How is ADHD Coaching Different from Psychotherapy?

I once gave a presentation to a group of therapists who were looking at me to explain the difference between what they were doing with their clients and what I was doing. I said to them that they were there to fix problems. They were there to help the client address problems within themselves and heal, to offer a cure. I was there, as their coach, to add the structure they need in their life so that they can get to their session on time.

So what does that mean? The primary assumption with therapy is that there is an “issue” something wrong that needs to be fixed or healed. Therapy’s focus is often on the past and how it relates to an individual’s development. Coaching works in the context that while we acknowledge that while there may be underlying issues, you are in a place in your life where you are capable of committing to taking consistent action steps towards your life vision.

Coaching works to help you answer the question: “Now what?” You may know you have ADHD but how does it affect you? What are your specific strengths? What are your specific challenges? How can you use your strengths to support your weaknesses? How can you make your ADHD work for you or at least with you instead of against you?

ADHD Coaching is about understanding where you are today and finding practical solutions to your everyday life challenges. To help you manage the “business of being alive”. Coaching is proactive. ADHD Coaching acknowledges personal issues, but focuses on practical things such as skill development and new strategies that will help you get closer to your goals and be better equipped to meet your life's daily challenges.

ADHD Coaching helps you learn new behaviors and habits and even new ways of thinking to overcome challenges. You set the agenda. We spend time asking and answering questions and brainstorming new ideas. We give dignity to all of your thoughts and behaviors and applaud all of your successes.

by Carrie Greene, ACC, CarrieThru, LLC, ADHD Coaching & Organizing Services.

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