The Ultimate Guide to ADHD Coaching
If you just discovered ADHD coaching and are starting to dive into the deep black google/tiktok/reddit hole, you’re in the right place—let us save you some time. This is your ultimate guide to ADHD coaching, answering the top questions our Shimmer ADHD coaches get from our members.
Too long, didn’t read
(Here’s a summary—but really, I’d recommend reading the whole thing!)
ADHD coaching:
- is a behavioral method to help individuals with ADHD learn how to manage their symptoms, develop strategies, and achieve their goals
- is extremely personalized—it is catered to your goals and needs
- is not a free hall pass! It requires effort, reflection, and an open-mind
- generally costs $100-300/session ($400-1,200/mo.) but at Shimmer starts at $80 for the first month
- requires careful selection of the right ADHD coach, cadence, and format to be effective
ADHD Coaching: An Introduction
First off, I want to say that ADHD coaching has changed my life. Read my full blog post, “How ADHD Transformed My Life: A Detailed Account of Month 1,” to learn more. Or read one of our Shimmer members, Chris Cameron’s post, “A Journey of ADHD Coaching and Personal Growth”.
Let’s start off with our definition of ADHD coaching:
ADHD coaching is a partnership between an individual with ADHD (you) and an expert ADHD coach, that helps the individual reach their goals & full potential.
Each ADHD coaching journey will look completely different, but with some general guidelines: ADHD coaching is a judgement-free container where you’ll set goals, experiment with systems & routines, and learn new skills—all in a personalized way so that it works for your unique life.
And the definition of an ADHD coach:
ADHD coaches are trained professionals who work with clients to develop strategies for managing ADHD-related challenges and reaching their goals.
Think of them as not only as your fiercest supporter and cheerleader, but also a trusted expert with ample knowledge of, and experience with, ADHD. They will be invested in your personal growth and will keep you accountable for achieving what you set out to do.
Who Is ADHD Coaching For?
Coaching can be beneficial for anyone struggling to manage their symptoms, such as poor time management, disorganization, lack of focus, impulsivity, and procrastination. The coaching process can help individuals with ADHD identify their strengths, develop strategies for managing symptoms, improve executive functioning skills, and achieve their goals.
Coaching can also be helpful for family members, educators, and employers of individuals with ADHD, as it can provide them with tools and strategies to support and empower those with ADHD.
ADHD coaching could be a great fit if you’re looking for:
- Help identifying or clarifying how ADHD is impacting your life
- Permanent skills, rather than something you’ll do once, then forget all about it
- Action orientation, versus just talking about your challenges with no clear plan how to address them
- Tips, strategies, and coping skills that are science-backed
- Accountability and support from someone who gets it
Who Is ADHD Coaching NOT For?
While ADHD coaching can be beneficial for many individuals with ADHD, it may not be the right fit for everyone.
Coaching is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment, and individuals with severe symptoms may require medication or therapy to manage their condition effectively. Generally speaking, coaching is for people who are in a place in their life where things are stable, but you’re ready to achieve more.
Additionally, coaching may not be suitable for anyone not willing or able to commit to the coaching process or who have unrealistic expectations for their progress. If you’re not willing to try new things, if you want someone to just tell you what to do, or you don’t have the time to put in daily work toward building new habits and behaviors, ADHD coaching is unlikely to be effective.
Lastly, individuals with conditions that mimic or co-occur with ADHD, such as depression or anxiety, may need to address these issues before they can effectively engage in coaching.
What Can an ADHD Coach Help Me With?
An ADHD coach can help you with a wide range of challenges related to ADHD. Some common areas of focus include:
- Time management
- Organization
- Procrastination
- Goal-setting
- Prioritization
- Decision-making
- Emotional regulation
- Communication
- Relationship building
How Does ADHD Coaching Work?
There are two main components involved:
- helping you focus on the horizon—your vision, goals, and opportunities; For ADHD brains, it can be hard to look beyond the present
- bridging the gap between where you are today and where you want to be
ADHD coaching is also about autonomy & freedom. ADHD coaches don’t diagnose, treat, prescribe, or tell you what to do. They build on your knowledge and past stories of success to find systems that work for you.
ADHD coaches use a variety of techniques and strategies to help clients manage their symptoms and improve their functioning. Some common techniques include:
- Goal-setting: ADHD coaches work with clients to set achievable goals and develop a plan for reaching them.
- Accountability: ADHD coaches provide support and accountability to help clients stay on track with their goals.
- Skill-building: ADHD coaches teach clients specific skills and strategies for managing ADHD-related challenges.
