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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that deals with the regulation of a particular set of brain functions and related behaviors. These brain functions are collectively referred to as “executive functioning skills” and include important functions such as attention, concentration, memory, motivation and effort, learning from mistakes, impulsivity, hyperactivity, organization, and social skills.

Various contributing factors are influenced by specific chemical and structural differences in the brain. ADHD is often diagnosed in children, and many of the symptoms persist into adulthood. The core symptoms (distractibility, response inhibition, and restlessness) can cause difficulties in relationships, at home, and at work.

People with ADHD are often described by friends and family as intelligent, funny, empathetic, and creative problem-solvers. Unfortunately, they may not have many opportunities to focus on those strengths because they often struggle with organization, time management, and consistency with other important life skills.

ADHD Coaching is a collaborative partnership created to facilitate personal growth and awareness that leads to conscious choice, focused action, and a more meaningful and rewarding life. ADHD coaching is built upon unconditional acceptance and a powerful, appreciation of the client’s uniqueness, potential, strengths, skills, and talents.

From the International Coach Federation’s website, in their FAQs:

“Therapy deals with healing pain, dysfunction and conflict within an individual or in relationships. The focus is often on resolving difficulties arising from the past that hamper an individual’s emotional functioning in the present, improving overall psychological functioning, and dealing with the present in more emotionally healthy ways.

Coaching, on the other hand, supports personal and professional growth based on self-initiated change in pursuit of specific actionable outcomes. These outcomes are linked to personal or professional success. Coaching is future-focused. While positive feelings/emotions may be a natural outcome of coaching, the primary focus is on creating actionable strategies for achieving specific goals in one’s work or personal life. The emphases in a coaching relationship are on action, accountability, and follow through.” Coaching works from the individual’s experience to generate their own specific solutions. Coaching is client-directed, non-linear and has no curriculum.

Coaching can be a great complement to therapy, but it’s not a substitute. If you are experiencing significant symptoms of depression or anxiety, or have an untreated addiction, you should seek an experienced professional in those areas before hiring a coach. If you are currently working with a mental health professional, talk to them about your plans to work with a coach. At your direction and with your signed consent, I’d be happy to work with their guidance or collaboration. Some clients choose to do this, and others don’t.

Coaching is also not consulting, mentoring, counseling, or athletic development (sports coaching). These professionals bring their own experience and expertise to be learned and adopted by the client, individual, or group.

No, only a licensed clinician can give a formal diagnosis. I work exclusively on reducing the negative impact of symptoms. I cannot prescribe for, or treat your ADHD as a psychological or medical condition.

Yes. Since I don’t diagnose ADHD, I will work with people who believe they have ADHD symptoms, and are determined to move forward in life.

That depends on the client’s desired outcome. For some it will look like minimizing procrastination. For others it will be developing an understanding of their strengths, self-compassion and self-awareness, which will enhance multiple facets of life.

Thanks for asking! The foundation of my approach to coaching is introducing clients to the 24 character strengths as identified by the VIA Institute on Character. These positive traits, possessed by all human beings, describe the core of who we are and what we do. There are over 5.1 million potential combinations of these 24 strengths, and it is so much fun to help clients identify theirs, what they mean, and how they show up in life.

Together, we explore how focusing on the client’s strengths can take them on a journey to get what they want out of life. When we consistently activate our key strengths…

1) We honor what’s Essential about us

2) We infuse Energy in our approach to life, work, and relationships

3) We increase our overall Effectiveness in life

In short, E3 stands for Essential Energy for Effectiveness.

My coaching clients range from professionals to college students. They tend to be interesting, intelligent and creative, yet still struggle to plan, prioritize, control emotional reactions, regulate attention, complete projects, manage time and remember details – even when highly successful or motivated.

Without judgment and through an ADHD-focused lens, I partner with my clients to co-create strategies to overcome challenges, and I facilitate action towards their desired outcomes. My role is to be your sounding board, mirror, and champion. I will provide models and structure to help you organize your thoughts, beliefs, and values. I will bring details into focus to help you reach a deeper understanding, and appreciation of yourself. I will hold you accountable for your decisions and actions, and challenge you to be compassionate with yourself. Only with your permission will I provide my expertise, perspective, and experience. I will never tell you what to do.