Ket Buchholz

Biography

I grew up in the Hampton Roads Area in Virginia and moved to Seattle in 2020. I spend my days making music, reading, and curling up with my cats Finn and Marceline!

I have a Bachelors degree in English from the University of Virginia. I have worked in a variety of tutoring and community education environments.

My Autism was missed in my youth and I didn’t discover it until I entered the professional world. I struggled for a long time trying to work around my Autism and trying to ignore the way it impacted my life. Finally being exposed to treatment and skills taught me how to work alongside my Autism instead of against it.

Fighting the shame I had for my Executive Dysfunction and other symptoms was an integral part of my own journey. I prioritize maintaining a safe and judgement-free environment as we work towards your goals.

I am so excited to be part of the Life Skills Advocate Team and am looking forward to meeting you!

What are some of your special interests?

Fiber Arts: I almost always have some kind of project in my hands. I have been knitting and sewing since I was very young. My stint in the emo scene introduced me to DIY and I have been making and modifying garments, accessories, and home decor ever since. I picked up crocheting, embroidery and a host of other crafting and fiber arts from family and friends over the years. I’m always excited to learn more skills and mediums!

Video Games: Video games hold a special place in my heart. I love playing Fantasy RPG’s like Dragon Age and The Elder Scrolls series. I love being able to feel like I’m part of another world. The Halo series was an integral part of my household growing up me and my siblings will still play together to this day.

Music Production: I love the creative opportunity music production offers. Whether its digital or traditional instruments there is so much space for expression and discovery. There is always more to learn about, deep dives of information I could never get to the bottom of. I love learning about new instruments, plug-ins, and compositional techniques.

What does executive functioning mean to you?

Executive Function to me is being able to work with my body and mind to show up for myself, however that may look. Because of my experiences with chronic pain, I am hyperaware of the challenges that come with experiencing physical limitations alongside Executive Dysfunction. My Executive Functioning looks different day-to-day, I measure my Executive Function by the synergy of my mind and body rather than the completion of tasks. 

What is a strategy you use with clients and use personally?

My favorite strategy to use is utilizing the world around me to assist in task initiation. I start by identifying the mindset and environment that seems most conducive to the tasks I am struggling to complete and then implement them to ease the transitionary aspect of task initiation. I use music, a specific snack or beverage, and other sensory prompts to help ease my brain into tasks.

How has your personal experience and professional development impacted your coaching?

Working in my University’s writing center allowed me access to skills and programs that focused on using intersectional pedagogical techniques and teaching course management skills.

Working with neurodivergent children post-college led to my discovery of my own Autism. My professional experiences with coaching techniques for neurodivergent individuals helped me to understand and embrace my experience as an Autistic person.

Working in community education spaces shaped my ability to meet clients where they are at. I regularly worked with people with a diverse range of backgrounds and life experiences. I learned how to engage and educate groups while ensuring the information in accessible to all.

How would you describe your personal approach to coaching?

Adaptive, Intersectional, Goal-Driven.

I want to meet you where you’re at! Adaptability and flexibility are at the core of my coaching approach. There is a vast array of ways neurodivergence shows up in our day-to-day life. It can be difficult to find skills that work for you as an individual that fits with your daily life.

Every individual’s experience is unique and each client deserves a holistic approach that accounts for the way their lived experiences interact with their Executive Dysfunction.

My goal is to help you find the skills that work best integrated into your life and all of its individual challenges and circumstances.

Which of LSA's core values resonates the most with you, and how do you incorporate it with your clients?

Walk the Neurodivergent Walk. I’ve spent most my life in alternative music and fashion spaces, I love expressing myself through my appearance and love eccentric style. I’ve spent periods of my life suppressing my interests and personality. Seeing others unabashedly accept and express themselves has helped me to do the same!

Do you have an area of coaching you specialize in?

I specialize in working with clients managing college life or clients transitioning from academic to professional environments. I also specialize in working with queer and trans individuals.