Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section is designed to help you understand how therapy, executive function skills, and coaching work together to support mental health and daily functioning. Each question offers clear, compassionate guidance about anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, autism, burnout, and post‑inpatient stabilization, along with how executive function coaching can help you build practical tools for everyday life.
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Executive Function Skills and Mental Health
How do I know if I need therapy or coaching?
Therapy and coaching both offer support, but they help in different ways. Understanding the difference can make it easier to choose the kind of care that fits what you’re going through right now.
Therapy focuses on emotional healing, mental health symptoms, and processing past or present experiences.
Executive function coaching focuses on building practical tools ~ planning, organization, routines, follow‑through, and emotional regulation skills, to help you manage daily life more effectively.
Executive function coaching focuses on building practical tools ~ planning, organization, routines, follow‑through, and emotional regulation skills, to help you manage daily life more effectively.
You might benefit from therapy if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent anxiety, depression, or mood changes impacting daily life
- Trauma symptoms or emotional overwhelm
- Difficulty coping with stress, relationships, or major life events
- Thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that feel hard to manage alone
- A need to process past experiences or understand emotional patterns
You might benefit from executive function coaching if you’re struggling with:
- Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks
- Time management, planning, or organization
- Starting tasks or following through consistently
- Managing routines, responsibilities, or transitions
- Building systems that help you stay on track
- Turning goals into clear, doable steps
Therapy helps you understand yourself, and coaching helps you apply that understanding in your daily life.
If you’re unsure where to start, it’s completely okay. We can help you think through what you’re experiencing and recommend the level of support that feels right for you.
How do therapy and coaching work together?
Therapy and executive function coaching support different parts of a person’s well‑being and when used together, they create a powerful, complementary system of care. Many people find that combining the two helps them heal emotionally and build the practical tools they need to navigate daily life with more confidence and stability.
Therapy focuses on emotional healing, mental health symptoms, and understanding patterns from past or present experiences
Executive function coaching focuses on building the day‑to‑day skills that help you stay organized, follow through, manage time, and regulate emotions in real‑world situations.
Here’s how they work together:
Therapy supports the “why.”
It helps you understand your emotions, experiences, and patterns. It reduces symptoms like anxiety, depression, trauma responses, or overwhelm. It creates space to process what’s happening internally.
Coaching supports the “how.”
It helps you turn insight into action. It builds routines, structure, and systems that make daily life more manageable. It supports follow‑through, planning, and emotional regulation in the moment.
When combined, therapy and coaching create a full circle of support:
- Therapy helps you understand yourself.
- Coaching helps you apply that understanding in your daily life.
- Therapy helps you heal.
- Coaching helps you build skills that keep you moving forward.
- Therapy supports emotional well‑being.
- Coaching supports practical stability and consistency.
Many clients tell us that using both feels like having a team ~ one person helping them process what’s happening inside, and another helping them navigate what’s happening outside.
If you’re unsure where to start, we can help you think through what you’re experiencing and recommend the level of support that feels right for you.
Why should inpatient providers consider including executive function coaching in discharge planning?
Neurodivergent individuals bring incredible strengths to their environments - though these strengths may not always show up in traditional ways.
When supported and understood, their unique ways of thinking can lead to innovation, insight, and resilience.
Common strengths of neurodivergent individuals include:
- Creative problem-solving and the ability to think outside the box
- Deep focus or hyperfocus especially on topics of interest
- Strong pattern recognition and attention to detail
- Original perspectives that challenge conventional thinking
- Persistence and adaptability, especially when navigating systems not built for them
- Authenticity and integrity, often paired with a strong sense of justice or fairness
The goal isn’t to “fix” neurodivergence - it’s to honor it, support it, and help it shine.
How does mental wellness affect executive function skills?
Mental health and executive function are deeply intertwined because both rely on the brain’s ability to manage thoughts, emotions, and actions. Executive function skills are the brain’s self‑management system ~ things like planning, organization, emotional regulation, impulse control, and flexible thinking. When someone is struggling with mental wellness, these skills often become harder to access and we often utilize maladaptive strategies just to have a sense of control.
Individuals often feel irresponsible, unmotivated, or dramatic adding to the stress, but this is really about how the brain responds to stress, overwhelm, and emotional load.
When mental health symptoms rise, executive function skills often drop, not because someone isn’t trying, but because their brain is working overtime just to regulate emotions and stay grounded.
The good news is that both can improve! With the right support:
- Mental health treatment helps reduce symptoms
- Executive function coaching helps build tools, routines, and strategies
- Together, they create stability, confidence, and a sense of control
Coaching doesn’t replace therapy, but it strengthens the practical, day‑to‑day skills that help people follow through, stay organized, and feel more capable as they heal.
How can weak executive function skills make mental health symptoms harder to manage?
Executive function skills are the brain’s ability to plan, organize, regulate emotions, start tasks, and follow through. When these skills are weak or overwhelmed, everyday life becomes harder to manage and that added stress can intensify mental health symptoms, maladaptive strategies, and negative thought patterns.
Weak executive function can make mental health challenges worse in several ways:
- More stress and overwhelm when tasks pile up or feel impossible to start
- Increased anxiety from missed deadlines, forgotten responsibilities, or constant “catching up”
- Lower mood or hopelessness when things feel out of control or progress feels inconsistent
- Emotional reactivity because the brain has fewer resources available for regulation
- Avoidance and shutdown when tasks feel too big or too confusing to break down
- Shame spirals from repeated struggles, even when the person is capable and motivated
- Relationship strain when forgetfulness, inconsistency, or emotional overload affects communication
- Reduced resilience because the brain is already working overtime just to manage daily life
When executive function skills are shaky, even small stressors can feel huge and mental health symptoms can flare as a result.
The good news is that this cycle can be interrupted. Executive function skills can be strengthened with the right tools, routines, and support. Coaching helps people build systems that reduce overwhelm, increase follow‑through, and create more emotional breathing room. As daily life becomes more manageable, mental health symptoms often ease, too.
How does anxiety affect executive function skills?
Anxiety doesn’t just affect emotions ~ it affects the brain’s ability to plan, organize, focus, and follow through. When someone is anxious, their brain shifts into a threat‑response mode, making it harder to access the executive function skills that support everyday life.
Anxiety is the brain trying to protect you, even when the situation doesn’t require it.
Common ways anxiety impacts executive function include:
- Difficulty starting tasks because the brain is busy anticipating what could go wrong
- Trouble focusing due to racing thoughts or constant mental “noise”
- Overthinking decisions, even small ones, which slows down planning
- Avoidance of tasks that feel overwhelming or uncertain
- Time blindness when anxiety makes everything feel urgent or impossible
- Emotional reactivity when stress builds faster than the brain can regulate
- Perfectionism that makes it hard to finish or submit work
- Trouble shifting gears because transitions feel destabilizing
The good news is that both anxiety and executive function skills can improve with the right support.
How can executive function coaching support someone with anxiety?
Executive function coaching doesn’t treat anxiety, but it does help people build the practical tools and routines that make daily life feel more manageable which helps to reduce anxiety over time.
Coaching focuses on strengthening the skills that anxiety tends to disrupt, such as planning, organization, emotional regulation, and follow‑through. Being anxious means feeling out of control and unsafe, but therapy and coaching can help you feel (and be!) back in control of what is happening and the skills and confidence to deal with the things out of your control.
