The Importance of Executive Functioning in Therapy

Executive functioning has become a significant topic in therapy, particularly regarding its evaluation and treatment in children struggling in school. Many clients labeled with executive functioning deficits or ADHD often do not have organic brain issues; rather, they typically battle anxiety, family difficulties, or bullying experiences. The new edition emphasizes a three-system model of executive functioning that goes beyond traditional cognitive evaluations, aiming to integrate affect regulation, attachment, and self-awareness into clinical practice. This approach encourages therapists to view executive functioning deficits more holistically, addressing the psychological and relational aspects rather than solely focusing on cognitive shortcomings.