How OT Can Be the Best Executive Function Coach

Executive function skills are what help us get things done — planning, organizing, remembering, managing emotions, and following through even when we don’t feel like it. When these skills are lagging behind, it can look like procrastination, forgetfulness, or being “lazy”… but that’s not what’s really going on.As an occupational therapist, I look beyond the …

Executive function skills are what help us get things done — planning, organizing, remembering, managing emotions, and following through even when we don’t feel like it. When these skills are lagging behind, it can look like procrastination, forgetfulness, or being “lazy”… but that’s not what’s really going on.

As an occupational therapist, I look beyond the surface. I don’t just give generic productivity tips or color-coded planners — I help you understand why certain things feel harder, and what supports your brain actually needs to succeed. We look at sensory regulation, emotional load, environment, and routines. When we address those pieces, everything else starts to click into place.

Executive dysfunction can show up in different ways depending on your stage of life. A child might struggle to start homework or get dressed in the morning. A teen might say, “I don’t know where to start” or freeze when overwhelmed. Adults often describe feeling scattered, stuck, or exhausted from constantly trying to keep up. Underneath it all is the same thing: a brain that’s working hard, just without the right tools or systems in place.

That’s where OT comes in. In my sessions, we turn strategies into habits that fit you. For kids, that might look like play-based activities that build focus and self-regulation. For teens, it’s about realistic planning, time management, and coping skills that work in the real world — not just on paper. And for adults, we focus on sustainable routines, energy management, and reducing that feeling of constant overwhelm.

It’s not about fixing motivation — it’s about understanding how your brain works and building a life that works with it.

If any of this sounds familiar, let’s talk. Whether it’s for your child, your teen, or even yourself, I’d love to help you find strategies that make daily life feel easier and more doable.

Reach out today to schedule a free consultation or learn more about executive function coaching through occupational therapy.

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Theresa Bautista

Theresa Bautista