Coaching can help someone with anxiety by:
- Breaking tasks into manageable steps so they feel less overwhelming
- Creating predictable routines that reduce uncertainty and decision fatigue
- Building time‑management systems that make deadlines feel doable
- Developing grounding strategies for moments of overwhelm
- Practicing flexible thinking so transitions feel less stressful
- Setting realistic goals that build confidence instead of pressure
- Creating external supports (checklists, reminders, structure) to reduce mental load
- Helping identify patterns that trigger avoidance or shutdown
While therapy helps reduce the emotional intensity of anxiety, coaching helps with the day‑to‑day skills that make life feel calmer, more predictable, and more in your control.
How does depression affect executive function skills?
Depression doesn’t just impact mood, it affects the brain systems responsible for motivation, planning, focus, and follow‑through. When someone is living with depression, their executive function skills often feel “foggy,” slowed down, or harder to access, even when they genuinely want to get things done.
This isn’t about laziness, lack of willpower, or not caring. The brain struggling to generate energy, initiate action, and regulate emotions under the weight of depression.
Common ways depression impacts executive function include:
- Difficulty starting tasks, even simple ones, because initiation feels heavy or impossible
- Low motivation that makes planning or follow‑through feel out of reach
- Trouble focusing or remembering details due to mental fatigue
- Slowed processing that makes decisions or problem‑solving harder
- Avoidance when tasks feel overwhelming or pointless
- Inconsistent performance, depending on energy and emotional load
- Difficulty organizing thoughts, materials, or next steps
- Emotional shutdown when stress or expectations feel too high
When depression is present, the brain’s self‑management system has less fuel to work with and everyday tasks can feel like climbing a mountain.
The good news is that executive function skills can strengthen as mood improves, and practical supports can make daily life more manageable in the meantime.
How can executive function coaching support someone with depression?
Executive function coaching doesn’t treat depression, but it does help people build the structure, routines, and tools that make daily life feel more doable, especially when motivation and energy are low.
Coaching focuses on creating systems that reduce overwhelm, increase motivation, and support gentle, sustainable progress.
Coaching can help someone with depression by:
- Breaking tasks into small, achievable steps so they feel less intimidating
- Creating simple routines that reduce decision fatigue and support consistency
- Building external structure (reminders, checklists, planning tools) to support follow‑through
- Setting realistic goals that build confidence instead of pressure
- Developing strategies for low‑energy days so progress doesn’t collapse
- Practicing self‑compassionate planning, not perfectionistic expectations
- Helping track wins and progress, which can be hard to see during depression
- Creating accountability that feels supportive, not shaming
While therapy helps address the emotional and cognitive aspects of depression, coaching supports the practical, day‑to‑day skills that help people feel more capable, organized, and in control as they heal.
How does OCD affect executive function skills?
OCD isn’t about being rigid or overly perfectionistic. It’s about the brain getting stuck in loops that feel urgent and often impossible to ignore.
Common ways OCD impacts executive function include:
- Difficulty shifting attention because intrusive thoughts pull focus away from tasks
- Trouble starting or finishing tasks when compulsions or rituals take priority
- Decision‑making paralysis due to fear of making the “wrong” choice
- Perfectionism that makes tasks feel too risky or overwhelming to begin
- Mental exhaustion from constant monitoring, checking, or reassurance‑seeking
- Difficulty prioritizing because everything feels equally important or dangerous
- Slowed processing when the brain is stuck in rumination or “what if” thinking
- Avoidance of tasks, places, or situations that trigger obsessions
OCD can make daily life feel harder not because someone is incapable, but because their brain is working overtime to manage fear, uncertainty, and intrusive thoughts.
The good news is that with the right support, people can learn tools that help them navigate daily tasks with more clarity and confidence.
How can executive function coaching support someone with OCD?
Coaching focuses on strengthening the skills that OCD often disrupts, while honoring the need for safety, pacing, and collaboration.
Coaching can support someone with OCD by:
- Breaking tasks into clear, manageable steps so they feel less intimidating
- Creating predictable routines that reduce decision fatigue and uncertainty
- Helping separate “important tasks” from “OCD tasks” to support healthier prioritizing
- Developing time‑management systems that limit how much time compulsions take over
- Building grounding and regulation strategies for moments of overwhelm
- Supporting flexible thinking so transitions and changes feel less threatening
- Creating external structure (checklists, reminders, visual plans) to reduce mental load
- Providing steady, non‑judgmental accountability that helps maintain momentum
Coaching works best alongside therapy especially modalities like ERP. While therapy helps reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions, coaching supports the day‑to‑day skills that help people stay organized, follow through, and feel more in control of their routines.
How does burnout affect executive function skills?
Burnout isn’t just “being tired”; it’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that directly impacts the brain’s ability to plan, focus, regulate emotions, and follow through. When someone is burned out, their executive function skills often feel depleted, inconsistent, or completely offline.
This isn’t about being unmotivated, disorganized, or “not handling things well.” Burnout happens when the brain has been running on empty for too long without enough rest, support, or recovery.
Common ways burnout impacts executive function include:
- Difficulty starting tasks because the brain has no mental energy left
- Trouble focusing due to exhaustion, stress, or mental fog
- Forgetfulness and reduced working memory
- Irritability or emotional overwhelm when stress tolerance is low
- Avoidance of tasks that feel draining or impossible
- Inconsistent performance, depending on energy levels
- Difficulty making decisions because everything feels equally overwhelming
- Shutdown when the brain tries to protect itself from further overload
Burnout makes everyday tasks feel harder not because someone is incapable, but because their brain is trying to recover from prolonged stress.
The good news is that with the right support, executive function skills can rebound as the nervous system stabilizes and energy returns.
How can executive function coaching support someone experiencing burnout?
Executive function coaching doesn’t treat burnout, but it does help people rebuild structure, clarity, and sustainable routines - all of which support recovery. Coaching focuses on reducing overwhelm, simplifying tasks, and creating systems that protect energy instead of draining it.
Coaching can support someone with burnout by:
- Breaking tasks into small, manageable steps so they feel less exhausting
- Creating routines that prioritize rest and recovery
- Helping identify energy patterns to match tasks with capacity
- Developing organizational systems that reduce mental load
- Setting realistic expectations that prevent further overload
- Building time‑management strategies that include breaks and boundaries
- Supporting emotional regulation tools for moments of stress or frustration
- Providing steady, compassionate accountability that helps rebuild momentum gently
Coaching works alongside therapy or medical support when needed. While therapy helps address the emotional and systemic roots of burnout, coaching strengthens the day‑to‑day skills that help people feel more grounded, capable, and in control as they recover.
Trauma's Impact on Executive Function Skills and Neurodiversity
How does trauma affect executive function skills?
Trauma doesn’t just affect emotions, it affects how the brain processes information, manages stress, and responds to everyday demands. When someone has experienced trauma, their nervous system may stay on high alert, making it harder to access the executive function skills that support planning, organization, focus, and emotional regulation.
This isn’t about being “too sensitive,” overreacting, or not trying hard enough. It’s about the brain doing its best to stay safe, even long after the threat has passed.
Neurological research has shown trauma induces significant structural, not just behavioral changes in the brain. The good news is, this same neuroplasticity means, with the right support, individuals can heal from the trauma they have experienced.
Common ways trauma impacts executive function include:
- Difficulty focusing because the brain is scanning for danger or distraction
- Trouble with memory, especially working memory, when stress is high
- Emotional overwhelm that makes it hard to think clearly or problem‑solve
- Avoidance of tasks, conversations, or environments that feel triggering
- Difficulty starting or finishing tasks when the nervous system is dysregulated
- Trouble shifting gears because transitions feel unpredictable or unsafe
- Inconsistent performance, depending on stress levels or triggers
- Shutdown or dissociation when the brain becomes overloaded
Trauma can make everyday tasks feel harder not because someone is incapable, but because their brain is often consumed with trying manage safety, emotions, and sensory input.
