
What is ADHD Life Coaching?

​The relationship between an ADHD Life Coach and client is a partnership. Imagine that you, the client, are in the proverbial driver's seat (i.e., in or on whatever mode of transportation you choose). An ADHD Life Coach travels side-by-side with a client every step of the way (e.g., down every road, detour, reroute; over rough terrain and waves; into the depths as well as to new heights, etc.), for life is, after all, a journey....
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The field of ADHD coaching was introduced in 1994 by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D. in their book "Driven to Distraction." ADHD coaching is a specialized area of life coaching that incorporates techniques designed to assist individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder by mitigating the challenges (e.g., executive function deficit) of living with ADHD. Coaches work with clients to help them better manage time, organize, set goals, and complete projects. In addition to assisting clients' understanding of the impact (of their unique) ADHD on their lives (past and present), coaches can help clients develop strategies to deal with specific challenges, and determine and use individual strengths. Coaches also help clients get a better grasp of what reasonable expectations are for them as individuals since people with ADHD "brain wiring" often seem to need external "mirrors" for self-awareness about their potential despite their impairment. (Adapted from Wikipedia, 2020)
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ADHD life coaching is a niche field of life coaching distinguished by the specialized training in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that a coach receives. Selecting an ADHD coach may be daunting. Know that there are select life coaching training programs that focus on ADHD, and even more select ADHD life coaching programs that are recognized by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) - the worldwide governing body that upholds the highest coaching standards and ethics.