 48-session plans to best fit their needs. We’ll walk you through the details, answer any questions, and help you determine the right plan when we speak. Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us directly! We’re here to help you or your child unlock their full potential.Who can benefit from Executive Function Coaching?
What makes Engaging Minds different from traditional tutoring?
What areas does Executive Function Coaching address?
How do I know if I or my child needs executive function coaching?
Do you offer support for adults?
Is executive function coaching only for students with ADHD or learning challenges?
What are some examples of skills taught in coaching sessions?
Key Benefits of Executive Function Coaching for Students and Adults
What Makes Engaging Minds Different?
How does Engaging Minds’ approach to executive function coaching work?
How does online executive function coaching work?
How Our Virtual Coaching Works
How do you match coaches with clients?
How long does it take to see results from executive function coaching?
Can parents or teachers be involved in the coaching process?
What is EM Academy, and how does it relate to executive function coaching?
How do I know if Engaging Minds is the right fit for my child or myself?
How do I get started with Executive Function Coaching for myself or my child?
How do you measure progress?
Executive Function Coach Pricing: