WHAT TO ASK
When Looking for an ADHD Coach.
You have ADHD. Whether it’s a new diagnosis, you’ve known for a long time, or you just have a suspicion that you might have ADHD, you’re ready to make a change.
So, what’s next?
Many tools can help you navigate the world with ADHD. Medication, counseling, and coaching are a few of those options.
Medication must be prescribed by a physician, and counseling by a licensed mental health professional, …but what about coaching? What is it?
And how do you find a good ADHD coach?
Great questions!
First, I’d like to talk a little bit about the benefits of ADHD coaching.
Here is an excerpt from an abstract from the Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 31(1), 17-39:
“…the authors conducted a comprehensive descriptive literature review of studies examining ADHD coaching outcomes. Nineteen quantitative and qualitative studies of coaching outcomes were identified… All 19 studies indicate that coaching supports improved ADHD symptoms and executive functioning.”
So, what does this mean?
It means that coaching can help with:
- attention and focus
COUNSELORS
1. Explore the past to treat/heal emotional wounds
2. Can diagnose
3. Can address mental health concerns such as anxiety, trauma, depression
4 Highly regulated (must have a Master’s degree, license, insurance, continuing education
Secondly,
let’s review a few differences between counseling and coaching.
COACHES
1. Work with where you are now and explore where you want to be in the future by creating goals, overcoming roadblocks
2. Can’t diagnose, but doesn’t need to give you one to provide services
3. Doesn’t address other mental health concerns, works on practical skills
4. NOT regulated (anyone can be a coach and provide services)
Second,
let’s review a few differences between counseling and coaching.
Third, How do you find a good coach?
Below are some questions to ask:
What is your background?
Many coaches have expertise that comes from their successes and can help you on a similar path.
Many coaches have a background in mental health. This can be extremely helpful in identifying roadblocks that are not related to ADHD and making sure you get connected with the right resources.
What is your training?
Usually, the background isn’t enough. Good coaches require training on how the ADHD brain works, current research, creating appropriate strategies for ADHD, and knowing when to refer a client to other services.
Also, all training isn’t created equal. Much of the training focuses on trying to make an ADHD brain function like a neurotypical brain. I haven’t found this to be successful in the long term. Many of the available training focuses only on executive functioning. This can also be short-sighted because there are many areas of executive functioning, and some problems only appear in certain situations, and many things impact executive functioning, not just ADHD.
Without knowing the underlying influence, it can be difficult to create lasting change.
What does your coaching look like in the big picture?
Usually, the background isn’t enough. Good coaches require training on how the ADHD brain works, current research, creating appropriate strategies for ADHD, and knowing when to refer a client to other services.
Also, all training isn’t created equal. Much of the training focuses on trying to make an ADHD brain function like a neurotypical brain. I haven’t found this to be successful in the long term. Many of the available training focuses only on executive functioning. This can also be short-sighted because there are many areas of executive functioning, and some problems only appear in certain situations, and many things impact executive functioning, not just ADHD.
Without knowing the underlying influence, it can be difficult to create lasting change.
What does a typical coaching session look like?
- How long is a session?
- How often do you meet? What is the format (in-person, online, etc.)?
- How is the session structured?
Most coaches have a usual structure and many can tailor sessions to best fit you.
These questions should give you a good start on your ADHD journey.
Questions?
Feel free to email me.
Ready to start ADHD coaching?
Set up a free ADHD strategy session with me or one of my coaches.
Looking for ADHD training?
Send me an email and I will send you information on the next training!
Plus, check out our upcoming Training:
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