With a strong support team, the brain can heal and executive function skills can strengthen over time.
How can executive function coaching support someone who has experienced trauma?
Executive function coaching doesn’t treat trauma, but it does help people build the structure, routines, and tools that make daily life feel more predictable and manageable which can be incredibly stabilizing for someone with a trauma history. It is also one more piece in a strong support network needed to heal from trauma.
Coaching focuses on strengthening the practical skills that trauma often disrupts, while honoring the need for safety, pacing, and emotional regulation.
Coaching can support someone with trauma by:
- Creating predictable routines that reduce uncertainty and help the nervous system settle
- Breaking tasks into manageable steps so they feel less overwhelming
- Building grounding strategies to use during moments of stress or dysregulation
- Developing organizational systems that reduce mental load and decision fatigue
- Supporting gentle, realistic goal‑setting that builds confidence without pressure
- Helping identify triggers in daily routines and creating supportive alternatives
- Practicing flexible thinking so transitions feel safer and more manageable
- Providing steady, non‑judgmental accountability that reinforces stability
Coaching works alongside therapy, not instead of it. While therapy helps process and heal the emotional impact of trauma, coaching supports the day‑to‑day skills that help people feel more grounded, capable, and in control as they rebuild their lives.
How can trauma look like ADHD?
Trauma and ADHD can look surprisingly similar because both affect the brain systems responsible for focus, emotional regulation, memory, and executive function. When someone has experienced trauma, their nervous system may stay on high alert and that constant state of stress can create behaviors that very much resemble ADHD, even if the underlying cause is different.
Common trauma responses that can look like ADHD include:
- Difficulty focusing because the brain is scanning for danger or distraction
- Restlessness or fidgeting when the nervous system is activated
- Forgetfulness due to stress‑related memory disruptions
- Trouble starting or finishing tasks when overwhelm takes over
- Emotional intensity that looks like impulsivity or quick frustration
- Difficulty shifting between tasks because transitions feel unsafe or destabilizing
- Inconsistent performance, depending on stress levels or triggers
- Avoidance that resembles procrastination or disorganization
Both trauma and ADHD impact executive function ~ just in different ways. Trauma tends to create patterns tied to safety, overwhelm, or emotional regulation, while ADHD reflects a neurodevelopmental difference in attention, motivation, and impulse control.
It’s also possible to have both ADHD and trauma, which can make daily life feel even more confusing.
The good news is that with the right support, people can learn tools that not only help them feel, but be more grounded, organized, and in control whether their challenges come from trauma, ADHD, or a combination of both.
Can trauma make ADHD symptoms worse?
Yes, trauma can absolutely make ADHD symptoms feel stronger, more unpredictable, or harder to manage. Both trauma and ADHD affect the brain’s executive function system, which controls focus, emotional regulation, memory, planning, and impulse control. When someone has both ADHD and a trauma history, the two can interact in ways that amplify each other.
The nervous system is really working overtime to manage stress, safety, and attention all at once.
Common ways trauma can intensify ADHD symptoms include:
- More difficulty focusing when the brain is scanning for danger or triggers
- Increased impulsivity during moments of stress or emotional overload
- Greater forgetfulness because trauma disrupts working memory
- More emotional reactivity when the nervous system is already on high alert
- Harder time starting or finishing tasks due to overwhelm or shutdown
- More trouble with transitions when change feels unpredictable or unsafe
- Inconsistent performance, depending on stress, triggers, or environment
- Higher avoidance that looks like procrastination but is actually self‑protection
Trauma doesn’t cause ADHD, but it can make ADHD symptoms more intense, more frequent, or harder to manage. And because both conditions affect executive function, it can be difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins.
The good news is that both can improve with the right support. Therapy helps process and heal the trauma, while executive function coaching helps build the practical tools and routines that reduce overwhelm and support emotional regulation. Together, they help people feel more grounded, organized, and in control of their daily lives.
Why is it hard to stay motivated or consistent after trauma?
After trauma, motivation and consistency often become unpredictable because the brain is working overtime to keep you safe, even if there is no apparent danger.
Trauma can shift the nervous system into patterns of hypervigilance, freeze, or shutdown, which makes it harder to access the executive function skills that support steady motivation, planning, and follow‑through. Even small tasks can feel overwhelming when the brain is scanning for danger or trying to conserve energy.
Common reasons motivation feels harder after trauma include:
- The nervous system gets stuck in survival mode, making long‑term goals feel less urgent than immediate safety
- The freeze response can make starting tasks feel impossible, even when someone wants to
- Emotional exhaustion reduces the mental energy needed for planning and consistency
- Avoidance becomes protective, especially when tasks feel triggering or uncertain
- Self‑doubt or shame can make it harder to trust your abilities or stay engaged
- Inconsistent stress levels lead to inconsistent access to focus, energy, and follow‑through
None of this is a personal failure. It’s a normal response to an overwhelmed nervous system.
With the right support that includes structure, pacing, accountability, and tools that feel safe, motivation becomes steadier, and consistency grows over time.
Why do I shut down, freeze, or avoid tasks when I’m overwhelmed?
Shutting down, freezing, or avoiding tasks is actually a normal response when the brain feels overwhelmed, especially for people with trauma histories. They’re protective responses from a nervous system that’s trying to keep you safe, even if that does not seem to be logical.
When something feels uncertain, high‑stakes, or emotionally loaded, the brain may interpret it as a threat. Instead of moving forward, it activates survival responses that make action feel impossible.
Common reasons this happens include:
- The freeze response takes over, making it hard to start even simple tasks
- Overwhelm triggers shutdown, where the brain temporarily powers down to conserve energy
- Avoidance becomes a safety strategy, especially when tasks feel triggering or unpredictable
- Perfectionism or fear of mistakes can make starting feel too risky
- Executive function skills go offline when the nervous system is overloaded
- Past experiences may make certain tasks feel emotionally charged, even if they seem small from the outside
These are signs that your brain is doing its best with the information it has to stay safe.
With the right support, structure, and pacing, it becomes easier to recognize what’s happening, reduce overwhelm, and take steps forward without triggering shutdown or avoidance.
Understanding Executive Function Skills and Neurodiversity
What Are Executive Function Skills?
Executive functions skills are the mental processes that allow us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, regulate emotions, and organize multiple tasks. These skills help us navigate daily challenges more effectively without falling behind, getting overwhelmed, and controlling racing thoughts.
What are signs of weak executive function skills?
Executive function skills are the brain’s self-management system - things like planning, organization, time management, and emotional regulation. When these skills are underdeveloped or overwhelmed, individuals may struggle in ways that are often misunderstood. It isn't about being lazy, unstable, or unfit. It's about not having strong tools to manage everything.
Common signs of weak executive function include:
- Chronic procrastination or difficulty starting tasks
- Trouble managing time, estimating how long things will take, or meeting deadlines
- Disorganization, like losing materials or forgetting tasks
- Difficulty following multi-step directions or breaking down big tasks
- Emotional outbursts or shutting down when overwhelmed
- Inconsistent performance, even when you are clearly capable
- Avoidance of tasks that feel overwhelming or require sustained effort or focus
- Struggles with transitions, especially when routines change or unexpected barriers come up
Coaching helps you build tools and systems that work for your brain - so you can feel and BE more confident, capable, and in control.
