What is an ADHD Life Coach?
We go through this thing called life in different ways, whether that's through different lenses, perspective, experiences, or the communities we live in. In times of differences/uncertainty, it’s nice to have that person to support you and to remind you that you are on the right track. While there are many services such as therapy, counseling, or mentoring to help us problem solve and rediscover ourselves, my coaching services will provide individualized support to help you through life’s waves.
So, what is ADHD Life Coaching? Coaching is based on the direct intention to help you, as a unique individual, find and create your own ways to adapt to life’s many challenges. Particularly with the neurodivergent community, it is normal for certain life challenges to be harder, as well as experiencing your brain simply working differently. In a way, it's like an Apple vs Android phone. Both have the same purpose but completely different softwares and navigation systems. As a coach (or as I like to say an Adaptabilibuddy) it is my job to help you move forward and find your own paths to navigate life. Challenges will arise and as your Adaptabilibuddy, my job is to not be your friend, but to support you and help you adapt to life in the tone of a supportive friend. You inherently have your own “adapt-abilities” as well, and we can create plans and routines together that embrace your natural adapt abilities.
As the years have gone by, the APA (American Psychology Association) has discovered that ADHD isn’t just a black and white diagnosis. It has evolved, like Autism, into a spectrum of symptoms and cognitive differences that should be celebrated. The term Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder hasn’t always made sense to me since ADHD is so much more complex than simply an attention disorder. It’s a blend of a lot of different symptoms that is experienced in a very individual way. There are, of course, commonalities within the ADHD community, such as executive dysfunction but the level of severity or challenges range. This is why it’s so important to me to personalize my coaching sessions around your specific goals.
Working with me as an ADHD coach will look different for each person, but here is a general idea. Our work will focus on supporting your executive function needs (organization, motivation, time management) and finding strategies that fit into your unique life. We will meet once a week to address the upcoming week's tasks and challenges, then identify helpful strategies/accommodations, as well as check ins for accountability. None of us have to figure out the complexities of this world alone, or recreate the wheel, sometimes we just need a new idea and extra encouragement.
Something I carry with me in my sessions is the core of integrating your greatness and nothing is ultimately correct, there is no right way, there is just your way. When we start looking at the process as a reward and pleasure and not spotlight the end results, our bodies and minds can, hopefully, naturally help build stronger neural pathways to help regulate our dopamine and enjoy the challenges in life instead of hesitating. Everyone is doing their best everyday and who are we to say different things? This is the best you can do and that’s wonderful and great. You are truly the leader and painter of your life.
