Executive function coaching for life transitions

Why do big changes strain executive function?

Life transitions can take away the structure that was quietly doing a lot of the work. A new school, a new job or a new place to live can mean new routines, fewer built-in reminders and more to plan and prioritize on your own.

Executive function coaching aims to give that stretch of change steadier footing. Meghan Michalski is a coach and mentor. Life-transition support is especially relevant for young adults and the people who support them, and it centers on planning, routines and follow-through.

Which life transitions does Meghan support?

Life-transition support is a specialty of Meghan’s practice. Examples of changes she supports include starting or leaving college, returning after a leave, a first job and moving toward independence.

Every transition looks different. Meghan pays attention to how each person processes information, then adapts concepts and organizational strategies to fit.

What does the work focus on?

Coaching builds the executive function skills that support daily success through a change:

• Planning and prioritizing: deciding what comes first.
• Time management: shaping days and weeks.
• Communication: asking for what you need.
• Cognitive flexibility: adjusting when plans change.
• Emotion regulation: staying steady enough to keep going.

Clients first use new strategies with Meghan’s support. She works so that, over time, they can use those strategies independently. She also builds confidence, skills and an understanding of why the strategies matter.

When a mood disorder makes a transition harder, see coaching for young adults with mood disorders. For people in recovery who are rebuilding daily routines, see recovery coaching.

Who else is involved in the work?

Meghan works as one coordinated part of a whole care team, which can include psychiatrists, psychologists, parents or caregivers and the client. Family members can read more on the page for parents and caregivers, and professionals can see how Meghan works with a care team.

How does life transition coaching work?

Coaching is an ongoing relationship at a regular cadence, not a fixed-length program. Sessions are one-to-one and offered virtually or in person. See where Meghan works for details. To see how the approach works in general, read about executive function coaching.