I found out about my condition at 53, and I quickly realised that coaching might be something that could help. Therapy or counselling helps you look back at your life, and coaching helps you look forward. However, there are very few ADHD coaches in the UK, and no formal qualifications or courses to become one. In the US coaches are quite common and some UK practitioners have done US qualifications or more general coaching courses. I did the ILM Coaching and Mentoring course which gave me a great toolkit and good techniques for working with clients.
Coaching is all about the client having time and space to explore issues and try solutions. Here is a definition of ADHD coaching that I like:
“ADHD coaches support their clients in developing a comprehensive understanding of both the nature of ADHD and the impact of ADHD on their client’s quality of life.
ADHD coaches work with clients to create structures, support, skills, and strategies. Coaching assists clients with ADHD to stay focused on their goals, face obstacles, address core ADHD related issues like time management, organization, and self-esteem, gain clarity and function more effectively.”
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) Subcommittee on ADHD Coaching.
I’ve put together some links about ADHD coaching that you might find useful. Some are from the USA and some from the UK.
USA
Very Well Mind – What is ADHD coaching?
ADDitude – What is an ADHD coach?
CHADD – Coaching
TotallyADD – What ADHD coaching is (and isn’t)
Gia Miller – Hiring a coach transformed my life
UK
