the adhd coaching process

Myth: A person must have a diagnosis before starting the ADHD coaching process.

Fact: Any child, adolescent or adult who is struggling with time management, organizational skills, procrastination, distractibility, short term memory and other ADHD “like” issues can benefit from the ADHD coaching process. Testing and subsequent diagnosis can be discussed at the client’s request.

The coaching process begins with a no-cost prescreening session to determine coach/client compatibility and client readiness for coaching. It is recommended that prospective adolescent and young adult clients talk directly with the coach, too.

Prescreening is followed by a fee-based intake session. During the intake, the coach asks background questions to get to know the client and powerful, open-ended questions to get to the heart of the client’s core life values, goals and desires.

Coaching sessions, by phone or in person, average thirty (30) minutes per week. Coaching partnerships last a few months or longer, based on the client’s goals, skill level and progress. Coaches bill on monthly basis, versus hourly or weekly, with details provided in a coaching contract.

During the coaching process, the coach can:

• Meet with the client and client family to assess the environment, identify needs, set goals, and offer suggestions and guidance.
• Set structure, provide support and help implement strategies for skill building.
• Schedule voice mail, e-mail or text message check-ins to support progress and goals.
• Team up with other specialists to ensure that services are coordinated at home, school and in the workplace.
• Provide an outside source of structure that is non-confrontational, relieving stress from within the family unit.
• Work with the client to develop strategies that work best with the client's learning style.
• Educate the family and friends on ADHD, co-existing conditions and related issues.
• Foster appropriate social skills, self-discipline, self-reliance and self-advocacy.
• Build self-esteem and confidence throughout the coaching relationship.