How To Choose An ADHD Life Coach

My name is Natasha Hickling, and I am a fully qualified and certified ADHD Life Coach. As the founder of Indigo Hub, I work with clients with ADHD, empowering them to find practical, workable solutions to their problems.  

Finding the right ADHD coach can be challenging, and you may not know where to start. The aim of this article is to explain the benefits of ADHD coaching, and help you understand how coaching works. It should also make it easier for you to find the right coach for you. 

Why work with an ADHD coach? 

People with ADHD can feel like life is a constant juggling act. Between focus issues, time management struggles, and emotional regulation challenges, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Medication and therapy can help, but sometimes you need a more personalised approach. Enter the ADHD life coach: your expert guide to navigating the complexities of ADHD and unlocking your full potential. 

What can I expect from a coach? 

A coach is different to a therapist. I like to use the metaphor of a broken-down car. A therapist would be able to tell you what had led to the car being broken, whereas a coach can give you the practical steps to help you get back on your journey. 

Before you start your search for a coach, it's important to understand exactly what they can help you with. 

• Unveiling your ADHD: A professional ADHD coach will help you gain a deeper understanding of your specific ADHD challenges. They'll work with you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, core symptoms, and triggers. This self-awareness is the foundation for building effective strategies. 
• Goal setting: Mastering the art of goal setting can feel impossible with ADHD. Your coach will guide you in setting realistic, achievable goals aligned with your values and aspirations. They can also help you prioritise these goals. This is done by breaking them down into manageable steps to keep you motivated and on track. 
• Time Management Techniques: Time management is a battlefield for many with ADHD. During your coaching session, you might look at time management tools and strategies. You may also consider different routines and systems that work for you, depending on your individual needs and preferences. 
• Boosting focus & attention: People with ADHD can struggle with focus and attention. Your coach will explore techniques to improve your concentration, and reduce distractions. Additionally they can help you optimise your learning and work environments for maximum productivity. 
• Emotional regulation skills: ADHD can often lead to emotional dysregulation. Your coach will equip you with strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and frustration effectively, promoting emotional well-being and resilience. 
• Building self-esteem & confidence: ADHD can take a toll on your self-esteem. Through positive reinforcement, goal achievement, and celebrating your progress, your coach will empower you to build confidence and self-belief in your abilities. 
• Developing healthy habits: Lifestyle choices significantly impact ADHD. Your coach supports you with your sleep routine, nutrition habits and exercise practices. This can help you manage your ADHD symptoms. 
• Accountability & support: Change can be challenging. Your coach will be there to support you by holding you accountable for your goals, and providing support and encouragement throughout your journey. 

Remember 

An ADHD life coach isn't a magic bullet, but they can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. They're not there to instruct, but to enable you to find solutions to your own problems. They can help you develop coping mechanisms, improve your mental health, and create a life that thrives, not just copes, with ADHD 

Things to consider when looking for an ADHD life coach 

1. Choose a certified ADHD coach. Whilst there are any number of coaching courses available out there, they vary in quality and training hours. Fully trained coaches should have completed over 80 hours of specific ADHD training and have an accredited coaching certification.  

The International Coaching Federation is a good place to read more about coaching and to search for an accredited coach.  

2. Understand the role of a coach. Before you look for a coach, make sure you understand exactly what their role is, and that this is what you are looking for. Consider the difference between coaching and therapy, and make sure you are seeking out the right support. Hopefully the information in this article can help you with that.
3. Finding a coach. This is one of the most challenging points to consider as there are multiple routes to finding an ADHD life coach. You may wish to seek a doctor referral, or you may be able to get a recommendation from someone you know.

You can also refer to ADHD UK website for guidance, or consult the ADHD section of the Life Coach Directory. Alternatively, you could simply use Google to search for what you need. 

1. Shop around. Every coach will offer a free consultation, so use this time to ascertain whether they are right for you. Consider whether you'd rather be coached in-person, online, or via telephone. ADHD coaches have different niches or specialisms, so include this in your decision.  

Coaches will have a bio on their website, so make sure you check this. You may wish to be coached by someone who has ADHD themselves so that they can empathise with your specific challenges. It's important to have professional chemistry with your coach. 

Addidude Mag has a list of questions you might want to ask a potential coach.  

5. Know what you want to achieve. Before you approach an ADHD coach, know what your specific goals are. Is there anything you are currently struggling with that a coach can help you achieve? Knowing this will help you structure your conversation with a prospective coach.

Conclusion 

An ADHD life coach can be hugely beneficial as long as you know what you need and what will work for you. If you take your time and do some research, then I have no doubt you'll find someone who can help. 

About the author 

Natasha works with ADHD clients as a life coach, and brings her own lived experience as a person with ADHD herself. She is the founder of Indigo Hub, which aims to empower neurodivergent individuals to unleash their full potential. You can find out more about Indigo Hub here.