Frequently Asked Questions
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. The symptoms affect cognitive, academic, behavioral, emotional, and social functioning. ADHD looks different for each person, and the symptoms change throughout life.
I believe ADHD is also a superpower. People with ADHD tend to be resilient, creative, empathetic, persistent, excellent problem solvers, able to hyperfocus on interesting tasks, and able to see the big picture when other people are bogged down in details.
Do I have to have ADHD to be your client?
I see clients both with and without an ADHD diagnosis. You may have not heard of ADHD before. Or, you vaguely know about it and wonder if maybe you have it. Or, you were diagnosed as a child, take medication, but still feel like ADHD is causing barriers to you having the life you want. Or, you were recently diagnosed and now are starting to see yourself in a whole new way. Maybe you are somewhere in between.
What does an ADHD life coach do?
An ADHD life coach helps clients recognize their own strengths and use these strengths to make positive changes in their lives.
As an ADHD life coach, I look beyond any labels you feel you carry to the unique human you are. It is normal that as a human, you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to achieve tasks you know you can do.
I will partner with you to create a safe place to talk about the challenges of life. I know how ridiculous life with ADHD can be, from running late despite your best effort to be on-time, to endless piles, to feeling paralyzed by the thought of doing laundry or washing the dishes.
What is your approach to life coaching?
I strive to create a supportive and empowering space for you to feel genuinely seen and supported without judgment. I will partner with you to uncover the abilities and strengths already within you to enable meaningful, self-driven change.
We explore any topic you bring to the session, and it is essential to me that you feel safe sharing. I will ask questions from a place of curiosity, as I firmly believe YOU are the expert in your own life. You want to make meaningful progress in areas such as career, relationships, academics, and daily life. And it is frustrating to feel judged and stuck instead of encouraged and moving forward.
I whole-heartedly believe you can rise above the challenges you are facing to build the future you desire for yourself. I am on your side!
Is there a difference between coaching and therapy?
Yes. While both aim to improve people's quality of life, coaching focuses on the present and the future. Therapy may spend time considering the past and how it is impacting the present.
ADHD often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. As a coach, I do not have the training or certifications to diagnose or treat mental health conditions, as a therapist or psychiatrist does. Having a multi-modal approach to managing symptoms of ADHD is considered best practice. Many clients continue to work with their therapist while engaging in coaching.
Another key difference is insurance coverage. Therapy may be covered through your medical insurance. Coaching is not usually covered by medical insurance.
What do other people say about coaching?
I came across a TED talk video clip of Bill Gates and a clip of Google CEO Eric Schmid talking about why everyone needs coaching. In my own personal coaching journey, I realize how right they are. I value hearing someone else’s reflection of how I am talking about myself in a way that lets me decide if that is really how I want to continue thinking and living.