What are the strengths of neurodivergence?
Neurodivergent individuals bring incredible strengths to their environments - though these strengths may not always show up in traditional ways.
When supported and understood, their unique ways of thinking can lead to innovation, insight, and resilience.
Common strengths of neurodivergent individuals include:
- Creative problem-solving and the ability to think outside the box
- Deep focus or hyperfocus especially on topics of interest
- Strong pattern recognition and attention to detail
- Original perspectives that challenge conventional thinking
- Persistence and adaptability, especially when navigating systems not built for them
- Authenticity and integrity, often paired with a strong sense of justice or fairness
The goal isn’t to “fix” neurodivergence - it’s to honor it, support it, and help it shine.
Can You Cure ADHD?
No - ADHD isn’t something that can be “cured,” becauseit’s not an illness! It’s a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how the brain processes, attention, motivation, and executive function.
That said, clients with ADHD can absolutely thrive. With the right support - like coaching, therapy, medication, or a combination - many learn to manage challenges, build on their strengths, and lead successful, fulfilling lives.
That said, clients with ADHD can absolutely thrive. With the right support - like coaching, therapy, medication, or a combination - many learn to manage challenges, build on their strengths, and lead successful, fulfilling lives.
Our coaching focuses on skill-building, self-awareness, and confidence, helping clients develop strategies that work for their brains. We’re not here to “fix” anyone - we’re here to empower them.
Are ADD and ADHD different?
Not anymore. ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) used to be a common term, but it’s no longer an official diagnosis. Today, the correct term is ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), which includes three presentations:
- Inattentive (formerly called ADD)
- Hyperactive-Impulsive
- Combined
We use the term ADHD because it reflects the current understanding of how attention and executive function challenges show up across different brains. It’s not about being “hyper” - it’s about how your brain processes information, motivation, and regulation.
Does medication fix ADHD?
No, medication doesn’t “fix” ADHD, because ADHD isn’t something that’s broken. It’s a neurodevelopmental difference, not a disease.
What medication can do is help calm and regulate the brain, making it easier to focus, manage emotions, and follow through. Think of it like noise-canceling headphones: it doesn’t do the work for you, but it helps quiet the distractions so you can cope and apply new tools.
Medication doesn’t contain the strategies ~ it creates the space to build them. That’s where coaching, therapy, and support come in.
For many clients, the most effective approach is a combination of tools: medication to support brain regulation, therapy to identify and address symptoms of mental health conditions, and coaching to build habits, systems, and confidence.
What if I don’t want to take medication for my ADHD?
That’s completely okay. Medication is just one tool - not the only one. Many clients choose not to take medication for ADHD or executive function challenges, and still make meaningful progress with the right support.
If you’re not taking medication, you can still:
- Build systems and routines that work for your brain
- Learn strategies to manage focus, motivation, and overwhelm
- Use coaching, therapy, and other resources to stay on track and reach all of your goals
The most important thing is this: you have options. And we’re here to help you find what works best for you.
If I change my diet, will my ADHD go away?
No, changing your diet won’t “cure” ADHD, because ADHD isn’t something that can be cured. It’s a neurodevelopmental difference, not a disease.
That said, nutrition can play a supportive role. Some clients find that eating more protein, reducing sugar, or adding omega-3s helps with focus and mood. Others may notice no change at all. There’s no one-size-fits-all ADHD diet, and research is still evolving.
We always encourage clients to explore healthy habits - like balanced meals, sleep, and movement - because they support overall health and emotional regulation. But managing ADHD usually requires a multi-layered approach, which may include coaching, therapy, medication, or all three.
Our goal isn’t to “fix” ADHD - it’s to help clients understand their brains, build strategies that work for them, and thrive as they are.
Do you work with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Yes! We work with many clients who are on the Autism Spectrum, particularly those who are high-masking which so often leads to feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Clients on the spectrum whether formally diagnosed or self-identified, often benefit from coaching that supports executive function, emotional regulation, transitions, and social difficulties.
Our coaching is a great fit for clients who:
- Are able to engage in reflective conversations
- Want support with organization, motivation, or independence
- May also experience ADHD, anxiety, or other co-occurring challenges
If you’re not sure whether coaching is the right fit, we’re happy to talk it through and help you explore options.
Do you work with clients with ADHD or other neurodivergent profiles?
What does “neuroinclusivity” mean in your program?
Can coaching help with emotional regulation or motivation?
We want to empower each client to use the tools they learn to live the life they want. Our coaches are here to help decrease anxiety, decision paralysis, racing thoughts, and feeling stuck.
What kind of skills do you teach?
Our coaching supports the whole person - not just academics, career, or daily tasks. Executive function skills are not only essential for navigating everyday life, but for living the life and future you choose.
Here are some of the life skills we help clients build:
- Time management and planning, so they can balance responsibilities and reduce overwhelm
- Emotional regulation and stress management, especially during high-pressure situations or when things do not go according to plan.
- Communication and self-advocacy, including how to ask for help, set boundaries, and express needs clearly
- Decision-making and problem-solving, so they can think critically and respond flexibly to challenges
- Follow-through and accountability, which supports everything from chores to job applications to having meaningful time to yourself
- Confidence and self-awareness, helping clients understand their strengths and how to use them
Coaching helps clients build systems that work for their brain - so they can live the way they want to.
Deciding If Coaching Is the Right Fit
Is Executive Function Coaching Worth the Investment?
We may be a little biased, but for us, this is personal. Our founder, CEO, directors, and coaches have all experienced the life-changing impact of coaching firsthand. That’s why we’re so passionate about helping individuals and families access the same support that transformed our own lives.
While coaching is a financial investment, it’s truly an investment in your long-term well-being, self-trust, and future. The cost of staying stuck ~ burnout, self-doubt, strained relationships, and missed opportunities can be far greater.
Coaching helps clients build the skills they need to thrive in whatever they endeavor:
- In high school, it opens doors to scholarships, college choices, and career exploration
- In college, it supports independence, confidence, and academic success
- In life, it empowers clients to manage stress, set goals, and make informed decisions
- Post Inpatient or IOP, helps to rebuild structure, routine, and new goals
- In Outpatient, it means weekly support to practice new skills, identify triggers, and more productive therapy sessions
How do I help my child with executive function?
Supporting your child’s executive function means helping them build the brain-based skills that manage focus, organization, time, and emotional regulation. You can start by creating consistent routines, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and using visual tools like checklists or planners.
Encouraging independence, offering gentle reminders, and celebrating small wins can also go a long way. If your child is neurodivergent or struggles with ADHD, coaching can provide personalized strategies that match how they think and learn best.
Our program is designed to walk alongside families- offering practical tools, compassionate support, and a belief in every student’s potential.
Encouraging independence, offering gentle reminders, and celebrating small wins can also go a long way. If your child is neurodivergent or struggles with ADHD, coaching can provide personalized strategies that match how they think and learn best.
Our program is designed to walk alongside families- offering practical tools, compassionate support, and a belief in every student’s potential.
How do I know if my child needs coaching or something else?
If your child is bright but disorganized, often forgets assignments, avoids tasks, has high anxiety, or feels frustrated by school - even when they’re trying hard - executive function coaching might be a great fit. We’re happy to talk through your concerns and help you decide if coaching, tutoring, or another kind of support is the best next step.
What kinds of clients benefit from executive function coaching?
Executive function coaching can support anyone who struggles with organization, time management, focus, low motivation, emotional dysregulation, or follow-through. This includes clients with ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply those who feel overwhelmed by life's demands. Our approach is personalized, strengths-based, and designed to meet each person where they are.
