Rocky Mountain Psychological Services
Rocky Mountain Psychological Services
Svg Vector Icons : http://www.onlinewebfonts.com/icon
Book Appointment
book appointment

Executive Function Skills: What They Are and How to Improve Them 

Executive function skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, organize, focus, and achieve our goals. They are essential for learning, working, and managing daily life. However, some people may struggle with executive function skills due to various reasons, such as developmental delays, learning disabilities, or mental health issues. In this article, we will explain what executive function skills are, why they are important, and how executive skills counseling or coaching can help children, adolescents, and adults improve their executive function skills. 

What are executive function skills? 

Executive function skills are a set of cognitive processes and mental skills that help an individual plan, monitor, and successfully execute their goals. They include: 

  • Attentional control: The ability to focus on relevant information and ignore distractions. 
  • Working memory: The ability to hold and manipulate information in one’s mind for a short period of time. 
  • Inhibition: The ability to resist impulses and control impulses and emotions. 
  • Problem-solving: The ability to find solutions to challenges and obstacles. 
  • Flexible thinking: The ability to adapt to changing situations and perspectives. 
  • Self-awareness: The ability to monitor one’s own thoughts, feelings, and actions. 
  • Emotional regulation: The ability to manage and express emotions appropriately. 
  • Motivational regulation: The ability to initiate and sustain effort and interest in tasks and goals. 
  • Planning and organization: The ability to set and prioritize goals, create and follow plans, and manage time and resources. 
  • Self-monitoring: The ability to evaluate and adjust one’s own performance and behavior. 

These skills are often interrelated and work together to support our executive functioning. For example, to complete a project, we need to use our attentional control, working memory, inhibition, problem-solving, flexible thinking, planning and organization, and self-monitoring skills. 

Why are executive function skills important? 

Executive function skills are important for many aspects of our lives, such as academic achievement, career success, and personal well-being. They help us: 

  • Learn new information and skills 
  • Follow instructions and directions 
  • Complete tasks and assignments 
  • Manage time and deadlines 
  • Organize materials and spaces 
  • Make decisions and choices 
  • Solve problems and overcome challenges 
  • Communicate and collaborate with others 
  • Regulate and cope with emotions 
  • Pursue and achieve goals 

Research has shown that executive function skills are linked to various positive outcomes, such as higher grades, test scores, graduation rates, college readiness, job performance, income, health, and happiness. On the other hand, poor executive function skills can lead to difficulties in school, work, and life, such as lower academic achievement, dropout, unemployment, substance abuse, mental health problems, and criminal behavior. 

How can executive skills counseling or coaching help? 

Executive skills counseling or coaching is a form of professional support that aims to help individuals improve their executive function skills. While it can be incorporated into traditional counseling or therapy (especially cognitive-behavioural or solution-focused approaches), not all therapists have background knowledge and training in executive function skills coaching or counseling. On the flip-side, there are also executive skills coaches who have background in helping people to focus on learning executive skills and will focus on specific, measurable goals, but they do not have the background and training to combine these with understanding of the role of emotional or relational issues. Executive skills counseling or coaching can help children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with executive function skills due to various reasons, such as developmental delays, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, brain injury, or mental health issues. 

Executive skills counseling or coaching typically involves: 

  • Assessing the individual’s strengths and weaknesses in executive function skills 
  • Identifying the individual’s goals and challenges in executive function skills 
  • Developing a personalized plan and strategy to improve executive function skills 
  • Providing feedback, guidance, and encouragement to implement the plan and strategy 
  • Monitoring and evaluating the progress and outcomes of the plan and strategy 
  • Adjusting the plan and strategy as needed 

Executive skills counseling or coaching can be delivered in various formats, such as individual or group sessions, face-to-face or online, or in school, work, or home settings. The duration and frequency of executive skills counseling or coaching may vary depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. 

Some of the benefits of executive skills counseling or coaching are: 

  • Increased awareness and understanding of executive function skills 
  • Enhanced motivation and confidence in executive function skills 
  • Improved performance and productivity in executive function skills 
  • Reduced stress and frustration in executive function skills 
  • Greater satisfaction and fulfillment in executive function skills 

Conclusion 

Executive function skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, organize, focus, and achieve our goals. They are essential for learning, working, and managing daily life. However, some people may struggle with executive function skills due to various reasons, such as developmental delays, learning disabilities, or mental health issues. Executive skills counseling or coaching can help children, adolescents, and adults improve their executive function skills by providing personalized and professional support. Executive skills counseling or coaching can help individuals increase their awareness, motivation, confidence, performance, productivity, and satisfaction in executive function skills. If you or someone you know needs help with executive function skills, RMPS offers in-person or virtual executive function counseling services. Contact us at 403-245-5981 or intake@rmpsychservices.com to find out more information or to book your appointments.  

Contact Us Today

by email
by phone
Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS) is dedicated to helping children and teens work through any issues they have towards becoming self-confident, successful young adults. We know that the earlier years of life can be challenging to navigate, which is why we are here to provide our patients with the assistance they need to succeed. Our expert psychologists understand the best methods for working with people of all ages, as our services are completely suited to your individual needs and requirements.

services

navigation

contact us

Follow us

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in Tiktok
Rocky Mountain Psychological Services Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2024
Website Design and SEO by x360 Digital Inc.
Rocky Mountain psychological services Calgary

MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle.MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher.She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running. 

As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary.Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS. 

Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta.Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions.John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton. 

Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge.Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.