Therapy and Coaching for Executive Dysfunction: What to Know
July 2, 2025 | By Shara Tipton
This is a repost from 2024, Executive Dysfunction: Therapy vs. Executive Function Coaching
Understanding Executive Dysfunction
If you are looking for therapy to address executive dysfunction, there are a couple of different paths you can take. You can work with a therapist specializing in executive dysfunction or related conditions such as ADHD or autism. Alternatively, you may choose a therapist who doesn’t specialize in executive dysfunction but understands it and treats underlying conditions that contribute to it, such as depression or trauma.
To learn more about executive dysfunction, check out my first blog, Rising "Popularity" of Executive Dysfunction.
Therapy for Executive Dysfunction
Therapy provides a space to process emotions and trauma, with therapists trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.
What to Expect in Therapy
A therapy session will likely include discussion of thoughts, feelings and behaviors with the therapist listening, providing feedback, and asking questions to deepen understanding. Therapy focuses a lot on emotional experiences. It is likely to explore the past in addition to whatever is going on in the present. The structure of therapy sessions varies depending on the therapeutic approach used:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge anxious thoughts while developing new coping strategies. This can be beneficial if anxiety is a contributing factor to executive dysfunction.
Trauma Treatment Therapy: Supports individuals in processing trauma that may be affecting executive functioning.
Insight-Oriented Therapy: Encourages self-reflection and personal growth, rather than providing direct advice or solutions.
Regardless of the therapeutic approach, working with a skilled therapist can reduce mental health symptoms that impact executive function and improve overall functioning. Therapy can be short-term or long-term and may be covered by insurance, either directly or through reimbursement.
Coaching for Executive Dysfunction
How Executive Function Coaching Works
Executive function coaching focuses on practical strategies to improve daily habits, routines, and productivity. Coaches provide direct guidance and actionable steps to help clients build effective systems for organization, time management, and follow-through.
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What to Expect in Executive Function Coaching
During coaching sessions, you might:
Develop strategies for scheduling, organization, and time management
Address specific challenges, such as paying bills on time or maintaining a clean living space
Create structured routines for better sleep, morning preparation, or meal planning
Work on tasks together in real-time, such as making lists, sending emails, or completing paperwork
Executive function coaching is typically a shorter-term commitment than therapy. Sessions can be held regularly (e.g., weekly) or intensively over a short period to help individuals move past overwhelm. Unlike therapy, coaching is not covered by insurance.
Therapy and Coaching: Working Together to Complement Each Other
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Therapy and coaching can work together to provide comprehensive support. Both approaches create a non-judgmental space for self-acceptance, skill-building, and personal growth. Some individuals may benefit from either therapy or coaching, while others may find value in using both. Below are some examples how therapy and coaching can work together to complement each other.
Eating Disorders Recovery:
A therapist or dietitian provides clinical treatment.
A coach helps with executive function-related challenges like grocery shopping and meal planning.
Depression Recovery:
A therapist helps treat depressive symptoms through evidence-based approaches.
A coach helps develop daily routines and break tasks into manageable steps.
Trauma Recovery:
A therapist supports emotional recovery.
A coach helps create a plan to catch up on responsibilities and prevent future setbacks.
Finding the Right Support for You
If you’re looking for help with executive dysfunction, it’s important to find a provider who fits your specific needs. Here are some helpful questions to ask potential therapists or coaches:
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How do you differentiate between laziness and executive dysfunction?
What is your experience with [chronic illness, neurodivergence, etc.]?
If I struggle with follow-through, how would you support me?
How do you handle lateness, missed appointments, or difficulties with communication?
What accommodations do you offer (e.g., sensory-friendly environments, virtual sessions)?
What is your philosophy on neurodiversity, and how does it influence your approach?
Reach Out
If you’re considering professional support, we’re here to help. Please reach out to schedule a free, no-commitment consultation. There’s no fee and no obligation—just click the button below to get started.
You can also call or text us at 202-656-3681, or email us directly. Give yourself the opportunity for the support you deserve.