Do you sometimes feel like you can't get anything done, that you're missing out on everything, that you can't keep your mind focused? If you have attention problems, or ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), this may be a very familiar experience for you. Along with medication and other treatments, ADHD Coaching is another powerful tool that can help you organize your life and reach your goals . Let's talk about this today.
Simply put, what is ADHD Coaching?
An ADHD Coach is a trained professional who helps you develop strategies to help you cope with tasks, responsibilities, and activities in your daily life that are difficult for you to do due to your ADHD symptoms .
This focuses on ways to solve practical problems in everyday life that arise due to your ADHD condition. This process is somewhat similar to the psychological treatment method ` Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT )` that many of us have heard of. CBT therapy works by changing our thinking and feeling patterns, thereby helping us to change our behaviors for the better.
Both ADHD Coaching and CBT use several common methods to help improve a person's life. However, there are also clear differences between the two.
While CBT therapy primarily focuses on your thoughts and emotions , ADHD Coaching teaches you how to develop positive behaviors.
Think of your coach as your own personal trainer. He or she will work with you to figure out exactly how ADHD affects you. Then, he or she will teach you how to deal with problems as they arise. He or she will also act as an accountability partner, encouraging you to maintain your new good habits.
What are the main areas where an ADHD Coach can help you?
There are many skills and habits you can develop through ADHD Coaching. Let's look at some of these in the table below.
| Skill area | What you learn |
|---|---|
| Goal setting and planning | Identifying achievable goals, understanding what steps are needed to get there, and making plans. |
| Organization and prioritization | How to prioritize tasks, plan your day, week, and reduce clutter. |
| Attention and Motivation | Staying focused on a plan until it is completed, and having the motivation to get started. |
| Impulse control and stress management | Ways to control sudden impulses, identify and manage stressful situations. |
| Relationships and self-confidence | Improving communication with others, strengthening relationships, and building self-confidence. |
| Daily life habits | Developing healthy habits around things like money management, housekeeping, nutrition, exercise, and sleep. |
How to get these services?
These coaching sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes. You can receive this service one-on-one with a coach. It can be in person , on the phone, or online. Sometimes these are also held in a group setting. You and your coach will decide together how long you need these sessions, based on your progress.
Who is this method most suitable for?
ADHD Coaching benefits those who realize they need help and are ready to make changes in their lives.
- For students: If you are a student studying at school or university, this can be very useful for you. It will help you manage your time, submit assignments on time, and focus on your studies.
- For children with ADHD and their parents: A child with ADHD can meet with a coach together with their parents. Or, parents can meet with a coach alone to better understand their child's condition and learn new ways to work with their child.
How do I find a qualified ADHD Coach?
This is the most important thing. People from a variety of professional backgrounds can provide ADHD Coaching services. But one thing you definitely need to remember is that not every ADHD coach is professionally trained in mental health .
If you have mental health issues like depression, anxiety , or substance abuse , you should definitely see a psychiatrist or psychologist/counselor. ADHD coaching is not a treatment for these conditions.
Before choosing a coach, you can ask them these questions:
- What is your educational background?
- Do you have a certification or recognized qualification in ADHD Coaching?
- How long have you worked in this field?
- How many clients do you accept at a time?
- What are the fees for your services?
Talking about the cost of this, in Sri Lanka, most of the time, insurance coverage for such services is not available. Therefore, you may have to bear the cost yourself.
The best thing to do is to ask the doctor who is treating your ADHD about this and get a referral from him. He will be able to refer you to someone who is a good fit and qualified.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD Coaching is a training method that helps solve practical problems that arise when living with ADHD.
- This is not a substitute for medical treatment (like medication). It is only an additional support that can be used in conjunction with medical treatment.
- Through this, you can learn important skills like organizing your life, achieving goals, and managing stress .
- If you have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, definitely see a psychiatrist or counselor .
- Before choosing a coach, research their qualifications thoroughly. It's best to ask your doctor for a recommendation.
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