​What is ADHD coaching and how does it differ from traditional therapy or counselling?

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ADHD coaching is gaining recognition as a client-centred behavioural intervention for managing ADHD. We engage in a multimodal approach, which includes coaching alongside medication (if taken) and psychotherapy such as  ADHD-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

 

We encourage our clients to book six sessions with us in our ADHD Therapeutic coaching program. Five of these will be with our registered counsellor and one with Chris Ewan Hanbury-Brown, our movement and exercise specialist. You can space these sessions out however you choose. Each session is pay-as-you-go and you can attend in person or via Telehealth (note your movement and exercise session is Telehealth only). 

 

ADHD coaching is a specialised form of life coaching focused on helping individuals with ADHD manage their symptoms and achieve their goals. Unlike traditional therapy or counselling, which may delve into past experiences and emotional healing, ADHD coaching is typically more action-oriented and focuses on developing practical strategies and skills to address present-day challenges related to executive functions like time management, organisation, planning, focus, and task initiation.

 

Therapeutic ADHD Coaching intentionally blends therapeutic elements with coaching strategies to address both emotional well-being and practical skill development in a neurodivergent-affirming way.

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Who can benefit from ADHD coaching or related support programs?

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A wide range of individuals can benefit, including adults with a formal ADHD diagnosis, those who suspect they may have ADHD, and even mental health professionals seeking to enhance their skills in working with neurodivergent clients. Our services aim to provide psycho-education about ADHD, practical strategies for managing symptoms, tools for self-assessment and goal setting. Even without a formal diagnosis, individuals struggling with challenges commonly associated with ADHD can often gain valuable skills and insights.

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What specific challenges related to ADHD can coaching and therapeutic approaches help address?

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ADHD coaching and therapy can address a multitude of challenges, including inattention and distractibility, difficulties with focus (including problematic hyper-focus), disorganisation, task inertia and procrastination, impulsivity, emotion regulation difficulties (including rejection sensitive dysphoria), time blindness, and executive function deficits in areas like working memory, planning, and organisation. Furthermore, these approaches can help with co-occurring issues such as sensory overload, navigating masking and unmasking, addressing self-judgment and shame, managing rumination and worry, developing self-acceptance and self-compassion, and implementing strategies for motivation, task completion, and managing chronic fatigue and burnout using concepts such as 'spoon theory'.

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What role does a neurodiversity-affirming approach play in effective ADHD support?

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Our neurodiversity-affirming approach recognises and respects the natural variations in human neurobiology as normal and valuable. In the context of ADHD, this means understanding that differences in brain function are not deficits but rather variations that come with both strengths (like creativity and energy) and challenges. Our neurodiversity-affirming approach avoids negatively labelling neurodivergent traits, focuses on leveraging strengths, adapting strategies to fit individual needs, and understanding concepts like minority stress theory and the social model of disability. This stance is crucial for building self-acceptance and developing effective interventions that resonate with the lived experiences of individuals with ADHD.

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What are some common tools and strategies used in ADHD coaching and support programs?

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A variety of tools and strategies are employed, often tailored to our client's individual needs. These can include exercises for identifying strengths and values, techniques for goal setting (like SMART goals), time management aids (such as the Pomodoro Technique and time blocking), organisation and planning systems, mindfulness and somatic practices, emotion regulation techniques (including ACT-congruent approaches), strategies for interrupting impulsivity and problematic hyper-focus, methods for task initiation and completion, and sensory self-soothing techniques. We may also use assessments (both formal and informal) to enhance self-awareness and track progress, and help our clients develop personalised ADHD management plans.

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How is motivation and readiness for change addressed in ADHD coaching?

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Motivation is considered a crucial factor for the effectiveness of coaching. We assess a potential client's motivation and readiness to change, recognising that the individual's desire for improvement is key. We may use techniques like motivational interviewing to help our clients resolve ambivalence and increase their intrinsic motivation. The coaching relationship itself provides a safe and supportive environment for experimentation and growth, fostering a sense of hope and belief in the possibility of positive change.

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Can ADHD coaching be integrated with other forms of treatment, such as medication or therapy?

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Yes, our ADHD therapeutic coaching can be effectively applied on its own or as part of a multimodal treatment package that includes medication, psychotherapy, or both. For clients who are prescribed medication, we can support them in adhering to their/our doctor's recommendations and monitoring its effects as part of their self-care. Collaboration between our coaching and other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, can optimise support for our client by providing a more comprehensive understanding of their needs, choices, and goals.

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