Do you love the idea of becoming an ADHD coach, but you’re unsure where to begin?
As a fellow coach, I’ve been in that place, too. I understand the frustration of finding your calling - then realizing the path ahead is rather hazy. Fortunately, there are several pathways to become an ADHD coach, and there are plenty of ways to customize that path to work for you as an individual. At Shimmer, all of our coaches come from different educational backgrounds that equipped them to be expert coaches - which is a big part of what makes our team so strong!
In this post, we’ll review some of the most common pathways that lead to a career in ADHD coaching.
ADHD coaching certifications
One of the most direct ways to become an ADHD coach is enrolling in an ADHD-specific coaching program. There are several reputable programs that offer ADHD coaching and can assist you on your journey. We recommend taking a look at the Professional Association for ADHD Coaches website to learn more about programs that qualify you for their credential, code of ethics, and competencies. These programs will help you gather the necessary knowledge to effectively help your clients and will help you secure coaching hours for additional experience.
PAAC-approved programs:
ICF certifications
Many of the programs above are also ICF accredited programs. The International Coaching Federation is one of the largest organizations for trained coaches. ICF programs have a specific set of competencies and ethics that vary slightly from the PAAC. With a coaching credential from the ICF, you can continue on to gain additional education and experience on working with neurodivergence through elective courses, workshops, a plethora of online evidence-based articles, and other forms of self-study.
Note: there are other professional bodies and accreditations, such as the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). The ones discussed in this article are those that are most common to see in the United States for coaches. This guide is meant to be informative, but not fully comprehensive of all the options available.
National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching
Shimmer’s methodology is strongly rooted in Health and Wellness Coaching, as ADHD symptom management includes elements of lifestyle management and a holistic understanding of each a person. The National Board Certification in Health and Wellness Coaching is the gold-standard for quality H&W coaching. It has its own set of professional standards, which are different than those of the ICF & PAAC - although many Health and Wellness Coaching programs may be accredited by the ICF. In addition to this certification, you will need additional education and experience to learn more about neurodivergence as a whole and modify your coaching practice accordingly. You can find approved training programs here.
Program graduations/completion
You may complete a coaching program but end up not going through with a national or international certification. While some larger companies that employ coaches require them, receiving additional credentials from a coaching organization is not a requirement in order for your training program certification to be valid! Many people choose to complete a coaching program that is accredited by a larger organization like the NBHWC & ICF, but don’t move on to the certification process. Program graduations still show that students met their learning and performance objectives. It’s recommended to participate in a program that includes live synchronous coaching practice and performance evaluation from mentor coaches or coach supervisors to support your growth towards excellence.
Transitioning fields
We also see many people in coaching-adjacent fields and/or prior experience with neurodivergent persons wanting to make a transition into coaching. A background in any helping service is a great start to becoming an ADHD Coach, and with additional study to learn how to differentiate the fields, you can become a successful coach.
Some of the most common fields we see move into coaching are:
- therapist/psychotherapists/counselors
- social service workers
- special education teachers
- those in leadership positions
Using these backgrounds, you may also find a niche within ADHD coaching. For example, if you are someone who’s done K-12 Special Education teaching, you may find that transitioning into a Child or Teen ADHD Coach fits your skillset particularly well. If you have a background in leadership, you may find that your niche is working with Executives with ADHD. It can be helpful to think about how your past background fits into who you want to be as a coach and what kind of clients you might be best able to support.
Alternative paths
Some coaches do not come from helping backgrounds and may not be able to afford the significant financial investment required to be able to achieve these certifications above. This doesn’t necessarily limit your ability to become a coach. Wonderful coaches come from a variety of backgrounds, and you are still able to make this transition. You can try:
- Finding mentor coaches who might be able to support you finding a path forward
- speaking to people who are ADHD coaches to see what readings and webinars they recommend
- looking for online courses to deepen your knowledge about ADHD, coaching skills, and science of behavior change
While programs that involve supervision are preferred to make sure you’re getting feedback on the quality of your coaching sessions and insight on how to continue growing, self-education can get you a long way, and opens up a lot of doors for continuous improvement.
Coaching experience
The best way to become a great coach, besides learning the science of coaching, is to gain experience in it. Many coaches get started through pro bono coaching (coaching others for free - often friends, family, and acquaintances) and began by very transparently letting clients know that they are working on building their experience.
In any coaching engagement, be sure to be clear and honest about your background and experience and credentials. There are several online platforms where you can advertise your services at a discounted rate or for free as a beginner. Utilize your network to start learning about the coaching process. Actively reflect on what’s working, what can be improved, and what your next steps are.
Some coaches begin by trading sessions with another coach. This is a great way to start practicing coaching techniques and getting comfortable in a session. However, it is not the same as working with an individual who does not have a coaching background. Be sure to get hours working with non-coaches as well!
Working with an organization vs independent practice
Many coaches choose to operate their own private practice as a coach and seek clients independently through marketing. This is how many coaches first get started working with clients, and several choose to remain independent! One of the factors to weigh, when considering whether you may want to have an independent practice or partner with an organization, will be how much work and effort you find the administrative and marketing side to be. There are a lot of conversations you’ll have with yourself to determine what the best option for YOU as a coach will be. However, if you would like to work with an organization, they may have their own requirements to be considered for a coaching role. Always check in with any organization you’re looking at joining to see what their specific requirements are, and adjust your path accordingly.
Recommended readings
ADHD Coaching Matters: The Definitive Guide by Sarah Wright
Coaching Psychology Manual by Margaret Moore
The Adult ADHD Tool Kit: Using CBT to Facilitate Coping Inside and Out
Hopefully this is a helpful starting point! Becoming an ADHD coach is a rewarding journey with multiple pathways to suit your unique background and goals. Whether you pursue ADHD-specific coaching certifications, explore ICF or NBHWC credentials, or transition from a related field, each route offers valuable opportunities. Even without formal certifications, you might find self-education, mentorship, and hands-on experience can lead to a successful coaching career. As you navigate your path, stay flexible, seek feedback, and continually refine your skills. Your unique journey will not only enrich your coaching practice but also make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you support.
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