You may think that I am about to give some direct appeal to work with me as your ADHD coach, that I am absolutely amazing and you should put all your trust in me.
I can tell you right now, it's possible that I am not the coach you need right now, or maybe never would be. Nobody can be all things to all people. Maybe we just aren't a good fit personally, maybe another coach would be more relatable or have more experience in certain areas than I have.
There are several things I would ask you to consider before engaging with coaching. I would encourage you to speak to more than one coach before making your mind up, if you have decided that coaching is the right approach for you right now in the first place.
Choosing the right ADHD coach can be a transformative step in managing ADHD effectively. With the right coach, individuals can develop strategies to navigate daily challenges, improve their self-esteem, and enhance their overall quality of life.
However, finding a good match requires careful consideration, you should never feel pressured into working with a particular coach. I would argue that someone advertising as an "ADHD Coach" without relevant and appropriate experience or training is just going to make things worse for you.
Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision.
Understand What an ADHD Coach Does
Before starting your search, it's essential to understand what an ADHD coach does and judge if it's the support you actually need right now. Unlike therapists or other medical professionals, we are NOT medical professionals ourselves. You may need access to someone who may focus on emotional healing and mental health, not coaching. ADHD coaches specialise in helping clients developing their own practical strategies to manage their symptoms, by empowering you to become more aware of ADHD and how it shows up for you.
A coach will work with you to improve skills related to your current performance in different areas, through an ADHD-lens. They guide you to better outcomes across areas such as time management, organisation, goal setting, and self-regulation and accepting yourself for who you are by knowing more about yourself and your limits.
Knowing this distinction will help you set the right expectations from the start. Ultimately, you will need do the work to improve yourself, the coach is your guide who can help and encourage you to move forward, to give some perspective, who "gets" you and leads you to initiate experimenting on approaching things in different ways, in different contexts, and builds the confidence in you to reflect and articulate what you may need.
Identify Your Goals
Begin by identifying your specific goals and challenges. Are you looking to improve your organisational skills, manage procrastination, or boost your productivity at work? Perhaps you need help with maintaining routines or managing stress. Clearly defining what you want to achieve with coaching will guide you in finding a coach whose expertise aligns with your needs.
However, be open to the idea that your goals from coaching may change, this is one big difference between more traditional "coaching" and "ADHD coaching". From the outset of coaching, you may feel you have a certain goal or destination in mind. However, ADHD can distort what we feel we need from the outset, as we learn more about ADHD and our relationship with it, what we want can change.
I would encourage you to pick a coach who is going to support your initial goals but is also going to be a non-judgemental guide and detective who will probe, challenge, support and follow changes of context or guide you to alternative destinations as they might emerge.
Look for Specialised Training and Experience
An effective ADHD coach should have specialised training and experience in working with ADHD clients. Look for coaches who have completed programs accredited by reputable organisations. These credentials indicate that the coach has received comprehensive training and adheres to professional standards.
Also, your ADHD Coach does not have to have ADHD themselves, but it could be an advantage if they did as they will "get" you from the outset.
If your coach does have ADHD, they should be able to clearly demonstrate that they have a plan and how they will follow-through with you between sessions consistently. My own help was from people who didn't have ADHD, but they had dedicated their professional career to ADHD and understood it and how it shows up fully.
Check for Personal Compatibility
This is absolutely essential, the coach-client relationship is a deeply personal one, requiring trust and mutual respect. During initial consultations, pay attention to how you feel when interacting with the coach. Do they listen actively and understand your concerns? Do they communicate clearly and empathetically? Are they talking about themselves too much and not listening to you? Are they just offering you advice and not leading you to your own conclusions?
Feeling comfortable and understood is crucial for a productive coaching relationship, you will not progress if you feel you have to "follow their instructions" and things are fixed and rigid, worse still, you're not being listened to or judged.
Inquire About Their Coaching Style
Coaches may employ different approaches and techniques. Some may use a more structured, directive style, while others may adopt a collaborative, client-centered approach. Ask potential coaches about their coaching style and methods. Ensure that their approach aligns with your preferences and learning style. For example, if you thrive on structure and clear guidance, a coach with a more directive style might be more suitable.
Consider the Setting and Costs
Practical considerations such as availability, location, and cost are also important. Determine whether you prefer in-person sessions or if remote coaching would suit your needs better, maybe it makes no difference but if it does, be careful from the outset. If you do go ahead with remote and it's not working for you, consider ending the engagement.
Discuss the frequency and duration of sessions, as well as the overall cost. Some coaches offer sliding scale fees or package deals, so explore your options to find a service that fits within your budget. Ask what the policies are for cancellations and terminating the engagement before the anticipated end. Ask them what type of agreements they provide and what terms they will be bound to in terms of confidentiality and other rules-of-engagement.
Evaluate Their Commitment to Ongoing Education
ADHD research and best practices are continually evolving. A good ADHD coach should be committed to ongoing education and professional development. Ask potential coaches how they stay current with the latest research and techniques in ADHD coaching. Their commitment to learning indicates a dedication to providing the best possible support they can to their clients.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts. After gathering all the necessary information and having initial consultations, reflect on which coach felt like the best fit for you. Your intuition, combined with the concrete factors you’ve considered, will guide you to make the best choice.
Never be afraid to stop coaching with a coach if you start. Don't worry, a good coach will fully respect this decision. You should not feel committed to a process that is not aligned with you, isn't getting you anywhere or makes you feel you can't be yourself or as open as you need.
Choosing the right ADHD coach can be a significant step toward managing ADHD more effectively and improving your quality of life. A good coach will facilitate you developing this understanding and encourage you to different outcomes, they will not "broadcast" their opinions or offer advice based on what maybe worked for them.
By taking the time to research and reflect on your options, you can find a coach who will empower you to reach your goals and navigate the complexities of ADHD with confidence.
