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Coaching Psychology is a relatively new field. As it grows, more questions are being asked about who can be a coach and what it means to be a coach. This sparks important discussions about the skills, competencies, and qualifications necessary for effective coaching - a conversation which becomes even more complex in specialized areas like ADHD Coaching, which centers around identity.
ADHD Coaching falls under Health and Wellness Coaching and embraces the neurodiversity paradigm, which recognizes and respects the unique ways in which ADHD brains operate. There’s a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the neurodivergent community, driven by the need to support a population that has often been overlooked.
Grounded in both professional and educational experience, in this article Shimmer’s Lead Coach, Alex Bellitter, and Principal Coaching Psychologist, Xenia Angevin, discuss the competencies that characterize effective ADHD coaching and discuss what a neuroinclusive space means.
This brings us to the controversial question:
Do ADHD coaches need to have ADHD?
For Shimmer, the answer is straightforward: No. While having lived experience with ADHD can be valuable, it’s not a requirement for being an effective ADHD coach.
Why is working as an ADHD coach as a non-ADHDer controversial?
This crux of the conversation is around the importance of identity and lived experience. Having a non-ADHD person coaching those with ADHD raises concerns about whether they can truly understand ADHD challenges in a way that supports ADHDers. It also challenges what it means to have a space dedicated to neurodivergence.
The argument for ADHD coaches having ADHD
One of the biggest arguments for ADHD coaches having ADHD themselves is the value of lived experience. Coaches with ADHD have firsthand knowledge of what it looks like to seek out information about ADHD. They know what it looks and feels like to begin the oft-arduous journey of discovering what having ADHD means for you, and the challenges that come along with it. Having ADHD provides an deep understanding that can't be replicated through training, and some clients may feel more comfortable and understood knowing their coach has walked a similar path.
Having that sense of connection and relatability can also enhance a client’s commitment to coaching. When clients see their coach as someone who has faced a similar journey and succeeded, it can inspire belief in their own potential for success. It may also encourage them to be more vulnerable and communicative about their feelings and experiences. This sense of companionship can be particularly powerful in combatting the sense of loneliness and misunderstanding which is a common experiences for those with ADHD.
Our case for welcoming non-ADHDers as ADHD Coaches
Neuro-Inclusivity
In a world striving for neuro-inclusivity, it’s essential not to block people from helping professions because they don’t have certain neurotype. The focus should be on skills and capabilities rather than personal diagnoses.
Having ADHD doesn’t automatically qualify someone to be an ADHD coach, just as being a coach doesn’t necessarily mean one is qualified to coach individuals with ADHD. The key lies in the skills, empathy, and understanding of neurodivergence a coach brings to their practice.
For example, if someone with ADHD is impatient or struggles with their own impulsivity, particularly in conversation, they might have difficulty fully listening to their clients and end up dominating the time in the call. Their personal insights might allow them to connect and build relationships with clients by normalizing their experiences, but the coach may struggle to provide the structured support and space that clients need to make progress.
On the other hand, a coach without ADHD who has a solid background in psychological theories, evidence-based strategies, and further training in ADHD management might see better client outcomes. While they may not be able to build the same level of relatability, they may further the client’s progress more.
Coaching is a unique field in that lived experience tends to be seen as the bar needed to be a leader or to work in a particular space, compared to other professions that have minimum requirements necessary to be seen as a leader. As Coaching Psychology becomes more universally known, our standards for who is seen as a coach will shift.
Emphasizing education in ADHD-focused professions
While lived experience is invaluable, it's not the sole determinant of an effective ADHD coach. The field of Coaching Psychology has advanced significantly, enabling us to understand that the key to successful coaching lies in a combination of education, skillset, and empathy. The ability to listen, empathize, and guide clients through their challenges is not exclusive to those with ADHD; it’s a skillset that can be cultivated through commitment to learning and growth.
In regards to ADHD-specific coaching, non-ADHD coaches can bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of neurodivergence through training and education. They learn about ADHD’s intricacies, and their expertise in evidence-based practices, cognitive behavioral techniques, and coaching methodologies equips them to support clients in ways that are both practical and transformative, enabling clients to live with self-compassion and awareness of their ADHD.
Relevant life experiences beyond ADHD
Life experiences other than ADHD can also be relevant and lead to a deep connection and relatability for clients. ADHD is a unique condition, with its own set of challenges; but the broader spectrum of mental health experiences—such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, or anxiety—can offer valuable parallels that resonate with ADHD clients.