How do I know if I am ready for coaching?
Readiness for coaching isn’t about having everything figured out - it’s about being open to support. If you're feeling overwhelmed, disorganized, frustrated, unsure, or burnt out, but are willing to meet with a coach and explore new strategies, that’s a great sign you're ready.
You don’t need to be excited (yet!), but a willingness to show up and engage is key. We often see clients start out unsure and grow more confident once they realize coaching is about partnership - not pressure.
Still not sure? We’re happy to talk with you and help figure out if now is the right time. Coaching works best when clients feel seen, heard, and ready to take small steps forward.
You don’t need to be excited (yet!), but a willingness to show up and engage is key. We often see clients start out unsure and grow more confident once they realize coaching is about partnership - not pressure.
Still not sure? We’re happy to talk with you and help figure out if now is the right time. Coaching works best when clients feel seen, heard, and ready to take small steps forward.
Will coaching help with procrastination, decision paralysis, and time management?
Yes! Executive function coaching is specifically designed to help clients who struggle with procrastination, time management, and follow-through. These challenges are often rooted in how the brain organizes tasks, manages motivation, and handles overwhelm - not laziness or lack of effort.
Here’s how coaching helps:
- Breaks big tasks into manageable steps, so clients feel (and are) less paralyzed and more in control
- Teaches time awareness and planning strategies, like using calendars, timers, and visual schedules as developed and identified by the client
- Builds routines and accountability systems that match the client’s brain, not just someone else’s expectations
- Reframes procrastination as a signal - not a flaw - so clients can respond with tools instead of shame
Can coaching help clients who are highly intelligent but struggling?
Yes. Many of our clients are exceptionally bright but still struggle with executive function challenges like procrastination, disorganization, decision paralysis, or emotional overwhelm. Intelligence doesn’t always translate into success - especially when the brain’s self-management systems are under strain.
Here’s how coaching helps:
- Identifies hidden barriers like perfectionism, burnout, or under-stimulation that can block progress
- Builds systems for time management, planning, and follow-through, so clients can turn potential into performance
- Supports emotional regulation and motivation, especially when you feel stuck or misunderstood
- Reframes the narrative - so clients stop seeing themselves as “lazy” or “failing” and start recognizing their strengths
Do you help with social communication or peer relationships?
Yes. While we’re not a social skills therapy program, our coaching often supports clients with social communication and both peer and family relationships, especially when those challenges are tied to executive function, anxiety, depression, or neurodivergence.
Here’s how coaching can help:
- Builds self-awareness around social patterns, triggers, and strengths
- Supports emotional regulation, so clients can stay grounded in social situations
- Helps with planning and follow-through for social interactions -like remembering to text back, show up on time, or initiate plans
- Coaches self-advocacy and communication strategies, including how to navigate group work, roommate dynamics, family harmony, and awkward conversations
- Normalizes social challenges, so clients feel less alone and more empowered to grow
What if my child isn’t ready for coaching yet?
That’s completely okay. Readiness is a big part of success, and we never want clients to feel pressured into something they’re not open to. If your child isn’t quite ready to engage, we’re here to support you in the meantime - with resources, conversations, and guidance to help you navigate next steps.
We’re also happy to talk directly with your child to explain what coaching is (and isn’t), answer their questions, and ease any concerns. Sometimes just hearing from a coach can make a big difference.
And if you decide to just give it a try, there’s no long-term commitment - our program is billed month-to-month, so you can explore coaching without the pressure of a contract. If it’s not the right time, we’ll be here when it is.
My Child Said They Do Not Want Coaching, Should I Force Them?
We get this question a lot, and the short answer is: client buy-in matters. Coaching works best when clients are at least open to the process - even if they’re unsure at first. It’s completely normal for clients to feel skeptical about how a coach can help, especially if they’ve never experienced this kind of support before.
We’re always happy to talk with your loved one directly to explain what coaching is (and isn’t), answer their questions, and ease any concerns. But if they’re still not ready, it’s okay to wait. Forcing coaching rarely leads to meaningful progress - readiness and willingness are key ingredients for success.
We’re always happy to talk with your loved one directly to explain what coaching is (and isn’t), answer their questions, and ease any concerns. But if they’re still not ready, it’s okay to wait. Forcing coaching rarely leads to meaningful progress - readiness and willingness are key ingredients for success.
Do You Work With Students Who Are Failing Classes or on Academic Probation?
Absolutely! Supporting students in academic crisis is one of our specialties. We even offer a dedicated Academic Recovery Programthrough Raz Coaching Academics designed to help students who are failing classes, on academic probation, or feeling overwhelmed and stuck.
Our coaches are trained and experienced in academic recovery. We can step in quickly to assess the situation, communicate with teachers or professors, and create a personalized plan to get students back on track.
Our coaches are trained and experienced in academic recovery. We can step in quickly to assess the situation, communicate with teachers or professors, and create a personalized plan to get students back on track.
Even when things feel hopeless, there’s a path forward - and we’re here to help students find it with structure, support, and a fresh start. If your student is in academic crisis, please reach out. We can help.
What Happens if I am Not Reaching My Goals in Coaching?
Open communication is at the heart of our coaching process. If you feel you aren't seeing the progress you hoped for, we encourage you to talk with your coach directly. Together, you can explore what’s working, what’s not, and adjust the plan to better meet your needs.
Our coaches are flexible and responsive ~ready to shift strategies, pacing, or focus areas to support meaningful growth. And if something still doesn’t feel right, or you are not comfortable talking with them, you can always reach out to our Program Director or Student Success Team for additional support. It may not be the right coach for you or we can help you communicate your goals.
Our coaches are flexible and responsive ~ready to shift strategies, pacing, or focus areas to support meaningful growth. And if something still doesn’t feel right, or you are not comfortable talking with them, you can always reach out to our Program Director or Student Success Team for additional support. It may not be the right coach for you or we can help you communicate your goals.
Sometimes, a different coach may be a better fit - and that’s okay. Our priority is your success, and we’ll do everything we can to help you get there.
Do I have to be diagnosed with ADHD or be neurodivergent to benefit from coaching?
Absolutely not. Many of our clients don’t have a formal diagnosis or self-identify- and that’s okay! Executive function challenges can show up for all kinds of reasons, including ADHD, autism spectrum differences, anxiety, depression, or simply underdeveloped skills.
We’re less concerned with why a client is struggling and more focused on how we can help. If you're feeling overwhelmed, disorganized, or stuck, coaching can offer personalized strategies and compassionate support - no diagnosis required.
We’re less concerned with why a client is struggling and more focused on how we can help. If you're feeling overwhelmed, disorganized, or stuck, coaching can offer personalized strategies and compassionate support - no diagnosis required.
Will I Just Become Dependent on My Coach Telling Me What to Do?
Not at all. Our coaching is designed to build independence, not dependence. We don’t give step-by-step instructions or tell clients what to do - instead, we guide them through powerful questions and reflective conversations that help them tap into their own insight and strengths.
Each session ends with a client-led action plan, created in collaboration with their coach. Over time, clients build the confidence, self-awareness, and executive function skills to manage their daily lives independently.
We believe you are the expert in your own life - our job is to help you realize it.
What’s the difference between Thrive Beyond Therapy coaching and Coaching Academics for students?
