At New Frontiers Executive Functioning Coaching, we know that success in school — and in life — depends on more than intelligence or organization. Emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience are essential foundations for learning.
In this feature, we speak with Dr. Rebecca Kason, Founder and Clinical Director of SageMind Psychology, a leading group practice providing therapy for children, teens, adults, and families. Recognized for its evidence-based, compassionate care, SageMind Psychology specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and neurodiversity-informed treatment — empowering individuals and families to develop both the emotional and cognitive tools they need to thrive.
Interview with Dr. Rebecca Kason, SageMind Psychology
Q1. Many parents and educators focus on helping kids improve their study habits or attention span. Why do you believe emotional skills deserve just as much focus when it comes to learning success?
Dr. Kason: Emotional regulation and cognitive performance are deeply intertwined. When a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated, their brain’s ability to plan, remember, and focus is compromised. Emotional skills act as the foundation that allows executive functions — like organization and working memory — to operate effectively. Without that foundation, even the best academic strategies can fall short.
Q2. What are some of the most common emotional challenges you see in students who struggle with executive functioning — and how do those emotions impact their ability to plan, focus, or follow through?
Dr. Kason: Many of the kids and teens we see experience intense emotions around performance and perfectionism. They may feel shame when they can’t keep up, or anxiety when they can’t predict what’s coming next. Those emotions often lead to avoidance, procrastination, or burnout. Helping them identify and regulate these feelings creates space for curiosity, flexibility, and problem-solving — all critical executive skills.
Q3. In your experience, how do therapies like CBT and DBT help children and teens develop the emotional tools they need for academic and personal growth?
Dr. Kason: CBT helps students recognize and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that can sabotage motivation or confidence. DBT adds skills for managing big emotions — mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These are life skills, not just therapy tools. When students learn how to calm their body, name their emotions, and use coping strategies, they become more capable of tackling difficult tasks with persistence and self-trust.
Q4. What are a few practical ways parents can help their children build emotional awareness or self-regulation skills at home?
Dr. Kason: The most powerful thing parents can do is model the process. Instead of trying to “fix” a child’s feelings, show them how to acknowledge and regulate emotions. For example: “I’m feeling frustrated right now, so I’m going to take a deep breath.” Creating structure and predictable routines also helps children feel secure enough to handle challenges. Parents don’t need to be perfect — they just need to be present and consistent.
Q5. For neurodiverse learners, how can understanding their emotional landscape lead to greater confidence and resilience in school settings?
Dr. Kason: When neurodiverse kids understand why they feel overwhelmed or reactive, it reduces shame and builds self-advocacy. Emotional insight helps them communicate their needs to teachers and peers. It also allows them to use supports more effectively — whether that’s visual schedules, movement breaks, or coaching strategies. Confidence grows when kids realize their emotions aren’t “wrong” — they’re information.
Q6. How can therapy and executive function coaching complement each other in supporting a child’s whole development?
Dr. Kason: Therapy and coaching overlap beautifully when both are skill-focused and collaborative. Coaching can provide structure and accountability around daily routines, while therapy helps address the emotional blocks that get in the way of applying those strategies. Together, they reinforce the connection between emotional resilience and executive function — creating real, sustainable growth for kids and families.
Q7. What message would you share with parents who worry that emotional struggles might hold their child back academically?
Dr. Kason: Emotional challenges are not roadblocks — they’re opportunities for growth. When families approach emotions as skills to be learned, rather than problems to be solved, it changes everything. With the right tools and support, children can build both emotional strength and academic confidence. Growth doesn’t mean eliminating struggle; it means learning to navigate it with compassion and resilience.
Shared Mission: Empowering Growth Through Emotional and Cognitive Skill-Building
Both SageMind Psychology and New Frontiers Executive Functioning Coaching share a mission: helping individuals develop the emotional and executive skills needed to thrive at home, in school, and beyond. By combining therapeutic insight with practical coaching strategies, they offer families a whole-person approach to learning, growth, and resilience.
About SageMind Psychology
Founded by Dr. Rebecca Kason, SageMind Psychology is a trusted group practice offering therapy for children, teens, adults, parents, and families. With a focus on CBT, DBT, and neurodiversity-affirming care, SageMind helps clients build emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and self-understanding. The practice also offers virtual DBT skills training groups for tweens, teens, and adults — helping clients build practical coping tools for real life.
👉 Learn more about SageMind Psychology’s therapy and DBT programs
