WHAT IS ADHD COACHING?
ADHD coaching is a collaborative partnership that helps people to live more effective, and ultimately happier, lives.
An ADHD coach typically combines the same training and skills as a professional life coach, with the understanding of the neuro-biological nature of ADHD and the specific challenges and complexities that it brings.
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How does coaching work?
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When someone asks me what it would be like if they worked with me as their coach, my answer is always the same... "I have no idea, but I'd love to find out!".
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Every single coaching relationship looks completely different from the next. Just as all individuals are unique, so is the relationship between a coach and each of their clients. The hallmark of a great coach is their ability to listen to and observe each client, and then customize their approach to best meet the specific needs of each different individual.
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To work most effectively, the coach needs to take the time to gain a deep understanding and knowledge of the client as an individual. Through a creative and challenging process of dialogue, a great coach will use their skills and training to enable the client to explore and clarify their individual goals, values and character strengths. They will also help clients to identify the challenges, obstacles and sometimes beliefs that may currently be standing in their way.
​Ultimately, the coaching relationship will empower the client to use their own unique strengths to tackle, manage and overcome their challenges and start to move forward towards a life of fulfilled potential and contentment.
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"A coach's job isn't to find all the right answers. It's to find all the right questions".
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But how does coaching ACTUALLY work?
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On a practical level, ADHD coaching is usually focused around weekly meetings between the coach and the client. These can take place in person, over the phone or over Skype. Typically they might last anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes.
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In addition, there may be varying amounts of interaction between the coach and client at other times of the week; The coach may assign one or more tasks for the client to complete as 'fieldwork'. Also, depending on the needs of the client, the coach may be available to contact by email or text message, to offer that extra bit of support between meetings.
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In terms of the amount of time that a coach would typically work with any given client, it really is different for every individual. However, it is important to remember that real change doesn't happen overnight and that for any truly effective work to take place, the coach needs to take the time to get to know their client on a deep level and to establish a real trust. For this reason, it is commonplace for coaches to request a minimum commitment of 3 months from new clients.
Is coaching the same as therapy?
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There are many similarities between coaching and therapy. First and foremost, they are both grounded​ in a desire to help the individual towards making a positive change in their life. Both also need excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with their clients. There are also, sometimes, various methodological similarities, such as goal setting and strategic planning.
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There are also a number of differences between coaching and therapy, for example:
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Coaches will never diagnose, whilst therapists can determine medical illnesses and prescribe treatments.
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Whilst a therapist may explore their client's past as a tool for understanding current behaviours, a coach may work simply to identify and describe problematic behaviours and support the client in working to modify them.
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A therapist might help a client to explore their subconscious and unconscious mind, whereas a coach may be more focused on performance and the achievement of specific outcomes or goals.
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The difference between a coach and a therapist is distinct. An individual that is dealing with a past trauma, loss or mental health problem would be better suited to working with a therapist. A good coach is trained to know when a client would be better served by working with a therapist and will help their client to find the right therapist.
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If you decide to go ahead with coaching, here's what you can expect...​
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Someone who is entirely devoted to helping you move forward ​in life.
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Someone who will listen to you, and allow you to work through your thoughts and ideas, without judging you.
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Someone who will take the time to 'get' you and the way in which you view the world.
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Someone who will help you to examine and clarify your beliefs, values and strengths.
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Someone with a strong knowledge of ADHD, who can help you to understand the way it is influencing your behaviour, thoughts and emotions.
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Someone who will help you to set goals, create plans for achieving them and strategies for dealing with the obstacles that stand in your way.
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Someone who is committed to helping you to lead a more productive, effective and fulfilling life.
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Someone who can act as an accountability partner, to help motivate you to commit to your chosen path.
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Someone to challenge you.
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Someone to champion you and support you in becoming the best YOU that you can be.
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Interested in hearing more? Click here now to arrange an introductory chat with Aron, to explore the benefits of coaching in greater depth.
