ADHD coaches are qualified to help you develop strategies that will allow you to manage the tasks and activities that your ADHD symptoms can make difficult. Coaching can be combined with other ADHD therapies and medication to help you achieve your goals and organize yourself. ADHD coaching can be used by adults and children.
What is Coaching for ADHD?
ADHD Coaching focuses on real-life strategies to help you with everyday tasks that are more difficult due to your diagnosis. This method is similar to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which is a type of psychotherapy that seeks to change how you react to situations. Both use techniques such as:
- Setting targets
- Prioritization
- Motivation
- Organising skills
- Schedule and prepare
- Problem solving
- Stress Reduction
- Impulse Management
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Memory Development
- Homework Assignments
ADHD coaching teaches you how to create healthy habits whereas CBT focuses on your thoughts and emotions. You will work with an ADHD coach to determine the impact ADHD has on you. Then, they’ll help you deal with problems when they arise.
ADHD coaching is available in person, by phone or online. Sessions last 30 to 60 minutes. Your coach and you will decide the length of your sessions based on your progress.
What is a coaching client?
ADHD coaching is most effective for people who recognize their need for help and are willing to make changes. It can be particularly beneficial if you are a student because the coaching will focus on time management and keeping focused on your assignments.
Parents with a child who has ADHD can see a coach alone, or the child may go with their parents. The instructor will help the parents of the child learn more about ADHD and develop new ways to cope with the symptoms. As mentioned above, an ADHD coach can also be consulted by adults.
Find Your ADHD Coach
Many different experts can provide coaching for ADHD. If you are experiencing emotional or psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse, it is important to consult with a mental health professional.
An ADHD Trainer could be:
- Mental health professional who specializes in ADHD coaching exclusively, or incorporates it into their practice
- The ADHD coach is a trained professional or a degreed teacher who has a practice at a college or school.
- ADHD Trainers are certified
You can go online at national resources like Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), the ICF, or the ADHD Coaches Organization to discover a list of coaches in your region, or you can contact your mental health physician for advice.
