Executive Functioning

What Does Executive Dysfunction Look Like?

Executive functioning difficulties can manifest differently across age groups, but common signs include:

• Trouble starting or finishing tasks, even when motivated

• Chronic procrastination or avoidance

• Losing track of time or struggling with scheduling

• Forgetfulness or difficulty following multi-step directions

• Emotional outbursts or difficulty managing frustration

• Difficulty prioritizing or shifting focus between tasks

• Feeling “scattered” or easily overwhelmed by details

• Disorganization, lack of systems for organizing self and environment

• Difficulty breaking down tasks into manageable parts

• Challenges with understanding the big picture and getting stuck on the details

In adults, these challenges often appear as difficulty managing workload, inconsistent productivity, disorganization, or feeling stuck despite having clear goals.

In children and adolescents, they might show up as homework struggles, poor routine adherence and organization, conflict with parents and friends, or academic underperformance despite high intelligence.

The Link Between Executive Functioning and Mental Health

Executive dysfunction is not a diagnosis itself—it often co-occurs with conditions such as:

• ADHD: Core executive skills such as attention, inhibition, and working memory are impacted.

• Anxiety and Depression: Emotional distress can impair focus, motivation, and follow-through.

• Learning Disorders: Difficulties with organization and processing can interfere with academic progress.

• Trauma or Chronic Stress: Heightened stress responses can disrupt the brain’s ability to plan and regulate.

At Upper East Side Psychology, our clinicians understand these overlaps and use an integrated, evidence-based approach to address both the emotional and cognitive components of executive functioning.

How Therapy Helps

Therapy for executive functioning goes beyond traditional talk therapy. It involves building practical tools and routines that strengthen cognitive control, emotional regulation, and self-management.

Our team uses approaches grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Coaching-based behavioral interventions to help clients:

• Develop realistic systems for organization and time management

• Learn to break large projects into manageable steps

• Strengthen working memory and task initiation skills

• Reduce avoidance by understanding emotional and cognitive barriers

• Improve self-monitoring and follow-through

• Create sustainable routines for productivity and well-being

Therapy sessions are individualized, goal-oriented, and designed to foster accountability and independence.

Executive Functioning Skills We Target

Our clinicians focus on developing and reinforcing the following key skill areas:

• Organization & Planning
  Creating structured routines, using planners or digital tools, prioritizing tasks.

• Task Initiation
  Overcoming procrastination, managing perfectionism, building motivation.

• Time Management
  Estimating time accurately, using calendars, timers, and alarms; structuring the day effectively.

• Working Memory
  Strategies to retain and apply information during complex tasks.

• Cognitive Flexibility
  Shifting perspectives, adapting to changes, and problem-solving in real time.

• Emotional Regulation
  Recognizing triggers, using grounding skills, balancing productivity with rest.

• Self-Monitoring
  Tracking progress, evaluating effectiveness, and maintaining accountability.

These areas are often interdependent—strengthening one skill frequently supports improvement in others.

Executive Functioning Therapy for Different Life Stages

• Children and Teens:
  For younger clients, we focus on developing executive skills through structured behavioral systems, parent coaching, and collaborative problem-solving. Sessions may include learning study skills, managing frustration, and practicing real-world strategies for homework and routines.

• College Students and Young Adults:
  We help emerging adults navigate independence, academic workload, and life transitions. Therapy may target procrastination, emotional overwhelm, or difficulties balancing academics, work, and self-care.

• Adults and Professionals:
  For professionals, executive functioning work often focuses on productivity, burnout prevention, and emotional regulation in high-pressure environments. Our therapists help clients identify cognitive and emotional barriers to success and implement efficient systems that align with personal values and lifestyle.