Improve Executive (Dys)Function
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What is Executive Function?
You’ve probably heard the term Executive Function or its Debbie Downer cousin - Executive Dysfunction - in reference to challenges with ADHD. What exactly does it mean?
Executive Function (EF) is an umbrella term that refers to a set of mental or cognitive skills that work together and help us to function. These skills rely on the prefrontal cortex part of the brain where good stuff like planning, reasoning and emotional regulation take place. In other words, the skills we require to live well.
Examples of EFs include:
Planning and organizing
Focusing attention
Remembering instructions
Managing time
Controlling impulses
Regulating emotions
Shifting between tasks or ideas (cognitive flexibility)
Most adults with ADHD experience challenges or “functional impairments” in at least one or more of these EF areas. For those of us who live with ADHD, this is likely old news.
Challenges with EF often impact our ability to not only complete the basic tasks of daily living, but for many of us, to even remember what they are. Sigh. Things like remembering to brush our teeth or pay our bills before the due date fall under the Executive Function umbrella.
EF challenges typically start in childhood (much like ADHD) but challenges often intensify as we climb the corporate ladder or become a parent for the first time. Suddenly our existing coping strategies like white knuckling through life no longer work. This is often when I meet a new client (hi!)
In my humble opinion, there’s an awful lot of emphasis on our deficits as ADHDers. Yes, our challenges are real and do impact our life. Yet, there is always hope. EF challenges can be managed in part** through skill building and by putting tools in our toolbox.
**A quick note: Mindset is just as important as skill building to manage EF challenges. I often work with clients concurrently through using approaches such a Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Radical Acceptance to address challenges like perfectionism, avoidance and thinking traps that make it difficult to move forward. This dual approach can often be very effective!
ADHD Skill Builder Program
Meet the ADHD Skill Builder Program, an evidence-based approach created by ADHD Specialist and Psychiatrist, Dr Baerg-Hall.
Dr. Baerg-Hall has decades of experiencing supporting patients and Physicians to function better with ADHD. She created this practical program to help people with ADHD fill our tool box using an evidence-based approach.
The program contains a module on each of the following topics that many ADHDers face unique struggles with:
SMART Sleep
Planning
Prioritization
Mood & Anxiety
Procrastination
Time Tactics
Emotional Storms
How I Work With Clients Through the Program
Since we are all unique individuals, so too are our challenge areas. Despite the temptation to want to do every module and typically, all at once (hello ADHD brain!), this process works best when we pace ourselves and leads to better outcomes. When I support a client in this program, we first start by identifying priority areas from the modules above based on the client’s needs and situation.
Then, we establish a plan to tackle one topic at a time using the following process:
A set-up session: We discuss your current challenges and set realistic goals for improvement on this topic, including possible roadblocks
Experiment time: With an open-mind, you’ll work toward your pre-determined goal from Step 1 that we identified in the set-up session. Not aiming for perfection here but rather earnest effort.
Follow-up session: We debrief the how things went and explore challenges and takeaways from the experience and how you can integrate this learning going forward
The Nitty Gritty
When you sign up, we’ll pre-book bi-weekly sessions based on your unique needs and situation and which modules you hope to work on. Meeting together regularly is critically important to maximize your potential for success in the program.
During this time you will have access to the evidence-based ADHD Skill Builder Program online platform for self-directed work between sessions, until the end of the month of our final session. A computer and internet connection is required.
More long-term you will gain a few new skills, increased your understanding of ADHD characteristics and hopefully greater self-compassion as you move forward.
My services are offered as a Registered Social Worker in BC and Ontario, and may be covered under extended / private insurance plans if the services for a Social Worker are covered.
If you are located outside of these jurisdictions, please get in touch to explore options.
✨ Curious? Let’s chat.
Book a no-obligation Discovery Call here
