Frequently Asked Questions

What is executive function coaching?

EF coaching is the science and art of guiding learners to strengthen their own capacity to get things done. 

What makes this process unique is that it focuses on empowering children and parents to do the heavy lifting through the repetition of habits like:

  • Plotting out deadlines

  • Organizing assignments into manageable chunks

  • Setting timers to task initiate

  • Updating teachers on progress or asking for extensions and feedback

  • And so much more...

When those habits are the center of the interaction with the child (rather than content), they blossom into essential skills that research tells us enhance the quality of life for students for decades to come.

When competencies like task initiation, self-monitoring, extended focus, and prioritization are the focus of the work (rather than the content itself), students are more likely to develop a growth mindset that improves their confidence and ability to generalize those skills to any area of focus.

Ultimately, the goal is to support a client in strengthening their self-management skills so that the frequency of coaching interactions decreases or disappears entirely.

What Executive Functioning Coaching IS NOT

Executive functioning coaching IS NOT:

  • Traditional tutoring focused on improving one specific content

  • Enforcing the completion of homework

  • Serving as a proxy to persuade students to meet unreasonable expectations set by frustrated parents

How are executive function skills assessed?

It is quite apparent when a child is struggling with this skill set and common indicators may include:

  • Poor time management or time blindness

  • Emotional dysregulation

  • Chronic disorganization of both physical and digital items

  • Apprehension or avoidance of communicating with teachers

  • Decreased motivation due to constant overwhelm

  • Addiction to "unproductive" behaviors such as YouTubing or video gaming 

  • Reduced problem-solving abilities

Oftentimes, due to the lack of abilities in the above areas, students have additional executive function challenges such as:

  • Diminished sense of self-worth

  • Low-grades

  • Decreased desire to continue with schooling past the required thresholds

  • Declining grades

  • Loneliness and feelings of isolation

  • Fragmented relationships with parents

I’m not sure my child will be open to executive function coaching. What do you think I should do?

EF coaching is a designed alliance that empowers clients to improve their ability to experience successful outcomes in school and life. One key element in this alliance is that the child or young adult MUST be involved in developing goals and the service plan. When adults reasonably center the student's voice throughout this cycle, the child begins to take executive ownership of both the procedures and the outcomes

Can’t I just be my child’s executive function coach?

As a parent, you control many aspects of your student’s life – where they live, what they eat, their curfew, etc. This unequal power dynamic can make your student very sensitive to your feedback. By having an objective professional help them with the challenges of school, it can free up space to focus on building a healthy dynamic with your student. Our method also includes an important accountability role for your and your child. This may be a daily or bi-weekly or similar check-in to ensure everything is on-track as discussed and planned in our weekly sessions. 

Are your services in-person or online?

In-person and online, depending on the student’s age and location proximity.

How much do your services cost?

To register with our program it is a non-refundable flat fee of $300. This covers the creation of a plan of support, up to one hour of review of any assessment documents, consultation with providers and a 45 minute family meeting.

The cost for our (monthly) services is 

$800 for 12yo+ (includes 4-45 min sessions and 4 check-ins via email/facetime and 1 30 min family session every 5 weeks, taking the place of a regular session, or billed in addition as a separate session)

$650 for 8-11yo (includes 4-40 min sessions and 1 30 min family session every 5 weeks, taking the place of a regular session, or billed in addition as a separate session)

Do you accept insurance?

No, we don't accept insurance. 

We do not work directly with insurance companies or provide codes regarding diagnosis or services. Some of our clients have used their Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account (FSA/HSA) benefits to help pay for coaching services. FSA/HSA providers have varying requirements or approval processes. 

We encourage clients to contact their FSA/HSA provider to see if our services qualify as an approved use of those funds. If they qualify, the client can ask that Growing Minds Coaching, LLC be added to the FSA/HSA provider’s approved vendor list. Some of our families have successfully used 529 Plan college funds to pay for coaching services. Please contact your 529 Plan provider to see if that can be an option for you. 

We can provide a statement for families that are getting reimbursed by school districts. This includes dates of services and payments received.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 48 hours’ notice for cancellation or rescheduling of appointments. 

Cancellations and rescheduling must be done through the client portal. 

I look forward to supporting your student in fully developing key academic and executive functioning skills. If you have any questions before our upcoming meeting, please send me an email. 

Rana Lustyan

Rana.L@GrowingMindsCoaching.com

Founder, Coach & Parent