For instance, someone with bipolar disorder may understand the challenges of mood regulation and energy management, which can be similar to the emotional dysregulation experienced by those with ADHD. People diagnosed with anxiety may understand what is like to learn of your diagnosis it, accept it, and work through social stigmas or misinformation associated with it. Those with PTSD might struggle to maintain focus or develop resilience in the face of daily stressors which may be triggering. These shared struggles can foster empathy and understanding, enabling them to connect with ADHD clients on different, but meaningful levels.
Passion around ADHD
Typically, ADHD coaches who do not have ADHD themselves are in this space for a reason. Often, they have a deep passion stemming from personal connections, such as having a sibling, child, or partner with ADHD. This passion can translate into a more informed and empathetic approach in their coaching, even if they themselves don’t have the diagnosis. In this way, a coach’s passion for ADHD isn’t just about their own personal story with ADHD; it’s about a broader commitment to fostering understanding, breaking down stigmas, and providing support for the sake of being supportive.
These coaches approach their work as allies and collaborators. Often, because they don’t have ADHD, they continuously strive to deepen their understanding of ADHD, staying up-to-date with the latest research as an outsider.
How to be mindful as an ADHD coach without ADHD
Sensitivity and respect as a non-ADHD coach
For non-ADHD ADHD coaches (quite difficult to say), being in this space requires sensitivity and awareness to avoid overshadowing the voices of people with ADHD. Historically, ADHD voices have been marginalized or silenced, and being in this space means recognizing that with respect. Coaches without ADHD should be mindful of their role as supportive allies, meaning their contribution to the conversation should not eclipse the experiences and voices of those with ADHD.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Create an Inclusive Space. Make sure your environment allows clients to feel safe to share their experiences and insights without feeling judged or misunderstood. This might involve being particularly attentive to your language and being mindful of how you phrase questions to be neurodivergent-friendly. Asking them about what they need before they get started or if there’s anything that you can do to make the session a positive experience.
- Collaborate with the ADHD Community. Try to work with neurodivergent professionals and collaborate on projects together when possible. This helps voices of those with ADHD remain integral to the conversation.
- Acknowledge Your Position. As someone without ADHD, your perspective is different from those you coach. Being open and acknowledging this difference is a form of transparency that builds trust as a supportive ally.
Client Preferences and Fit
Similar to preferences based on gender, race, or parental status, some clients may find greater comfort and relatability with coaches who share their personal experiences. Some people only want parenting coaching from someone who is a parent themselves. A female executive may prefer to work with a female executive coach who may have a deeper understanding of gender dynamics in leadership. There are plenty of people who prefer to work with professionals who have similar life experiences. You may have the skillset and know-how to support those with ADHD, but may find some people will elect not to work with you. Remain confident in your abilities and place, but honor the fact they feel better with someone else.
Exploring your ADHD coaching options as a client
Not sure how you feel about working with an ADHD Coach that doesn’t have ADHD themselves?
It is important to reflect on why having an ADHD diagnosis might be a necessity for you.
Sometimes, our preferences are shaped by a desire for shared experiences and relatability. Perhaps seeing a coach with ADHD serves as a powerful role model and reminds you in each session what is possible. Maybe it’s something else. However, effective coaching is not solely dependent on a coach's personal diagnosis. Their skills, empathy, and understanding of ADHD are also important. Considering these aspects can help decide which coach will best support your growth.
Questions to consider:
- What do I want a coach to understand from personal experience with ADHD? Are these specific to only ADHD, or are there people that may relate to this? Do all people with ADHD relate to this?
- How do I think a coach with ADHD might approach my situation differently than a coach without ADHD?
- How will I respond to feedback or suggestions from a coach who does not have ADHD?
If you decide you want to work with a coach who has ADHD themselves, that’s absolutely your choice! Different individuals bring different strengths to the coaching relationship. While someone may not be the right match for you, non-ADHD coaches may provide a valuable experience for others.
Conclusion
So, can someone who does not have ADHD be an ADHD coach? Absolutely, if they have the right skills and education.
The efficacy of ADHD coaching hinges on professional coaching skills, including education, empathy, and a deep understanding of neurodivergence. While lived experience can provide valuable insights, it is the training and application of psychological theories and evidence-based strategies that define an ADHD coach's effectiveness.
Interested in becoming an ADHD Coach?
Check out our blog on how to get started.
