Services

TEEN COACHING

For adolescents impacted by learning differences or executive function challenges who are in need of social and academic support. Specific areas of focus include:

  • understanding your unique brain, inherent strengths and individual challenges
  • creating customized time-management and prioritization strategies
  • utilizing various tools and resources for better habits
  • developing and increasing self-awareness
  • partnering with parents and administrators to address challenges and reinforce solutions
  • pinpointing attainable goals


YOUNG ADULT COACHING

For young adults faced with learning differences or executive function challenges who are transitioning to a gap year, higher education, or the work force and wanting stability and support. Specific areas of focus include:

  • understanding your unique brain, inherent strengths and individual challenges
  • navigating and establishing structure in your new environment
  • building and strengthening executive function and life skills
  • increasing self-awareness
  • accessing school, community, and/or employer services
  • implementing support structures and accountability systems
  • prioritizing short-term and long-term tasks
  • outlining attainable goals


PARENTAL SUPPORT

For parents with children affected by learning differences or executive function challenges who are seeking education and support. Specific areas of focus include:

  • understanding your child’s unique brain wiring and individual challenges
  • uncovering your child’s strengths and gifts
  • assessing your child’s executive function skills and applying specific strategies
  • evaluating your current parenting style
  • identifying attainable goals
  • establishing daily routines and structures
  • integrating reward systems and exercising positive reinforcement


GROUP COACHING

  • opportunity to collaborate and learn from others in similar situations within your community
  • facilitated discussions
  • tailored content
  • virtual or in-person
  • minimum of five people are required per session
  • three-month commitment




Together we will determine which services will most benefit your family, ultimately leading to sustainable changes, continued growth and ongoing success.




PACKAGES + FEES



DISCOVERY SESSION

All clients begin with an initial two-hour Discovery Session, during which we will lay the foundation for a successful coaching partnership. Expectations will be discussed. Questions will be asked (and answered!). Logistics will be formulated. In the end, you will walk away knowing your intrinsic strengths, processing styles, and overall action plan.


From here, all packages and fees will be customized to best compliment each individual client’s unique strengths and goals.




ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE

  • Allotted sessions per month
  • Post-session check-in and reinforcement
  • Phone and email support, as needed
  • Tailored research and resource preparation for each session

See FAQ for more information








About

Vanessa

My name is Vanessa Fasoli, ACC, BScPsych and I am an Executive Function Student Coach, Consultant and Advocate supporting and empowering students affected by learning differences and executive function challenges.

My coaching draws upon my personal experience with Inattentive ADD, Sensory Processing Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, as well as professional training in executive function skill building, psychology, and youth mindfulness through organizations such as the ADD Coach Academy and Mindful Schools.

The services offered through my work with Spark Focus provide clients with effective tools and strategies to counter the over-stimulating, high-pressure, fast-paced world each of us faces in our daily lives. By pausing, questioning and reflecting, clients learn how to build a foundation that utilizes their inherent strengths and unique differences. In solidifying this foundation, clients are able to fully thrive with the amazing brain they’ve been given - all while having fun along the way!

When I’m not coaching families, you’ll find me enjoying outdoor adventures with my husband, connecting with my local community, growing produce in my backyard garden (or at least attempting!), and snuggling with my goldendoodle puppy while sipping a good cup of coffee.

As it is my life’s passion to serve this vibrant community of adolescents and young adults, I happily encourage you to reach out and share your story, ask any questions you have surrounding the power of coaching, or provide any feedback as to how I can better support you or your student.







FAQs

What are ‘executive functions’?»

Your executive functions operate as the CEO of your brain within your prefrontal cortex. They help to regulate planning, prioritizing, impulse control, flexibility, working memory, self-regulation, task initiation, and overall organization. Many individuals with learning differences have difficulty activating this area of the brain because they are in constant flight or fight response.

What is Executive Function Coaching?»

Executive Function Coaching is a specialized type of life coaching directed toward the common challenges that learning differences present, particularly in the areas of self-regulating attention and emotion. By focusing on your inherent strengths and unique differences, we can then begin to determine reliable goals, strategies and systems that will systematically lead to positive outcomes.

What happens in a coaching session?»

Each session is tailored to the client and will vary based on individual needs. In the beginning, we will discuss what you are committed to accomplishing through our work together and we will begin to create a plan to achieve your goals. Coach and client(s) will work together to acknowledge obstacles, explore alternate perspectives and celebrate successes. With the conclusion of each session, we will revisit your goals and evaluate the next steps that are needed to achieve these results.

Where do coaching sessions take place, how often and for what length of time? »

Sessions can take place in-person, over the phone or via Skype. In-person sessions are currently held within a private room at HanaHaus in downtown Palo Alto. In-home coaching is offered as needed and considered on a case-by-case basis. Sessions typically range from 60-90 minutes, with the option of meeting multiple times per week, weekly or bi-weekly. As independence and self-advocacy skills increase, frequency and length of sessions will taper.

How is coaching different from therapy or consulting? »

Coaching is not therapy or consulting.

Coaching is distinct from traditional therapy because it is not designed to address psychological issues. While emotional issues may arise, the primary focus of life coaching is to help you identify your goals, achieve them, and develop constructive habits and skills. There is little emphasis placed on the past with coaching, but instead the focus is on creating what you want now and in the future. 

Coaching differs from consulting in that the coach supports the client to develop their own solutions, goals, and strategies opposed to providing the solution. There may be times that a coach is specifically asked or given permission to make suggestions, but only if the coach has a credible background will they proceed.

What is important to consider when choosing a coach? »

Educate yourself about coaching. Thousands of articles have been written about coaching in the past few years. The ICF Research Portal also hosts coaching-research articles, case studies, journals, and more.

Know your objectives for working with a coach.

Make sure a connection exists between you and the coach you choose.

Ask each about his or her experience, qualifications, skills, coaching success stories.

Keep in mind the mission that ICF coaches share:
· Protect and serve consumers of coaching services
· Measure and certify competence of individuals
· Inspire pursuit of continuous development.

How long do people generally work with a coach? »

To experience the effectiveness of a coaching program, I suggest clients make an initial six-month commitment. At the end of the six months, we will evaluate progress and discuss options for continued coaching.

Is coaching confidential?  »

Coaching is a confidential process; what we discuss will be held in absolute confidence and not shared with others. However, our discussions are not privileged for legal purposes. The privilege of confidentiality that exists for the clergy, therapists and attorneys is not granted to coaching professionals. That said, your personal information will always be protected. 

Is coaching covered by health insurance? »

Currently, coaching services are not covered by insurance and must be paid by the individual or sponsor.

How do I begin? »

The next step is as simple as scheduling a 30-45 minute complimentary phone call to discuss which services will bring most benefit to you, your student or your family. Connect with Vanessa by emailing vanessa@sparkfocus.com.