FAQ

Coaching is a good fit for individuals who have a child who has been recently diagnosed with ADHD and/or co-occurring conditions. These people want support and are open to working with a coach.  Even though their parents may have initially introduced coaching to them, they are doing it for them, not for their parents. Lastly, an ideal coaching client knows that progress takes time but if you remain open to the process, knowing success is their future.

According to ADHD Experts David Giwerc MCAC & Dr. J. Russell Ramsay: CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that aims to change negative patterns of thinking and change the way patients feels about themselves, their abilities, and their future. CBT is supported by clinical evidence and research results showing that the therapy delivers real-world benefits for adults with ADHD — namely higher self-esteem, productivity, and happiness. ADHD coaching is an ongoing collaborative partnership created to facilitate greater self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-initiative for clients with ADHD. It is built upon unconditional acceptance and a powerful appreciation of the client’s potential, uniqueness, strengths, capabilities, and wholeness. ADHD coaches are well-versed in ADHD-specific coaching competencies. The coaching process empowers clients to accomplish personal and professional goals with customized strategies built specifically for ADHD minds. You can definitely do both!

Yes, a formal assessment or evaluation with a health care practitioner who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring conditions is a vital component of effective comprehensive treatment of ADHD. ADHD coaching is an integral component of comprehensive treatment. However, ADHD coaches are not diagnosticians. Coaching can bridge the gap between biology and behavior, but it is not the only answer. Effective treatment often includes an ADHD psychiatrist, a CBT therapist who is experienced with ADHD, and a well-trained ADHD coach. When a coaching client is frustrated by their ability to function in specific situations, tasks, and environments, then I refer them to an MD specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD or a therapist who is experienced with the diagnostic process for ADHD and co-occurring conditions. The doctor can help the patient receive a proper diagnosis, which unlocks targeted medication at a correct dosage. Research tells us that, in 80 percent of cases of ADHD, treatment with stimulants will mitigate the impairing symptoms of ADHD. Even then, the pill does not give you the skill. But it may put a client on a level playing field to pay attention and sustain focus so they can work with a coach. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-therapy-cbt-vs-coaching/

According to ADD Academy, an ADHD Coach Verses Other Life Coaches -   Listens and questions from an ADHD Lens -   Assists clients to learn their specific ADHD brain wiring -   Encourages and assists clients to create systems and supports that work for them -   Helps clients uncover and build from their ADHD-specific strengths -   Is a very active collaborator and partner in understanding client’s possible delayed development, low self-awareness, time insensitivity, and/or under-developed executive functions.

A client must commit to at least 4 sessions at one time. One intake session and three following coaching sessions.

Unfortunately, I don’t. All clients pay out of pocket. I’ve had many clients submit invoices to their work HSA or FSA  accounts successfully.

You do not. However, getting a comprehensive evaluation from a neuropsychologist is extremely helpful in the treatment process in understanding your diagnosis as well as any comorbid conditions you may have Will be helpful in determining the best course of action for the client.

No, I cannot. I can support you in finding the right medical provider for diagnostic testing and can help you further understand your diagnosis.

Coaching sessions are individualized per client. Time of sessions vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour, either once or twice a week.  Most of my coaching sessions are held online via GoogleMeet or phone. If you are in the Chicagoland area, I have a home office and offer in-person sessions per my availability. All of my materials, strategies, and tools that I use during my coaching sessions are evidence based from the latest neuro-scientific research.

There is no timeline for coaching. However, if you are consistent you should see progress within the first 3-5 months.

Of course!