Carina John Klein

Carina’s Story

Executive Function Coaching is an important focus at Modern Psychiatry. My official function is executive function coach.

Executive Function is a set of higher-level cognitive skills that help people manage their behavior and accomplish goals by prioritizing tasks and staying focused. Deficits in Executive Function are often believed to compromise emotional wellbeing and overall functioning. 

Working for many years as a research coordinator, behavior therapist and coach, I see Executive Function coming to the forefront of discussions among parents, teachers, and even children. In the past, a child may have been described as not paying attention in school or always getting into trouble. An adult may describe struggles at work, being hired and fired in many jobs, or being consistently tardy or forgetful. These traits not only impact daily living but can lead to depression, anxiety, a lack of self-esteem, and the ability to maintain relationships in life, at work, and in school. 

The good news is people are finding the correct language to explain what’s happening in their lives; the bad news is they haven’t found a workaround. Executive Function Coaching starts with a plan of action that can help them navigate their everyday living.

That’s the great aspect of the mental health arena. I’ve worked in the profession for 10 years and it’s my way of enabling me to help others. I’ve followed a natural journey. I'm a good listener. “My job is predicated on a lot of good listening. Being able to do that right allows you to help people. Throughout my life I’ve always been kind of a helper or problem solver ... “a fixer, if you will. I just always found myself in that role.” 

In college and grad school, I wanted to explore that and pursue it professionally – now, even more so through continued education and certifications. And that goal speaks to my philosophy. “You can always make improvements.”

I work with a lot of students and even adults who make mistakes. “It doesn't mean that you shouldn't keep trying or stop learning. When you know better, you do better – and I like to give people a lot of chances.”