Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents unique challenges that can impact various aspects of life. While medication can be a helpful component of ADHD management, it is often not sufficient to address the full spectrum of difficulties that individuals face. ADHD coaching offers a distinct, individualized approach that can help people with ADHD thrive by providing the structure, support, and accountability they need to reach their full potential. This post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ADHD coaching, explaining what it is, how it works, its benefits, who can benefit from it, and how to find a suitable coach. It is important to note that coaching is a tool that can be used in conjunction with other ADHD treatments.

What is ADHD Coaching?

An ADHD coach is a specialized "life coach" who is trained to assist adults, teens, and children with ADHD in better managing their lives. Unlike traditional therapy, which delves into past psychological issues, ADHD coaching is a proactive approach focused on achieving specific goals. Coaches do not act as therapists, medical experts, or mentors, but rather they work to help clients achieve specific objectives.

An ADHD coach can help with:

● Planning and management skills

● Time management

● Organization

● Motivation

● Self-esteem and relationships

● Self-advocacy

● Impulse control

● Problem solving

● Daily habits and routines, such as finances, home maintenance, nutrition, exercise, and sleep

● Specific issues like avoiding distractions, completing tasks, managing rejection sensitivity and sensory overload, improving time management, balancing work and home life, conquering boredom, improving self-esteem, managing negative thoughts, dealing with big emotions, and improving communication

● Developing individual strategies for dealing with ADHD-related behaviors that are problematic.

ADHD coaching is tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual with ADHD.

How Does ADHD Coaching Work?

ADHD coaching involves a personalized approach where coaches work with clients to develop strategies that address the client's specific challenges. Coaches assist clients in creating action plans that are tailored to their unique ADHD brain. This process is a partnership, where the client is in charge, and the coach provides support, asks questions, and ensures accountability. Unlike therapy, which focuses on emotions, coaching is focused on adopting positive behaviors. Coaches work to help clients understand their unique brain wiring and identify their strengths.

Common tools and techniques in ADHD coaching include:

● Goal setting

● Prioritization

● Planning and scheduling

● Stress management

● Building confidence and self-esteem

● Enhancing relationship and communication skills

● Improving memory

● Assigning homework activities

Through coaching, individuals can learn to:

● Maintain focus

● Identify specific steps needed to reach a goal

● Find the motivation necessary to work towards a goal

Benefits of ADHD Coaching

There are several potential benefits of ADHD Coaching:

● Improved Understanding: Coaching helps individuals understand how ADHD impacts their daily lives, leading to a greater sense of control over their symptoms.

● Goal Setting: Coaches work with clients to set and prioritize goals.

● Self-Advocacy: Coaching helps clients advocate for their needs at work or school.

● Relationship Skills: Coaching can improve communication skills and help families better understand ADHD.

● Addressing the "Silent Struggle": Coaching can address the unique challenges faced by individuals who may go undiagnosed, such as women.

● Empowerment: Coaching empowers clients to become their own best advocates.

● Many people have reported that coaching has helped them with issues that traditional interventions did not.

Who Can Benefit from ADHD Coaching?

ADHD coaching is suitable for a variety of individuals:

● Those Ready to Change: It is most effective for people who are aware they need help and are ready to make changes.

● Students: Coaching can help students focus on time management and staying on task with assignments.

● Adults: Coaching can assist adults with work, home, and relationships.

● Parents: Coaches can work with parents to better understand their child's ADHD and create strategies for support.

● Those Seeking Additional Support: Coaching can provide an extra form of support for those struggling with daily life.

● Those Who Don't Respond to Medication: Coaching can benefit those who do not want to take medications or do not respond well to them.

● Coaching is not a replacement for treatment but can be used in conjunction with it.

Finding the Right ADHD Coach

Finding the right ADHD coach is essential for a successful coaching experience. It is important to consider several factors when searching for a coach.

Resources to find a coach include:

● ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO)

● ADD Coach Academy

● JST Coaching & Training

● International ADHD Coach Training Center

● International Coach Federation (ICF)

● Local CHADD chapters

● Doctors or psychologists

● Online directories

The chemistry between the client and coach is critical for success. Coaches should have experience working with clients with ADHD and possess a thorough understanding of the condition.

When selecting a coach, consider:

● Their training in ADHD coaching

● Their experience with your specific issues

● Relevant experience, particularly if you are a parent, child, or business executive

Questions to ask a potential coach:

● Do you work with clients who have problems similar to mine?

● Do you specialize in working with a parent, child, single adult, or business executive?

● Can you refer me to another coach?

● Do you coach in person, over the phone, or via the web?

● How long are the sessions?

● Do you have personal experience with ADHD?

● What is your educational background?

● Are you certified or credentialed in ADHD coaching?

● How long have you coached?

● How many clients do you see?

● Are you a part of any professional ADHD coaching organizations?

● Are you a licensed mental health provider?

● What are the fees involved with your services?

Coaches should not claim to cure or treat ADHD, step outside their scope of practice, make medical recommendations, judge clients, or speak negatively about them. A coach should be able to clearly explain their approach to coaching.

The Coaching Process

The coaching process typically begins with an initial consultation, often free, to assess the fit. The first session is usually longer to allow the coach to get to know the client. Together, the client and coach will identify goals and steps to achieve them. Coaches will assign homework, and subsequent sessions will often begin with a review of the assignment. Sessions can range from 30 to 60 minutes and may occur weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on the client’s needs and progress. Coaching can be conducted in person, via telephone, or online. Some coaches offer additional support via email or brief check-in calls. Coaches will monitor progress and adjust strategies as necessary. Doing homework is critical to making progress.

Cost and Insurance

The cost of ADHD coaching varies, but the average falls between $300 and $600 per month. Many coaches accept credit cards, but most do not offer a sliding scale for fees. Most insurance plans do not cover coaching.

Alternative options include:

● Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

● Tax deductions if a doctor writes a prescription for coaching

● Employer payment

● Deduction as a business expense for self-employed individuals

It is important to consider the long-term financial benefits of coaching as an investment in improved life skills.

Making Progress and Winding Down

Clients should see small improvements after the first session and more progress in the first month. It is normal for interest to wane around the fifth week. If strategies are not working, it is important to be open to changing course and finding a new approach. Coaches should normalize feelings and focus on what the client has accomplished. If a client is not making progress or does not feel that a coach has their best interest at heart, it may be time to find a new coach. As clients internalize strategies, sessions will often reduce in frequency to bi-weekly or monthly. Most coaches are available for occasional "tune-up" sessions as needed. The ultimate goal of coaching is for clients to become their own coaches and manage their own lives. A good coach empowers clients to achieve their goals and does not attempt to "fix" them.

Credentials and Certifications

It is important to note that ADHD coaching is not a regulated profession, meaning anyone can call themselves an ADHD coach.

Certifications to look for include:

● Certified ADHD Coach (C.A.C.)

● Senior Certified ADHD Coach (S.C.A.C.)

● Associate Certified Coach (A.C.C.) from the ICF

● Professional Certified Coach (P.C.C.) from the ICF

● Master Certified Coach (M.C.C.) from the ICF

Experience and innate ability are often more important than certifications. Clients should ask about a coach's training in ADHD, regardless of other credentials. Many coaches have a background in mental health, social work, or direct experience with ADHD, but this is not a requirement.

Conclusion

ADHD coaching is a valuable tool that can help with symptom management, improve daily life, and provide long-term strategies for success. Coaching is a partnership that empowers individuals to develop self-coaching skills. If you are looking for an approach that goes beyond medication and is tailored to your needs, consider ADHD coaching as an investment in your well-being.