When it comes to understanding how our brains manage life’s many moving parts, executive function assessments can be a real game-changer. But not all assessments are the same, and it’s important to know the difference between formal evaluations and the hands-on approach we take as executive function coaches. Let’s break it down!
What Is a Formal Executive Function Assessment?
Formal assessments are the deep-dive option, typically conducted by licensed professionals like psychologists or neuropsychologists. These evaluations are thorough and can help uncover the root of persistent challenges. Here’s what they usually involve:
Standardized Tests:
Tools like the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) or the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) help measure skills like working memory and cognitive flexibility.
Clinical Interviews:
These are structured conversations to understand your unique history and challenges.
Detailed Reports:
Afterward, you’ll receive a comprehensive summary with insights, potential diagnoses, and suggestions for accommodations or therapies.
If you’re pursuing a clinical diagnosis or need documentation for workplace or school accommodations, formal assessments can provide clarity and direction.
How We Approach Executive Function Assessments as Coaches
As coaches, we focus on practical, everyday solutions tailored to your needs. Instead of formal testing, we use tools and techniques that help us learn about your executive functioning in real time—and in ways that matter most to you.
Getting Started: Initial Questionnaires and Rating Scales
At the beginning of our work together, we use tools like self-assessments and rating scales to get a holistic snapshot of where you’re at. Think of it as a check-in to identify your strengths and areas where you’re feeling stuck. This step helps us set meaningful goals right from the start.
Ongoing Observations and Real-Time Insights
Here’s where our approach shines. While formal assessments provide a one-time snapshot, our work is all about ongoing discovery. Over the course of coaching, we observe how you tackle tasks, identify patterns like procrastination or overwhelm, and adapt strategies based on what’s working (and what’s not). We’ll notice things like how you plan your day, manage deadlines, or deal with unexpected challenges. Regular check-ins and honest conversations keep the process dynamic and flexible. This means that our assessment process is never “finished”—it evolves as you grow, ensuring the strategies we use stay relevant and effective.
Who Benefits Most From Coaching?
If you’re a college student balancing coursework and deadlines, a working professional feeling overwhelmed, a parent juggling family and career, or even part of a couple navigating shared responsibilities, coaching can provide the tools you need to thrive.
While formal assessments might point you in the right direction, coaching is all about putting that knowledge into action.
How Do You Decide What’s Right for You?
Here’s a simple way to figure it out:
If you need a formal diagnosis or documentation for accommodations, consider starting with a professional evaluation.
If you’re looking for personalized, ongoing support to tackle challenges and achieve your goals, coaching is the way to go.
And remember, these two approaches can work beautifully together. A formal assessment might give you the big picture, while coaching helps you apply those insights in your daily life.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
If you’re curious about how coaching can help you build stronger executive functioning skills, let’s chat! Whether you’re tackling challenges at work, school, or home, we’ll work together to create a personalized plan that grows with you. Life is busy, messy, and unpredictable—but with the right support, you can take it all in stride. Ready to get started?
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