Your Questions, Answered
What is executive function coaching?
Executive function coaching helps children build important brain skills like focus, organization, time management, emotional regulation, and flexible thinking. These skills are still developing throughout childhood and adolescence, so it’s normal to see challenges as they grow. The good news is that executive function skills can be learned and improved over time.
Coaching provides supportive and practical strategies tailored to each child’s needs. With guidance and practice, children can gain confidence and become more independent at school and at home.
I’m not sure my child will be open to executive function coaching. What do you think I should do?
That’s a common and thoughtful concern. Start the conversation with empathy and reassurance. Let your child know that executive function coaching isn’t a punishment or extra task — it’s support designed to make school and daily life feel more manageable.
Rather than focusing on what’s not working, highlight their strengths and the effort they’re already putting in. Be sure to listen to any worries that they have, especially if they feel too busy or overwhelmed. Explain that coaching is flexible, can fit into their schedule, and can be tried for a short period to see if it helps. Above all, framing coaching as a team effort — and letting them know you’ll support them either way — can make a big difference.
Can’t I just be my child’s executive function coach?
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s growth — and many executive function strategies can be practiced at home. That said, coaching often works best when it comes from a neutral, outside professional.
Parents naturally hold authority in many areas of a child’s life and therefore students can sometimes feel extra sensitive to feedback, even when it’s well-intended. Working with a coach can reduce power struggles and help preserve a positive parent-child relationship, allowing you to focus more on connection and encouragement.
What age do you work with?
We work with preteens and teens, typically from late elementary school through high school. Executive function skills develop over time, and coaching can be helpful at many stages — whether a student is just beginning to show challenges or is preparing for increased independence and responsibility.
What does a typical coaching session look like?
Each session is tailored to the individual student. Sessions typically begin with a check-in about the past week, including any progress or challenges. Together, the coach and student practice specific strategies (such as reducing avoidance or improving communication), plan for upcoming assignments or responsibilities, and wrap up by having the student explain—in their own words—their to-do items, plans, and the strategies that will help them make progress and succeed.
Coaching is collaborative and supportive — not remedial or lecture-based. Students are encouraged to reflect, problem-solve, and take an active role in setting goals and utilizing different strategies, which helps build confidence and ownership of their progress.
Are your services in-person or online?
All PathWithin Coaching sessions are offered online in a one-to-one format. This allows us to work with families wherever they are and makes scheduling more flexible for busy students.
How much do your services cost?
There is a one-time registration fee of $200 to enroll in our program. Individual coaching sessions are $135 per session. If you have questions about pricing or want to talk through options, we’re always happy to help.
Can I have sessions every other week?
We’ve found that weekly sessions provide the best support and lead to the most consistent progress, especially when students are building new habits and routines.
That said, if you’re interested in an alternative format — such as two to three shorter sessions (15 - 25 minutes) the first three weeks to provide guidance and support while students start to learn how to stay on top of their tasks, plans, and weekly responsibilities — please reach out and we can discuss whether that might be a good fit.
How are parents involved in the coaching process?
Parents play an important role in supporting their child’s progress. While coaching sessions are typically one-to-one with the student, families are expected to stay actively engaged.
The PathWithin Coaching requests a Family Team Meeting every four weeks, and we ask parents to make every effort to attend. These meetings bring together key members of your student’s support team to celebrate progress, review goals, and align on next steps, including responsibilities and timelines.
This collaborative approach helps ensure students receive consistent, meaningful support both during coaching and at home.
How soon can we expect to see progress?
Every student is unique, and many families begin to notice small positive changes — such as improved organization, reduced stress, or better follow-through — within the first few weeks.
Because executive function skills take time to build, we recommend a minimum commitment of 12 sessions to allow students to practice strategies, develop routines, and create meaningful progress. Consistent practice and regular sessions help create lasting change rather than quick fixes.
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, we do not accept insurance. We don’t work directly with insurance companies and do not provide diagnostic or billing codes.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for 48 hours’ notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. All changes to appointments should be made through the client portal. This helps us honor the coach’s time and keep scheduling smooth for everyone.