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 relevant for young adults and adults (18+) 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.
  • Staying steady under stress: keeping going when things get hard.

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

When mood or anxiety challenges make a transition harder, see coaching for young adults. For people in recovery who are rebuilding daily routines, see recovery-informed coaching.

Who else is involved in the work?

Meghan works with the people already supporting a client, which can include psychiatrists, psychologists, parents or caregivers and the client themselves. Family members can read more on the page for parents and caregivers, and professionals can see how Meghan works alongside your clinicians.

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.

Questions about starting

When is a good time to start?

Coaching can begin before a transition, during it, or when the routines already in place stop working. There is no single right moment.

If you are wondering whether now is the time, you are welcome to get in touch with Meghan.

Is this just for students?

No. College is one transition Meghan supports, and a first job and moving toward independence are others. The focus is the same: routines, planning and follow-through through a change.

Can it run alongside a therapist and psychiatrist?

Yes. Meghan works alongside the client’s existing clinicians, adding support for planning and follow-through. She shares information with them only with the client’s written permission, except where required by law.

Related pages

If you need urgent help

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.

Contact

Let’s start the ascent.

Email Meghan to ask about working together. She serves clients in New York and online.