While both Thrive Beyond Therapy and Raz Coaching Academics aim to support personal growth, academic coaching is specifically focused on helping students build the executive function skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Here’s how they differ:
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| Helps students manage schoolwork, deadlines, and academic stress | Individuals Explore values, purpose, and personal fulfillment | |
| Often includes accountability systems, study strategies, and executive function tools | Often includes goal-setting, mindset work, and self-discovery exercises | |
| Tailored to students navigating school, college, or academic transitions | Tailored to anyone navigating life changes or seeking personal growth |
At our core, we believe that academic coaching is about more than just grades - it’s about helping students understand how their brain works, build systems that support their success, and feel confident in their ability to manage life’s demands.
How can we fit coaching into an already busy schedule?
We get it - everyone today is juggling work, and academics, and family, social schedules, and more. That’s why our coaching is designed to be flexible, efficient, and time-smart.
Here’s how we make it work:
- Short, focused sessions that fit easily into a packed week - no long lectures or extra homework
- Flexible scheduling, including after work or school, evening, and weekend options
- Virtual coaching, so there’s no commute or extra logistics to manage
- Built-in time management support - coaching actually helps clients create more time by teaching them how to plan, prioritize, and follow through
- Progress that compounds - as clients build executive function skills, they often feel less overwhelmed and more in control of their schedule (because they actually are)
Can coaching help students prepare for the SAT, ACT, or other major exams?
Yes. While we’re not a test prep company, our coaching plays a powerful role in helping students prepare for high-stakes exams like the SAT, ACT, AP exams, state boards, and even graduate-level tests like the LSAT.
Here’s how coaching supports test readiness:
- Builds time management and study planning systems, so students can prep consistently without last-minute cramming
- Supports emotional regulation and test anxiety strategies, helping students stay calm and focused under pressure
- Teaches follow-through and accountability, so students stick to their prep plans and meet their goals
- Helps students break down big goals into manageable steps, making test prep feel less overwhelming
- Supports executive function skills that are essential for test day - like sustained attention, flexible thinking, and working memory
Do you help with college applications and essays?
Yes. Our coaching often supports students through the college application process, especially when executive function challenges or emotional dysregulation make it hard to stay organized, meet deadlines, or manage stress.
Here’s how coaching can help:
- Breaks down the application process into manageable steps with timelines and accountability
- Supports essay planning and time management, so students don’t leave writing until the last minute
- Helps students reflect on their strengths and stories, which can lead to more authentic, compelling essays
- Builds follow-through and emotional regulation, so students can navigate feedback, revisions, and uncertainty
- Supports other major exams and applications, including APs, state boards, the LSAT, and more
Coaching Program Details
How Long Does Coaching Last?
Every client is different, and we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all timelines. Programs that promise guaranteed results in a set number of sessions often overlook the complexity of real growth.
Progress depends on many factors - a client’s unique challenges, emotional readiness, consistency, and belief in the process. That said, most clients experience a critical shift within the first 90 days, including more completed tasks, fewer arguments, growing confidence, less anxiety and overwhelm.
Progress depends on many factors - a client’s unique challenges, emotional readiness, consistency, and belief in the process. That said, most clients experience a critical shift within the first 90 days, including more completed tasks, fewer arguments, growing confidence, less anxiety and overwhelm.
Some clients progress faster, others take more time. Many choose to continue long-term because they value the support, structure, and accountability coaching provides.
Clients in more intensive programs often see quicker results due to more frequent reinforcement and narrower focus. As skills grow, many transition to a lighter coaching plan that supports continued independence.
How long does it take to see progress with executive function coaching?
Most families begin noticing small shifts - like improved anxiety, organization, or follow-through - within the first few weeks of coaching. In fact, 90% of our clients report feeling less anxious and more confident within 30 days of starting our program, and 96% say they’re making progress toward their goals within 2 months.
These results come from blind, self-reported feedback directly from clients, and they reflect the heart of our approach: personalized, strengths-based coaching that meets each person where they are.
These results come from blind, self-reported feedback directly from clients, and they reflect the heart of our approach: personalized, strengths-based coaching that meets each person where they are.
We recommend a minimum of six months to build lasting habits and see meaningful change. Clients become eligible for our progress guarantee after 3 consecutive months of participating in programming.
How Are Coaches Assigned?
We take coach matching seriously - we know the right fit makes all the difference. When you sign up, both the parent (if applicable) and client complete a short onboarding form. From there, we hand-select a few highly qualified coaches based on the client’s needs, learning style, and goals.
Then comes the best part: clients get to choose their own coach. We send client friendly, coach bios so they can pick the person they feel most comfortable working with. It’s a blend of expert guidance and client autonomy - because we believe coaching works best when clients feel seen, supported, and in control of their journey.
Then comes the best part: clients get to choose their own coach. We send client friendly, coach bios so they can pick the person they feel most comfortable working with. It’s a blend of expert guidance and client autonomy - because we believe coaching works best when clients feel seen, supported, and in control of their journey.
Can I Switch Coaches if I Am Not Happy?
Absolutely! We know that trust and connection are essential to meaningful progress. If you don’t feel at ease with your coach - or if the fit just isn’t quite right - we make switching simple and judgment-free.
That said, it rarely happens - because clients choose their own coach, but if a change is needed, we ensure a smooth transition: the new coach receives all relevant background so you can pick up right where you left off, without starting over.
That said, it rarely happens - because clients choose their own coach, but if a change is needed, we ensure a smooth transition: the new coach receives all relevant background so you can pick up right where you left off, without starting over.
Do you offer a progress guarantee for coaching?
Yes! Our Comprehensive Coaching Programs come with a progress guarantee. If a client is enrolled in one of our qualifying programs, Foundations or Intensive, attends sessions consistently, and follows their coaching plan, we guarantee measurable growth. If not, we’ll refund your investment.
We believe in the power of coaching, but we also know real change takes time. That’s why clients must participate for at least three months to be eligible for the guarantee. It’s not magic - it’s partnership, structure, and support that works.
We believe in the power of coaching, but we also know real change takes time. That’s why clients must participate for at least three months to be eligible for the guarantee. It’s not magic - it’s partnership, structure, and support that works.
How Long Are Sessions?
Each coaching session lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. This time frame is intentional - it’s long enough to make meaningful progress, but short enough to support focus and reduce fatigue, especially for clients with ADHD, struggling with overwhelm, or executive function challenges.
We’ve designed our sessions to be manageable, engaging, and effective - so clients leave feeling accomplished, not overwhelmed.
Do You Require a Minimum Time Commitment for Coaching?
Nope! All of our programs are month-to-month, with no long-term contracts or minimum commitments beyond the current month. We believe in earning your trust and treating each client as an individual - not locking you in.
That said, we recommend 6 to 12 months of coaching for the best results. Early sessions focus on building foundational executive function skills, while later months help clients strengthen habits, apply strategies independently, and sustain progress.
That said, we recommend 6 to 12 months of coaching for the best results. Early sessions focus on building foundational executive function skills, while later months help clients strengthen habits, apply strategies independently, and sustain progress.
Leaving coaching too early can sometimes lead to old habits, maladaptive coping skills, and negative thought patterns creeping back in - we’re here to support lasting change, not just quick fixes.
Is Your Program Offered Virtually? Can I Work From Anywhere?
Absolutely. Our coaching is fully virtual and available to families across the country. We’ve worked with clients in a variety of time zones, communities, and environments.
It actually works great for busy schedules and for clients who do not transition well to leave the house. No more having to motivate yourself to get shoes on, take shower when you're already struggling, or just having to get out the door without running late.
I've struggled with virtual meetings - will virtual coaching still work?
