So...what's "executive functioning"?
Procrastination. Distraction. Disorganization. Lack of motivation.
Sound familiar? It’s tough being a kid (and let's be real, an adult) in this world, let alone navigating rigid structures that cater to neurotypical/neuroconfirming people.
Executive functioning refers to the cognitive processes that help us organize, plan, prioritize, get started, manage our time, self-regulate, problem-solve, adapt, and persist. They help us navigate school, work, and life.
The problem is, these things aren't easy for everyone. These processes develop and change over time and as a result of life experiences, such as brain development, trauma, mental health, learning and neurological differences, aging, sleep, and environmental factors. Humans have diverse brains -- but unfortunately, schools and workplaces aren't structured to embrace that diversity.
Executive functions themselves are neutral; it's our societal values and structures that determine how they are perceived and valued.
Many academic models of executive functioning have a problematic history intertwined with capitalism, white supremacy, and ableism. They tend to favor cognitive patterns that align with Eurocentric ways of learning and thinking, which focus heavily on individual achievement, cognitive testing, and structured exercises.
People of all neurotypes - including neurotypical kids and adults - can struggle with these cognitive processes, and this can lead to an increase in stress, apathy, self-blame, lashing out, and more.
However, there are other paths forward -- the development of these cognitive processes can be integrated into everyday activities, social relationships, practical skills, and collaborative learning. We can get creative and find ways to push back against rigid systems. With a compassionate coach by your side, you can develop a toolbox of strategies to tackle EF challenges head-on, tap into your inner strengths and community, and feel empowered to tackle life's challenges.
I've never done this before. What does a coaching session look like? How is it structured?
Support can look different depending on what your needs are -- for a lot of my clients, we do a combination of:
What sort of things can you help with?
Past clients and I have worked on:
Most of my clients and I meet over Zoom once or twice a week for an hour; I can also offer phone, email, and text support for an additional cost. If you would like to meet more frequently than once per week, let's chat! I will do my best to accommodate you.
How do you help clients follow through on things outside of session?
In session, we'll create specific scaffolded plans that build on your personal strengths, honor your capacity, and anticipate common roadblocks. We'll reassess on an ongoing basic to make sure everything is feeling manageable and within your ability.
As part of my coaching practice (and to help myself recall things from week to week), I send out a session recap email after each meeting that touches on what we went over during the session + any follow up items for you. This way, you can have clear things to engage with in between our meetings. I am also happy to schedule text check-ins, reminders, and encouragement for you to receive over the course of the next week. :)
My kid hated Zoom school during the first year of the pandemic. How does online coaching work?
Transitioning to virtual platforms can be challenging, especially if you've had difficulties with them in the past. While online coaching with me won't be the right fit for everyone, it's a lot more personalized and flexible than attending a Zoom lecture with 50 of your peers. This is a compassionate, judgement-free space where you can go at your own pace and have the full, undivided attention of a person dedicated to supporting you. There are no grades, missing assignments, or deadlines here. :) Via Zoom, we can annotate on each other's shared screen, work on the same doc together, access assistive tools, etc. I wholeheartedly encourage (and model) taking breaks, fidgeting, stimming, snacking, self-accommodating, and communicating your needs.
Procrastination. Distraction. Disorganization. Lack of motivation.
Sound familiar? It’s tough being a kid (and let's be real, an adult) in this world, let alone navigating rigid structures that cater to neurotypical/neuroconfirming people.
Executive functioning refers to the cognitive processes that help us organize, plan, prioritize, get started, manage our time, self-regulate, problem-solve, adapt, and persist. They help us navigate school, work, and life.
The problem is, these things aren't easy for everyone. These processes develop and change over time and as a result of life experiences, such as brain development, trauma, mental health, learning and neurological differences, aging, sleep, and environmental factors. Humans have diverse brains -- but unfortunately, schools and workplaces aren't structured to embrace that diversity.
Executive functions themselves are neutral; it's our societal values and structures that determine how they are perceived and valued.
