What is ADD Coaching?

[NerdyMommy]

ADD coaching is an ongoing partnership that helps clients live more effective and satisfying lives by deepening their learning, improving their performance, and enhancing their quality of life.

Clients with ADD have the same human needs as any coaching client, and also face unique challenges related to ADD, which can interfere with their quality of life. These challenges might include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention, as well as the belief that they can't reach their goals because they have AD/HD.

ADD Coaches support their clients in developing a comprehensive understanding of both the nature of AD/HD and the impact of AD/HD on their client's quality of life. In addition, ADD coaches work with clients to create structures, support, skills and strategies to help them move forward with fuller and more satisfying lives. Coaching assists clients with AD/HD to stay focused on their goals, face obstacles, address core ADD-related issues like time management, organization, and self-esteem, gain clarity and function more effectively. The client is seen by the ADD coach as resourceful and thus, with increasing self-awareness, as fully capable of discovering his or her own answers.

ADD coaching also helps clients to:

* Understand that the source of many of their challenges is AD/HD, not personal shortcomings.

* Safely examine areas of failure and areas where they want to be held accountable.

* Heighten self-awareness and self-observation skills, and use those heightened skills to improve decision-making and performance.

* Change perspective when "stuck" (i.e. learning new ways to work with procrastination, perfectionism, staying on task, or being more consistent.)

* Become aware of their own learning styles, processing styles and learning preferences so they can enhance their ability to learn and comprehend information and situations.

ADD Coaching can be an important part of a comprehensive program for individuals with ADD. The coaching process initiates and encourages taking ownership and self- responsibility. Coaching is individualized and action-focused, so the client is working to build productive habits and systems that lead to a fulfilling life.

*Taken from The Guiding Principals For Coaching Individuals With Attention Deficit Disorder, presented by The National Attention Deficit Disorder Association Subcommittee on ADD Coaching.

**Found at http://www.addcoachacademy.com/whatisadd.html

[DANA]

NerdyMommy, this post has been so helpful in understanding more about what an ADD Coach is and what to expect from one. I wish that I would have years ago looked into this service because I used most of my time and energy towards helping my children with ADHD & learning disabilities, while not fully knowing to do to help myself.

I am now wondering after all these years that I have known that I have ADHD if I was simply accepting that I felt "stuck"? What has helped me so much was back in December when I was extremely depressed and challenged that you gently nudged me to help myself, instead of focus only on helping my children. It was your helpful and caring suggestion that opened my eyes for the first time to start taking action and making a positive change in my life.

This ADD Coaching group is so beneficial to all of us here on ADDer World and I am excited that we have a helpful place to turn to that will encourage us to take responsibility to lead a more fulfilling life!

[NerdyMommy]

Dana, it means alot to me that I was able to help you when you were depressed - truly, thank you for letting me know that. You're definitely not alone in feeling stuck. I think what happens for alot of people is, even after you get diagnosed, you still don't really know how to move forward. Adults who weren't diagnosed as a child are in a tough place for two reasons: 1, they didn't have the benefit of learning how to manage their symptoms at an early age, and 2, living with undiagnosed ADHD leaves most people with such terrible self esteem and emotional damage. So you get a diagnosis, and maybe some medication, and in most cases, that's it. You still don't know how to manage your symptoms, and you've spent your whole life believing that you couldn't succeed, so you've forgotten how to even try. And you stay stuck, because you just don't know how to move forward - or maybe you don't even know that you CAN.

Learning to stop accepting the status quo, and realizing that you do have everything you need move forward and live the life you want to live, are things that a good coach will help you with. Sometimes you need someone else to nudge you along, to challenge you to stretch in ways that you don't think that you can - and that's what a coach is for.

I'm excited about this group as well. I hope that as we add more material and really turn it into a resource, that more and more people will benefit even from just learning about coaching.

Thanks again Dana, for your comments - they touched me, truly.

[Talitha]

so, i understand what coaching is, but what is this group exactly? what is expected of its members? are we here to be coached, coach, or discuss coaching? i've just begun reading about the group, so perhaps i'll find answers as i continue to read, but i thought i'd ask, also.

i think coaching is a GREAT idea. what a solution based idea! i'm looking forward to getting involved.

[NerdyMommy]

Talitha, the main purpose of this group is to give members information about coaching and the benefits of having a coach. I'm hoping that we can provide some guidance for self-coaching as well, for those who aren't in a position to be able to hire a coach right now. It also gives our coach members an arena to reach out to the members here and offer their services without spamming or soliciting members uninvited.

As the group grows and more coaches become involved with the group I am hoping to see more resources available here - articles, tips, etc. If you have questions about coaching, or becoming a coach, how to find one, or how to self coach, please feel free to start a discussion - that's what we're here for!