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Learn how to become an Executive Function Coach by downloading our comprehensive framework to start your coaching business. Learn more.
Today, I'll teach you how to become a certified executive function coach.
This is a common question for educators, parents, and professionals who want to work directly with students or adults, but are overwhelmed by the number of options online and don't know where to start.
In this article I will answer some key questions, including:
When would a certification in executive function coaching may be a good fit?
What are common challenges faced by new coaches?
What are actionable strategies to implement in your coaching sessions?
I've also made a YouTube video about this topic, so if you are a visual learner, check that out 👇
Do you need a certificate to be an executive function coach?
No license or training is required to become an executive function coach (unless you are hired by a school district).
When I first started providing executive function coach in 2021 after leaving the public school system, I wanted to obtain a certification, but was overwhelmed by the high costs and durations of the programs.
Because of this, I got started without any formal training and learned "on the job." While this was a valuable learning experience, I wish there had been a a quick program to help me learn the mechanics of coaching and how to manage clients effectively, which is why I created the Executive Function Coaching Academy.
Becoming an executive function coach DOES require:
A high comfort level working with students
Being ready to "pivot" and be flexible to student needs
Knowing how to work effectively with challenging parents
While a background in education, such as being a special education teacher, is ideal, individuals from other fields with a passion for working with students can also excel.
What are the different options for EF coaching certifications?
There are various training programs available, some accredited and some not. It's important to note that executive function coaching is an unlicensed profession, so no accreditation is required to start.
However, the most recognized certifying body is the International Coaching Federation (ICF), which offers different levels of certification based on contact learning hours and other criteria.
Here is a list of some popular executive function training programs:
If you know of another training program you would like to see featured on this list, send an email to: support@efcoachingacademy.com
What are the biggest challenges for new executive function coaches?
After training hundreds of new (and experienced) EF coaches, here are the most common barriers to entry I see for coaches:
Imposter Syndrome 🎭
New coaches often try to do everything, feeling the need to be an all-encompassing coach. This can lead to burnout and ineffective coaching.
To address this challenge, check out my article, 5 Keys To Building Strong Relationships With Your Executive Function Coaching Clients.
Business Setup ⚒️
Many former teachers lack experience in running a business, making the transition to private practice overwhelming.
Attracting Clients ⚒️
Learning the art and science of attracting clients can be very overwhelming for new coaches and is a reason that many coaches do not end up starting their own business. I've written a helpful, step by step guide to help you land your first clients 👇
I've also made this helpful video about what I would have done differently if I was just starting out as an executive function coach 👇
4 Steps To Become A Certified Executive Function Coach
Since there are no licensing or credential requirements to be an EF coach, you could just jump in and learn from experience, however, if you want to learn from the professionals, I suggest the following route:
1. Obtain Necessary Credentials
Start by gaining a background in education or a related field. This can be through becoming an Educational Therapist, earning a teaching credential, or holding a master's degree in a relevant field like therapy or counseling.
Most people reading this will already have one of those degrees or a license as a Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, or other equivalent.
2. Complete Specialized Training
After doing some research, enroll in a training course, such as the Executive Function Coaching Academy, which offers instructional videos, live meetings, assessments, and networking opportunities with other coaches.
3. Choose Your Career Path
Decide whether to work independently or for an organization. If you are working independently, consider taking courses on attracting clients. For an organization, research and apply to relevant companies.
4. Engage in Ongoing Professional Development
Stay updated with new coaching techniques by attending workshops, webinars, and subscribing to newsletters for continuous improvement.
Conclusion
If you take anything from this article, I want you to remember to GET STARTED.
There are so many students and adults out there struggling with their executive function skills waiting for a compassionate and committed coach like you to suppor them in their self-organization journey.
If you are feeling stuck, try doing one of these steps today:
Identify 3 potential EF coaching training programs
Prioritize them from 1 to 3 based on which feel like the best fit
Write out your coaching mission by using the format in this article
Share your coaching mission with at least 3 other people and get their feedback
Hope this helps 🤙🏻
P.S. These are skills that executive function coaches work on with their students. If you want to try working on them with your students, consider joining hundreds of other educators and parents who have completed my Semester Success Blueprint Course. In less than 2 hours, this comprehensive course will teach you and your student the system I developed to help hundreds of students learn how to manage school effectively and raise their self-awareness and engagement with school.
About Me
Hey! I'm Sean 👋
I'm a former public school special education teacher who realized that executive function skills are more important than knowing when George Washington crossed the Potomac.
Since then, I've made it my mission to teach anyone who will listen about how to develop these key life skills.
In 2020, I founded Executive Function Specialists to ensure all students with ADHD and Autism have access to high-quality online executive function coaching services. We offer online EF coaching and courses to help students and families.
Realizing I could only reach so many people through coaching, in 2021 I started the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains schools, educators, and individuals to learn the key strategies to improve executive function skills for students.
In 2023, I co-founded of UpSkill Specialists, to provide neurodivergent adults with high-quality executive function coaching services.
When not pursuing my passions through work, I love spending time with my family, getting exercise, and expanding my brain through reading. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.