Yes! Virtual coaching is very different from long virtual meetings or school and it can be just as effective as in-person support. In fact, research shows that virtual coaching leads to strong outcomes when it’s personalized and engaging.
Our sessions are intentionally designed with focus fatigue and neurodivergent brains in mind. Instead of long hours on a screen, we keep coaching short, focused, and manageable - typically 20–30 minutes. This format helps clients stay engaged, build trust, and make meaningful progress without burnout.
Our sessions are intentionally designed with focus fatigue and neurodivergent brains in mind. Instead of long hours on a screen, we keep coaching short, focused, and manageable - typically 20–30 minutes. This format helps clients stay engaged, build trust, and make meaningful progress without burnout.
Unlike most virtual meetings, coaching is interactive, client-led, and tailored to each person’s needs. We meet clients where they are and help them move forward with confidence.
How do you measure success in coaching?
Success in coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all - it’s about helping each client make meaningful progress toward their goals, both big and small. We measure success through a combination of client growth, skill development, and self-awareness.
Here’s how we track progress:
- Executive Function Skills Tracker: Our internal tool helps monitor growth in areas like time management, organization, emotional regulation, and follow-through
- Blind Client Reflections: Clients regularly reflect on their own progress - we do this anonymously and clients know their coach does not see their answers, so we can track authentic shifts in mindset, confidence, and self-awareness over time
- Academic, Career, and Life Milestones: We look at real-world indicators like completing tasks on time, using a planner consistently, choosing solid coping skills, or following through on personal goals
- Small Wins and Big Breakthroughs: Whether it’s turning in a paper early or advocating for themselves, we celebrate progress in all its forms
What qualifications do your coaches have?
Our coaches bring a powerful blend of professional training, lived experience, and ongoing education to their work with clients.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Master’s degrees in fields like psychology, counseling, education, or related disciplines
- Specialized training in executive function coaching, with a focus on practical tools and brain-based strategies
- Deep understanding of neurodiversity, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum, and other learning differences
- Additional expertise in learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and processing challenges
- Ongoing professional development, including regular training in coaching techniques, neuroinclusive practices, and client support
- Life experience that informs their work - many of our coaches are neurodivergent themselves, have walked their own mental health journey, or have personal experience parenting or supporting neurodivergent or complex individuals in their own lives
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes! We’re happy to offer a $100/month sibling discount for families enrolling more than one client in our comprehensive coaching programs.
Here’s how it works:
- The discount applies to the second (or each additional) client enrolled from the same household
- It’s available for our comprehensive programs - please reach out if you’re unsure whether your plan qualifies. Can be Thrive Beyond Therapy or Coaching Academics.
- No need to enroll siblings in the same program - we’ll help tailor support to each person’s needs
- Each client still gets to choose their own coach!
Coaching vs. Other Supports
How Is Coaching Different from Therapy?
While both coaching and therapy support personal growth, they differ in focus and approach. Therapy typically addresses the symptoms of past trauma, emotional concerns, and mental health symptoms. It’s often reflective and healing, guided by licensed professionals trained to treat clinical issues.
Coaching, on the other hand, is present and future-focused. It’s about building skills, setting goals, and creating actionable strategies to improve performance, organization, and confidence. Each session includes a working action plan tailored to the client’s needs.
Coaching, on the other hand, is present and future-focused. It’s about building skills, setting goals, and creating actionable strategies to improve performance, organization, and confidence. Each session includes a working action plan tailored to the client’s needs.
Coaching and therapy can also work beautifully together - coaching offers real-time tools and accountability, while therapy provides deeper emotional insight and healing. Coaching helps client's take therapeutic tools and apply them to real world, everyday situations and goals.
How is Coaching Different from Tutoring?
While tutoring often targets subject-specific content, our coaching focuses on the skills behind learning. We help students understand how they think, stay organized, manage deadlines, regulate anxiety and emotional dysregulation, and become more independent ~ not just in school, but in life.
My student’s university offers Academic Support Services - is this the same as your coaching?
Not quite. While many universities now offer academic support services or peer coaching, these programs are often curriculum-based, limited in individualization, and designed to serve large student populations. Coaches may be peers or teaching assistants, and support is typically focused on general study skills or referrals to other campus resources. They are limited to basic course material and do not address daily skills or emotional regulation.
Our coaching is different. We work with students 1:1 to uncover the root causes of academic challenges and emotional turmoil or burnout, especially for neurodivergent students who may need more personalized strategies. Our coaches are trained professionals who go beyond reminders and checklists to help students remediate grades, build executive function skills, and regain confidence.
We don’t just point students toward support - we walk with them through it.
Do you offer tutoring for high school and college students?
We don’t offer traditional subject-based tutoring, but many of our students find they no longer need a tutor after working with a coach. That’s because the real challenge often isn’t the material itself - it’s missing assignments, procrastination, or overwhelm that make it feel and appear like they’re falling behind.
Our coaching focuses on building the executive function skills behind academic success: organization, time management, follow-through, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy. If a student is truly struggling with course content, their coach will help identify that need and may recommend a tutor.
We also empower students to communicate directly with teachers, professors, and parents - building confidence and independence along the way.
Enrollment & Getting Started
Can I Enroll at Anytime?
Yes! Everything we do is customized to you, so you can enroll when you are ready! Your first month of coaching will be a prorated charge based on your enrollment date.
Do I Need a Consultation to Enroll?
No, if you feel you are ready to enroll, you simply head over to our Programs page and click on the plan you want. It is a very short form and then we will reach out through email with onboarding.
We are always happy to talk with you prior to enrolling to make sure you understand our program, we can understand your needs, and you can decide if it is a good fit.
What is Included in the Program Fee?
Your program fee covers everything you need to get started - no hidden costs, no surprise add-ons. Here’s what’s included:
- Weekly 1:1 coaching sessions (20–30 minutes each) tailored to client’s goals
- Ongoing messaging access to your coach for questions, check-ins, and support between sessions when you need it
- A monthly Client Snapshot (when applicable) to keep families updated on progress
- A quarterly Executive Function Skills Tracker with measurable growth data
- Personalized action plans each session that evolve with client’s needs
We believe in keeping things simple, supportive, and transparent. We also believe in comprehensive support, so you can reach out to your coach when you need them, not wait until the next session. Triggers, negative thoughts, and overwhelm derail us because they are unexpected. Your coach is there when you need them, so you can navigate boundaries, understand your strengths, and be more in control of where you want to be.
Do You Accept Insurance?
Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover coaching services, as they’re not classified as medical treatment. However, many families are able to use HSA (Health Savings Accounts), FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts).
Our Coaching Academics Programs are also an approved vendor for the Arizona ESA Program, the Florida FES Program, the West Virginia Hope Scholarship, and the Self Determination Program (SDP) in California. Both Life Coaching and Academic Coaching are eligible for the Self Determination Program of California if enrolled through Raz Coaching Academics.
We recommend checking with your benefits provider to confirm what’s eligible under your plan. We’re also happy to provide documentation if needed to support your reimbursement process.
Are you approved for the California Self-Determination Program (SDP)?
Yes! Raz Coaching Academics is an approved vendor for California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP), which empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to choose the services and supports that best meet their needs. You can choose academic or life skills in either our Succeed or Spectrum Success Programs.
If you're enrolled in SDP through your regional center, you can use your individual budget to work with us. Just reach out and we’ll provide the correct billing codes and documentation to share with your Independent Facilitator or Financial Management Services (FMS) provider.
Not sure how to get started with SDP? We’re happy to help guide you through the process or connect you with helpful resources.
