Executive Functioning Skills Group for Kids and Teens in Puget Sound

Some kids know exactly what they need to do and still can't seem to start, stay organized, or finish. Our small-group sessions give children and teens ages 11 and up the concrete tools to plan, organize, and follow through, led by fellowship-trained pediatric clinicians.

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What Is an Executive Functioning Skills Group?

Executive functioning is a set of cognitive skills that help with planning, problem-solving, flexibility, emotion regulation, and decision-making. Our skills group helps children increase flexibility, learn effective goal-setting, planning, and problem-solving skills.

Each small group builds the everyday tools that school and home life demand:

Stronger School Habits: Turning in work, tracking assignments, and managing time independently.
Practical Strategies: Repeatable routines kids can use on their own at home and in the classroom.
Peer Support: Learning alongside others who understand the same daily struggles.

A female therapist helping a child with a collaborative activity in a clinic.

A group of teenagers working together on a collaborative project in a well-lit room.

When an Executive Functioning Group Can Help

When a child has the ability but struggles to organize, start, or finish, a skills group provides direct instruction and structured practice. This group is a strong fit for children and teens who:

Attention and Follow-Through: Navigating ADHD or attention-related challenges that make starting and finishing tasks hard.
School Overwhelm: Feel buried by workload, deadlines, and competing demands.
Organization and Time Management: Lose track of materials, assignments, or time, and need a reliable system.
Structured Learners: Benefit from clear, repeatable strategies and learn well alongside peers.

Skills We Target

Each group cycle builds five core executive functioning skills through evidence-based lessons and hands-on practice.

Flexibility

Shifting approaches when a plan changes and managing the frustration that comes with it.

Planning

Breaking large tasks into clear steps and sequencing them toward a goal.

Organization

Managing materials, assignments, and time so nothing slips through the cracks.

Emotional Regulation

Recognizing and managing strong feelings so they don't derail focus and follow-through.

Problem-Solving

Working through obstacles independently with strategies that kids can reuse on their own.

Working Memory

Holding instructions, multi-step directions, or key information in mind while actively working to complete a task.

How Does the Process Work?

Our process is designed to be thorough, supportive, and family-centered. Here’s what to expect from start to finish.

A group of colleagues or family members sitting together in a bright therapy room.

Initial Call and Screening

A brief phone call helps us understand your child’s needs and determine whether the group is an appropriate fit.

Group Placement

We match each participant by age, developmental level, and goals so kids learn in a developmentally matched cohort. Groups run in eight-week cycles based on interest and availability, and we keep group sizes intentionally small.

Weekly Sessions

Each group meets weekly for a 45 minute session that combines evidence-based lessons, hands-on activities, and real-world practice built around clear weekly goals. Our team stays in close communication with caregivers throughout the cycle.

How to Get Started

1. Call Us

2. Your First Appointment

3. Begin Care

A member of our team will talk with you about your child’s needs, help identify the right service, and answer any initial questions. No referral needed. Call us at (253) 256-3626 or email admin@childrensbmc.com.

We begin with an intake or consultation to understand your child’s history, gather information, and learn what matters most to you and your child. Bring any school evaluations, IEP/504 plans, past evaluations, or report cards you have – but if you don’t have anything, that’s fine too.

Whether you’re starting an evaluation, therapy, or a skills group, we guide you through each step and keep you updated throughout the process. We’re collaborative from day one – a partner in your child’s journey.

If you’d like details about insurance, fees, what to expect, and frequently asked questions, you can learn more at Get Started.

Frequently Asked Questions

The executive functioning skills group serves children and teens ages 11 and up. We match participants into developmentally matched cohorts based on age and goals so the group feels natural and appropriately challenging for each child.

No referral is needed. You can call us anytime you are concerned about your child’s organization, focus, or follow-through. Many families reach out on their own, and we are always happy to talk through whether a group is the right fit.

Yes. Many children who join our groups have neurodevelopmental differences, and our clinicians have extensive experience supporting these profiles. We tailor strategies to the way each child learns best.

That is very common and often improves quickly once they meet the group. We create an encouraging, welcoming environment where every child can participate at their own pace, and our team helps each new member feel comfortable from the first session.

Each group runs for eight weeks and meets once a week for a 45 minute session. Groups are intentionally small to allow for personalized attention and meaningful peer interaction. If your child misses a session, we provide materials so they can review the content at home and stay on track.

We are not contracted with insurance, but many families still receive reimbursement depending on their plan. In some cases, out-of-network exceptions may allow in-network reimbursement rates. We are happy to provide the information you need to check your coverage and can answer any cost-related questions during your initial call.

Executive Functioning Skills Group for Kids and Teens in Puget Sound

What Is an Executive Functioning Skills Group?

When an Executive Functioning Group Can Help