Many academic models of executive functioning have a problematic history intertwined with capitalism, white supremacy, and ableism. They tend to favor cognitive patterns that align with Eurocentric ways of learning and thinking, which focus heavily on individual achievement, cognitive testing, and structured exercises.
People of all neurotypes - including neurotypical kids and adults - can struggle with these cognitive processes, and this can lead to an increase in stress, apathy, self-blame, lashing out, and more.
However, there are other paths forward -- the development of these cognitive processes can be integrated into everyday activities, social relationships, practical skills, and collaborative learning. We can get creative and find ways to push back against rigid systems. With a compassionate coach by your side, you can develop a toolbox of strategies to tackle EF challenges head-on, tap into your inner strengths and community, and feel empowered to tackle life's challenges.
I've never done this before. What does a coaching session look like? How is it structured?
Support can look different depending on what your needs are -- for a lot of my clients, we do a combination of:
- values-based goal-setting [including: what do you care about? how do you want to feel?]
- check-ins about how things are going, what's working well, and what needs shifting
- collaboratively identifying strategies, supports, rhythms, and accommodations to help you work toward your goals
- making tweaks to those ^ as time goes on
- emotional support, processing, and problem-solving
- focused work periods / scaffolded body doubling to help you initiate hard tasks and break them down into more manageable pieces
- planning for the week ahead according to your needs/capacity
- digging deeper into the root of big challenges e.g. lack of motivation, difficulties with task initiation, or revenge bedtime procrastination
- (as needed) asynchronous support like text check-ins
What sort of things can you help with?
Past clients and I have worked on:
- Task initiation, time management, & procrastination
- Motivation
- Values-based goal-setting & follow-through
- Focus & distraction
- Avoidance, shut-down, and other coping mechanisms
- Test-taking, test anxiety, & making a study plan tailored to you
- Impulse spending & budgeting
- Sleep struggles / revenge bedtime procrastination
- Navigating work-related challenges
- Communication, relationships, boundary-setting, parenting, family dynamics
- Job searching & career development
- College applications & navigating college
- Starting a small business or self-employment practice
- Navigating grad school, PhD programs, & writing a thesis or dissertation
- Meal planning, routines, & daily functioning
- Making your home more neurodivergent-friendly
- Learning to self-accommodate and advocate for accommodations
- Navigating shame, overwhelm, burnout, perfectionism, rejection sensitive dysphoria, emotional stressors, and more
Most of my clients and I meet over Zoom once or twice a week for an hour; I can also offer phone, email, and text support for an additional cost. If you would like to meet more frequently than once per week, let's chat! I will do my best to accommodate you.
How do you help clients follow through on things outside of session?
In session, we'll create specific scaffolded plans that build on your personal strengths, honor your capacity, and anticipate common roadblocks. We'll reassess on an ongoing basic to make sure everything is feeling manageable and within your ability.
As part of my coaching practice (and to help myself recall things from week to week), I send out a session recap email after each meeting that touches on what we went over during the session + any follow up items for you. This way, you can have clear things to engage with in between our meetings. I am also happy to schedule text check-ins, reminders, and encouragement for you to receive over the course of the next week. :)
My kid hated Zoom school during the first year of the pandemic. How does online coaching work?
Transitioning to virtual platforms can be challenging, especially if you've had difficulties with them in the past. While online coaching with me won't be the right fit for everyone, it's a lot more personalized and flexible than attending a Zoom lecture with 50 of your peers. This is a compassionate, judgement-free space where you can go at your own pace and have the full, undivided attention of a person dedicated to supporting you. There are no grades, missing assignments, or deadlines here. :) Via Zoom, we can annotate on each other's shared screen, work on the same doc together, access assistive tools, etc. I wholeheartedly encourage (and model) taking breaks, fidgeting, stimming, snacking, self-accommodating, and communicating your needs.
AMANDA BURKE TUTORING
510-306-4328 | Berkeley, CA | [email protected]