- Mindfulness: ADHD coaches may use mindfulness techniques to help clients stay focused and present in the moment.
- Education: ADHD coaches provide information and education about ADHD to help clients better understand their condition and how to manage it.
Where Do I Find an ADHD Coach?
There are several ways to find an ADHD coach. Some options include:
- Online directories: Websites such as CHADD and the ADHD Coaches Organization have directories of certified ADHD coaches.
- Referrals: Ask your healthcare provider, therapist, or other trusted professional for a referral.
- Social media: Search for ADHD coaches on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Facebook.
- Online coaching platforms: Some coaching platforms, such as BetterHelp and Talkspace, offer ADHD coaching services.
- Shimmer: Check out our Essential, Standard, and Immersive plans or email us for a free consultation! hi@shimmer.care
How Much Does ADHD Coaching Cost?
The cost of ADHD coaching varies depending on several factors, such as the coach's experience and credentials, the length of the coaching relationship, and the frequency of sessions.
On average, ADHD coaching can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per session.
At Shimmer, our plans start at $80 for your first month.
Can I Get Insurance Coverage For ADHD Coaching?
Unfortunately, insurance companies in the US do not typically cover coaching services. However, some do allow the use of FSA/HSA funds to cover the cost of coaching. You can in fact use your FSA/HSA account for Shimmer services!
If you’re looking for ways to cover the cost of ADHD coaching, it's best to start by checking with your insurance provider to determine what is covered under your plan. If coaching isn’t covered by your insurance, and you don’t have HSA/FSA funds, you can also:
- Shop around - coaching costs vary greatly, and you may find a different provider in your budget
- Apply for a scholarship, like the one Shimmer offers
- Ask the provider if they offer sliding scale fee options
- Apply for healthcare financing through your bank or services like CareCredit
How Do I Choose a Coach Fit for Me?
Choosing the right ADHD coach is essential for a successful coaching relationship. When choosing a coach, consider the following factors:
- Credentials: Look for a coach who is certified by a reputable organization such as the International Coach Federation (ICF) or a adjacent helping profession (e.g. therapists, Masters in Special Education, Masters in Psychology).
- Experience: Choose a coach who has experience working with individuals with ADHD.
- Personality: Choose a coach whose personality and coaching style aligns with your own.
- Goals: Choose a coach who can help you achieve your specific goals.
- Cultural awareness: Depending on your situation, consider choosing a coach who is experienced with culturally-competent coaching or mirrors the backgrounds that are important to you
How Do I Make the Most of ADHD Coaching?
To make the most of ADHD coaching, it is essential to be open, honest, and committed to the coaching process. Here are some tips for getting the most out of ADHD coaching:
- Set specific goals: Work with your coach to set specific, achievable goals.
- Be honest: Be honest with your coach about your challenges, fears, and goals.
- Be open to feedback: Be open to feedback and willing to try new strategies and techniques.
- Practice self-awareness: Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors between coaching sessions.
How Do I Know If ADHD Coaching Is Working?
Knowing if ADHD coaching is working requires ongoing reflection and assessment of progress.
One way to determine if coaching is effective is by tracking improvements in the areas that coaching partnership is targeting, such as time management, organization, focus, and productivity. This can involve setting goals, establishing benchmarks, and measuring progress over time.
Another way to assess progress is through feedback from the coach, who can provide insight into changes they observe and offer guidance on areas for continued improvement.
Additionally, you can reflect on your experience of coaching, such as changes in your mindset, feelings of empowerment, and overall satisfaction with the coaching process.
What If I Don't Have an Official Diagnosis of ADHD? Can I Still Benefit From Coaching?
Absolutely! The tools, skills, and strategies used in ADHD coaching can be helpful for anyone who feels they need support with time management, organization, emotional regulation, and other ADHD symptoms. An official diagnosis is typically not required (ask the provider you’re interested in, just in case).
Conclusion
ADHD coaching is a valuable intervention for individuals with ADHD who are looking to improve their daily life and achieve their goals. Coaching can provide individuals with the tools, techniques, and strategies they need to manage their symptoms and enhance their executive functioning skills. Through the coaching process, individuals can identify their strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and work towards achieving their personal and professional goals.
Although coaching may not be the right fit for everyone, for those who are motivated to engage in the process, it can be a transformative and empowering experience. By working with a skilled and experienced ADHD coach, individuals with ADHD can unlock their full potential and thrive in all areas of their life.
If you’d like to see some concrete examples, check our our recent blog post 5 Case Studies & Common Challenges.
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