Do you participate in state ESA (Education Savings Account) programs?
Yes, if you enroll in a program at Raz Coaching Academics! We are proud to be approved vendors for several state-funded ESA programs, including:
- Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program
- Florida Step Up for Students, FES-UA After School Program
- West Virginia Hope Scholarship Program
- Utah Fits All Program
We’re also actively pursuing approval in additional states. If your state offers an ESA or similar education savings program and you’d like us to become a vendor, please reach out - we’d love to explore it with you.
How Do I Pay My Monthly Coaching Fee?
Coaching fees are set up as a monthly subscription, billed automatically on the 14th of each month. Your first month is prorated based on your start date, so you’re only charged for the days you’re enrolled before the next billing cycle begins.
Payments are processed securely, and you’ll receive a confirmation each month. No surprises, no long-term contracts - just consistent support, one month at a time.
Are There Extra Fees Not Listed on the Program Page?
Nope - no hidden fees here. Everything you see on our program page is exactly what you’ll pay.
We include access to a AI tools and our meeting and messaging app as part of our coaching programs - at no extra cost. Messaging with your coach throughout the week for support is unlimited and you will never have fees for seeking support when you need it.
Our goal is to keep things simple, supportive, and stress-free.
How Do I Cancel?
We keep it simple - just give us a quick call. You’ll always speak to a real person (no bots, no phone trees, no hoops to jump through).
We believe in making support easy to start and easy to stop.
What Age Group Do You Work With?
We specialize in working with students and adults ages 12 and up who want to build executive function skills, manage emotional regulation, coping and decision making, and create routines that make daily life feel more manageable.
Our coaching is especially helpful for those recently discharged from treatment in navigating the demands of the everyday, social life, applying new therapeutic tools, and independent living. We design the program you need ~ whether that's returning to academics, preparing for your career, or just navigating the complexities and stressors of daily life. We also support adult learners returning to school, pursuing certifications, or juggling multiple responsibilities.
Our coaching is especially helpful for those recently discharged from treatment in navigating the demands of the everyday, social life, applying new therapeutic tools, and independent living. We design the program you need ~ whether that's returning to academics, preparing for your career, or just navigating the complexities and stressors of daily life. We also support adult learners returning to school, pursuing certifications, or juggling multiple responsibilities.
We have coaches who specialize in the needs of each age group and person.
If you’re working toward a goal and need structure, strategy, or support - we’re here for it.
Do You Work With Elementary School?
Our core coaching programs are designed for teens through adults, with a focus on building the skills for independence, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and executive function skills. That said, we understand that younger students need a different kind of support ~one that includes more parental involvement and age-appropriate strategies.
For students ages 8 to 11, we offer our specialized Sprout Program, led by coaches who are specially trained to work with this age group and their parents. If you’re interested in support for an elementary age student, reach out, we’d love to explore whether Sprout is the right fit for your family.
For students ages 8 to 11, we offer our specialized Sprout Program, led by coaches who are specially trained to work with this age group and their parents. If you’re interested in support for an elementary age student, reach out, we’d love to explore whether Sprout is the right fit for your family.
Is There Support and Communication with Parents?
Absolutely. We believe that coaching works best when families are part of the journey. As a parent, you’ll be connected to your loved one’s coach through our secure meeting and messaging platform, so you can communicate, ask questions, and stay in the loop.
Each month, you’ll receive a Client Snapshot - a quick update on your child’s progress and focus areas. Every three months, we also share our proprietary Executive Function Skills Tracker, which provides clear, data-informed insights into your child’s growth.
Each month, you’ll receive a Client Snapshot - a quick update on your child’s progress and focus areas. Every three months, we also share our proprietary Executive Function Skills Tracker, which provides clear, data-informed insights into your child’s growth.
We’re here to support your family every step of the way.
What if we miss a session or need to reschedule?
Academic, College, and Life Readiness
Does Thrive Beyond Therapy also address academics needs?
In short: we don’t separate academics from daily functioning ~ we weave them together, with coaches uniquely equipped to help students thrive in school and in life.
How can I help my teen get ready for college?
Preparing for college isn’t just about applications and test scores - it’s about helping your teen build the skills, confidence, and independence they’ll need to thrive on their own.
Here are a few ways you can support them:
- Encourage independence by letting them manage their own schedule, appointments, and responsibilities
- Talk through real-life scenarios like emailing professors, managing deadlines, or asking for help
- Explore college resources together, like disability services, tutoring centers, and mental health support
- Normalize mistakes and setbacks as part of the learning process ~ not signs of failure
- Build time management and planning systems that actually work for their brain
- Practice self-advocacy and emotional regulation in a safe, supportive space
- Develop the executive function skills they’ll need to navigate college life with confidence
What do I do if I’m failing my classes?
First, take a deep breath. Failing a class doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a student. It also does not mean things are hopeless. It’s a signal that something isn’t working, and there are steps you can take right now to turn things around:
Start with these basics:
- Talk to your professor - ask about missing work, extra credit, or how to improve your grade
- Visit campus resources like the tutoring center, writing lab, or academic advising
- Check your syllabus to understand grading policies and upcoming deadlines
- Create a simple plan to prioritize assignments and study time
- Identify what’s getting in the way (executive function, burnout, motivation, anxiety)
- Build a realistic action plan and stick to it
- Reframe the narrative from “I’m failing” to “I’m learning how to recover”
- Work with your college or university to maximize your success
Can I go to college if I have a mental health disorder, or ADHD or Autism Spectrum?
Yes - students with mental health diagnosis, ADHD or Autism absolutely can go to college, and many do successfully! Neurodivergent students are just as capable of success as their peers, especially when they have the right support systems in place.
That said, the transition to college can bring new challenges: more independence, less structure, and increased executive function demands. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead. Students can:
- Register with the college’s disability services office to access accommodations
- Use campus resources like tutoring centers, writing labs, and mental health services
- Build routines and systems that support time management, organization, and self-advocacy
The bottom line? College is absolutely possible - and with the right tools, students can thrive as their authentic selves.
Does your Program Only Focus On Mental Wellness Goals?
Not at all. While mental wellness is often the starting point, our coaching goes far beyond coping skills. We support the whole student - helping with everything from checking and responding to emails, to building healthy sleep and eating habits, to creating balanced schedules that honor both the “want tos” and the “need tos.”
Every person’s needs are different, so we tailor action plans in real time - whether that means tackling procrastination, managing overwhelm, or building routines that make life feel more manageable.
Coaching is about more than mood and grades- it’s about growth, confidence, and strategies for all areas of life.
Do you work with adults who aren’t in school?
Yes! Our coaching programs are individualized and aredesigned for students or adults navigating life beyond the classroom. Our programs support adults who want to build structure, improve executive function, and figure out what’s next - whether that’s returning to school, pursuing a new career, or simply feeling more in control of the demands of daily life.
Not sure if we're right for you? Reach out - we’re happy to help you explore your goals and find the best fit.
Can Thrive Beyond Therapy get clients ready for a job or change of career?
Preparing for the workforce isn’t just about résumés and job applications - it’s about helping build the confidence, skills, and independence needed to thrive in a professional environment.
Coaching can be a powerful layer of support during this transition.
- Build time management, planning, and follow-through skills that are essential in any job
- Practice professional communication and self-advocacy
- Explore career paths that align with your strengths, interests, and values, so you’re not just chasing a job - you’re building a future that fits
- Develop the executive function tools to stay organized, motivated, and emotionally regulated in the workplace
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