Introduction To AD/HD Coaching

by Andrea Little

WHAT IS AD/HD COACHING ?

AD/HD coaching has been defined as follows: "AD/HD coaching is an ongoing relationship which focuses on the client taking action toward the realization of their vision, goals or desires. AD/HD coaching uses a process of inquiry to discover ways in which a client can maximize strengths and talents, function optimally with a disability, and be responsible and accountable for actions or lack of action. AD/HD coaching provides clients with structure, support, skills and strategies."

WHY DOES A PERSON WITH AD/HD NEED A COACH?

Not all people with AD/HD do need a coach. On the other hand, after you have a medical diagnosis, have found the right combination of medications to normalize your brain functioning, have educated yourself about AD/HD and how it has and can affect you, have surrounded yourself with supportive, understanding people and a support group, but still find yourself spending hours and days playing solitaire instead of doing the dishes, paying bills or doing your paperwork, it is time to consider hiring a coach.

IS A COACH THE SAME AS A THERAPIST?

No , a therapist helps a person with emotional problems and growth (which may stem from having a disorder such as AD/HD). An AD/HD coach works specifically with AD/HD issues helping the AD/HD person learn ways to set realistic goals and reach them.

IS THERE SPECIAL TRAINING OR CERTIFICATION TO BECOME A COACH?
Training for coaching can be obtained through some AD/HD coaches.  There is no certification for AD/HD coaches yet.  Training gives the AD/HD coach a structure from which to work and the assistance of more experienced AD/HD coaches if needed.

CAN ANYONE BE AN AD/HD COACH?
Yes, anyone who helps a person with AD/HD develop and reach their goals is being a coach to them. However, a coach without a plan, without training and without the backing of experience may be less successful than one who is professional, trained and experienced. Also, because of the relationship between a coach and a client, it is difficult to have a coach with whom you are emotionally involved.

HOW MUCH DOES AN AD/HD COACH COST?
Cost of coaching varies from coach to coach. Some bill weekly, some monthly. The cost is usually billed by the hour. How much time each client needs varies also. Some people want daily contact of 15 minutes or more. Others don't need daily contact but want longer contact on a weekly basis.

HOW IS AD/HD COACHING DONE? WILL THE COACH COME TO MY HOUSE?
AD/HD coaching is different for each coach and each client. Each coach has a preferred way of working and each client has different needs.

BELOW ARE SOME QUOTATIONS FROM PROFESSIONALS ABOUT AD/HD COACHING:

In her book, Women With Attention Deficit Disorder (Underwood Books, Grass Valley, CA, 1995), Sari Solden, MS, MFCC says, "...it can be wonderful to find a "Coach." This can be someone trained and paid or someone that you helped to develop, a non-judgmental friend who's organized but flexible .... There are three main areas in which a coach can help in your personal life. First, she/he can help you stay on track and help you prioritize to meet your goals.... Next, your coach can help you see your successes by being supportive, almost a cheerleader.... Thirdly, a coach can be right in your house to help you maintain systems, put papers away, getting to all the stuff that you hate: that boring, repetitive filing, paying bills, balancing the checkbook or going through papers" (page 246).

In their book Driven To Distraction (Pantheon Books, New York, 1994), Hallowell and Ratey say, "We particularly like the idea of a coach. This person may also be a therapist, but need not be. It may be a friend or a colleague, anyone who knows something about ADD and is willing to put in the time — ten or fifteen minutes a day — to coach" (p. 227).

In their book, Out of The Fog (Skylight Press, New York, 1995), Kevin Murphy, PhD, and Suzanne LeVert say, "...you may find it very helpful to enlist a coach or partner in your efforts to come to terms with the disorder — a trusted person who can guide you through skill-building techniques, and help you through the periods of frustration that are bound to crop up. Coaches can help remind you of your long-range goals, while gently keeping you focused on the tasks at hand. A coach can be particularly helpful at work, especially when you're first learning new skills and techniques" (p. 147).

Andrea Little is a therapist who works with many adults with AD/HD. Andrea can be reached via e-mail at Annie12345@aol.com.