ADD and ADHD Coaching

LIFE COACHING

ADD/ADHD

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What the Experts Say about Coaching for People with ADD

“Coaching is the single most effective tool in A.D.D. self-management.”
Edward M. Hallowell, M.D Harvard Medical School.
Author of Driven to Distraction & Answers to Distraction

“Coaching, it turns out, is one of the most powerful and effective ways for people with ADHD to achieve success.”
Thom Hartmann. Writer of 7 books on ADD

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ABOUT ADD/ADHD COACHING

ADD/ADHD and coaching was highlighted a recent New York Times article:
"Attention Deficit Is in the Office, Too." (Click here to download the .PDF article)

AD/HD Coaching focuses on the specific needs of the individual being coached. Like all coaching it is a supportive goal-oriented process in which the coach and the client work to develop the tools, strategies and confidence necessary to help the client reach his or her potential.

The difference between AD/HD coaching and other coaching processes is that the coach is trained and experienced in working with people with AD/HD and is capable of helping that person develop strategies which maximize the talents of the AD/HD brain and compensate for the individual difficulties the AD/HD client experiences.

Typically, this type of coaching helps individuals with AD/HD develop the structures, processes and practical approaches necessary to meet the challenges of everyday life and excel in their areas of special talents.

The Role of Coach
The coach provides encouragement, recommendations, feedback and practical techniques such as reminders, questions and calendar monitoring to help the client stay on track. Together, the coach and client develop strategies to address issues such as time management, eliminating clutter in one's home or office, and becoming more effective in one's personal and professional lives. A coach is NOT a psychotherapist and works with clients on tactical and not psychological issues.

The Client's Role
Coaching is a client-driven process. For coaching to be successful the client must possess a strong desire for personal growth and improvement. Coaching works best when the client is action-oriented to reach his or her goals.

The AD/HD Coaching Process
The coaching process begins with an initial interview in which the client shares their goals, history and current challenges with the coach. From there the coach and client together develop a strategy and a roadmap that is designed to meet the particular client's needs. Co-designing the partnership, developing strength-based structures and guiding the client through a process of self-exploration are the core elements of the AD/HD coaching process.

Regular meetings and check-ins are an essential part of the coaching process. These contacts can be in person, by telephone, fax or email and periodic reviews can also be established to monitor overall progress.

Harnessing the AD/HD Brain
AD/HD coaching helps the client learn about his or her own brain and its deficits in order to demystify them. When an individual has an understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, they are then able to develop concrete, sustainable strategies to maximize their unique abilities. Coaching helps transform an "I can't" attitude into an "I CAN" attitude. The brain can learn! This is the energy that helps clients make positive, lasting changes in their lives.

The Time Frame of AD/HD Coaching
Since the coaching process is unique for every individual, the time frame for individual coaching relationships varies. Some clients need to hire a coach for a short-term project and there are others who hire a coach for long-term goal achievement.

The ultimate goal of coaching is to provide the external support and guidance necessary to jump-start the process until the client learns the skills necessary to keep him or her on track over time.

The People Who Most Benefit from AD/HD Coaching
People of all ages from all walks of life can benefit from AD/HD coaching. The individuals who benefit most have a strong desire for personal growth and improvement. They are committed to take action and they participate fully in the coaching process. They also have the willingness and desire to be accountable to their coach.

Coaching is based on a wellness model; clients need to be ready, willing and ABLE to work with a coach. If overriding problems with depression or other medical issues are inhibiting daily functioning and are left untreated then the coaching will not be successful. Very often the coach will work in tandem with the individual's various healthcare providers to overcome these obstacles.

“Coaching for persons with ADHD operates under the same premise that personal and professional coaching does—that the client is ready, willing, and able to work in partnership with the coach and rise to the challenge of creating a better life. What is different about clients with ADHD is that it is often not a matter of being overworked and losing touch with their values that has gotten them off track; it is their biology that has claimed control over their lives. A coach can play a vital role in helping clients with ADHD clear away the daily confusion of their lives and sustain focus long enough to achieve desired goals.”

—Excerpt from the chapter, Life Coaching for Adult ADHD, by Nancy A. Ratey, Ed.M., MCC

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