ADHD Coaching - What is it?
With ADHD coaching or neurodiversity coaching being new to New Zealand and actually a fairly new service being offered around the world, how do you know what to expect? What is “good” coaching? Is it value for money?
“The focus of ADHD Coaching is on building skills and taking action. Good coaching definitely helps people to improve their business focus, interpersonal skills and ability to get things done in such a way as to lead a more productive, fulfilling and rewarding life” – Edward Hallowell, M.D.
What is ADHD Coaching?
ADHD coaching or neurodiversity Coaching is a specialised form of support specifically tailored for individuals with ADHD or neurodiversity challenges posed by their condition. An ADHD/Neurodiversity Coach individualises their approach to working with each individual based on the clients’ unique characteristics and capabilities.
What does an ADHD Coach do?
ADHD/neurodiversity coaches work closely with their clients to develop individualised strategies to address core symptoms of ADHD/neurodiversity such as impulsivity, time management, organisation, and other executive functions as well as educational information around ADHD.
Assesses individual needs: The coach will evaluate your unique challenges and strengths related to your personal neurodiversity.
Develops personalised strategies: The coach will create a tailored plan focusing on executive functioning challenges to improve skills such as goal setting, planning, prioritising, and task initiation.
Offers emotional support: They provide encouragement and understanding, helping you navigate ADHD/neurodiverse related emotional challenges.
Teaches coping mechanisms: Coaches equip you with techniques to manage distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Builds Accountability: They help you stay on track with your goals and commitments through regular check ins and support.
Enhances self-awareness: The coach helps educate you on ADHD/neurodiversity research and information and aids you in recognising how ADHD affects various aspects of your life.
Facilitates skill acquisition: They assist in learning new skills and habits that improve daily functioning and productivity.
Empowers self-advocacy: They help you understand your rights and how to advocate for yourself in personal and professional settings.
Unlike traditional therapy, ADHD coaching is more action-oriented and goal-focused, emphasizing skill building, accountability, and the development of routines and habits that support better management of ADHD symptoms.
A “good” coach.
A good coach should have a deep empathy and understanding of ADHD and/or neurodiversity, enabling them to support and connect with their clients effectively.
· Look for empathy and understanding
· Find a structured approach that works for you and your needs
· Someone you can communicate effectively with
· Lived experience, accreditations or an educational background
ADHD coach vs. Therapist?
· Focus and goals – coaching is action orientated, focusing on developing strategies and skills to manage daily challenges especially related to ADHD and neurodiversity. Therapy, on the other hand, often delves deeper into more emotional and psychological issues and mental health concerns.
· Methodology – coaching works on setting and achieving specific goals, building skills and strategy building. Therapists may use various psychological methodologies to treat mental health conditions, exploring past experiences and emotional states.
· Duration & frequency – coaching sessions may be more frequent and shorter in duration. Therapy sessions are typically longer and may occur less frequently.
· Training and credentials – ADHD coaches often have specific training in coaching techniques and ADHD management, but they may not be licensed mental health professionals. Therapists are usually licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, or counsellors.
· Scope of practice – coaches focus on skill building and practical aspects of living with ADHD. Therapists are qualified to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.
· Approach to ADHD – Coaching is specifically tailored to the challenges of ADHD, working on coping mechanisms and daily functions. Therapists may address ADHD as part of a broader scope of an individual's overall mental health picture.
From a personal perspective, the lived experience part of my “training” has given me invaluable knowledge around what it is like to live with, both in my own head and with children and family members, an ADHD/Neurodiverse brain. It has given me not only empathy but also a vast array of knowledge and learning.
Combine that with my educational background in Social Work, Youth Work and Counselling and I’m blessed to say that I am thoroughly enjoying working with my clients on helping them living their best life.
If you are interested in working with me, please do not hesitate to get in touch.