Academic coaching focuses on elements of the academic world: grades, binders, mindset towards learning, classroom behavior, etc. While sessions will involve talking about the client’s perspectives, the majority of attention will be spent on concrete academic objectives and performance. A common session will start with a review of grades, issues with any particular teacher or assignment, or maintaining organization.

Teen development coaching is more client-driven and broad. The focus will still be on goal-setting and actionable and measurable items, but the ultimate goal is establishing the client’s ability to identify and solve problems and the client’s self-confidence in that ability. A common session begins with a review of the previous week and developing the client’s ability to identify and trouble shoot conflict or friction in the upcoming week.

No, you are definitely not too late. Many times academic and personal issues become more clear as a person grows older and has more independence. Also, issues that appear early often persist unless the client learns new skills and approaches.

The sooner work begins, the sooner a problem can be resolved!

Therapy tends to focus on a client’s feelings and mood rather than learning applicable skills. Coaching focuses on gaining skills such as goal setting and problem solving.

If your child or teen has tried a therapy that is more centered on behavior, coaching may still be of service. A high-quality coach helps clients build a skill set from inside out. Clients develop their own unique approach to identify and solving problems and feel empowered as individuals to believe in their own capability.

No change happens immediately, and lasting change happens slowly overtime. Research tells us that shedding an old habit and gaining a new habit can take months. And any major changes happens with small, incremental changes at first.

Because of the above, I usually ask for six weeks before assessing for any significant changes in approach, habits, or self-concept.

That being said, I believe a client should feel a sense of rapport and being supported within the first few sessions.