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What is ADHD Coaching?
Think of ADHD coaching as having a personal trainer for your brain. At PathWays Forward, I provide specialized life coaching designed specifically for adults with ADHD. Together, we’ll figure out practical strategies and systems that actually work with your unique ADHD brain. Unlike therapy, we’re all about the here and now – focusing on “how do we make tomorrow better?” rather than diving deep into your past.
Great question! While therapy is like archaeology – digging into your past to understand patterns – coaching is more like being a GPS for your life. I’m not here to analyze; I’m here to help you actually get stuff done. Therapy heals; coaching builds. Many of my clients do both, which honestly is a pretty great combo!
I’m like your ADHD translator, strategy buddy, and (probably) much needed cheerleader, all rolled into one. When you need it, I can help you understand why your brain does that thing it does, help you see where your “challenges” can be superpowers, create systems that don’t make you want to throw your planner out the window, be your accountability partner (in the nicest way possible), break down those overwhelming tasks into bite-sized pieces, and boost your confidence so you can advocate for yourself. My goal is to help you gain focus, feel balanced, and find your path forward.
Who Can Benefit from PathWays Forward Coaching?
Nope. I’m comfortable working with ADHDers who are pretty darn sure they have ADHD or are waiting for their evaluation appointment (which, let’s be honest, probably took forever to get). Having a diagnosis can help you feel more certain about your ADHD (buh-bye imposter syndrome) as well as helping you access additional supports (like medication and official accommodations), but you can coach with me regardless.
I specialize in working with ambitious adults who experience ADHD. Whether you’re a busy professional, an overwhelmed parent, just starting to lean into your ADHD, trying to figure out how to process a change, or navigating any major life transition, I’m here to help you work with your weird and wonderful brain. Every ADHDer deserves to live their best life!
Absolutely! Meds can be awesome at helping your brain focus, but they don’t magically teach you how to organize your sock drawer or remember where you put your keys (if only!). Think of medication as giving you a clearer windshield, while coaching teaches you how to actually drive the car.
The Coaching Process at PathWays Forward
Basically, we hop on a call (virtually, though we can talk about in-person if you’re in the Portland, Oregon Metro area), chat about how your week went, celebrate your wins (we actually find them even when you’re sure they don’t exist!), tackle whatever you feel you need to work on, help you find solutions that don’t make you roll your eyes, and set up a game plan for the week ahead. Sessions are usually 45-60 minutes and are never longer than 90, just enough time to make progress without either of our brains checking out (yes, I have ADHD too).
Most folks start with weekly or biweekly sessions because, let’s face it, a lot can happen in a short time when you have a brain that operates at ADHD speed! As you get your groove and build some solid habits, we might spread out your sessions. It really depends on what’s going on in your life and how much judgement-free support you need at a particular time.
How long is a piece of string? Some ADHDers work with me for a few months to tackle a specific challenge, others stick around longer because they love having that regular check-in and accountability. Most folks start seeing some real benefits within 3 sessions, but building rock-solid habits? That’s more of a marathon than a sprint.
We’re going to get to know each other! We’ll talk about how ADHD shows up in your life (the good, the bad, and the “why did I put the milk in the cupboard again?”), talk through what you want to work on, dig into what’s already working for you (because something always is, even if you don’t see it yet!), set some realistic expectations, and start plotting your path forward. No pressure, just conversation. Plus, I offer a free strategy session so we can see if we’re a good match!
Practical Concerns
If I could, I’d offer all my coaching for very low cost. I just think it’s that important! But a girl’s gotta make a buck, ya know?
So it’s not free, but I do offer three different coaching programs to fit different needs and they are all based on a pay-what-you-can scale with suggested pricing between $50 and $200 per session. During our free strategy session, we’ll discuss which program might be the best fit for you and go over how to make the pricing work for you. I believe in transparency, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before we start working together.
Insert sad trombone sound here – most insurance companies don’t cover coaching because they consider it “life coaching” rather than medical treatment. But hey, some HSA and FSA accounts will cover it, so it’s worth checking with your benefits folks. I’m happy to provide any documentation you might need. Also, I offer pay-what-you-can pricing as I truly feel that ADHD coaching should be available to anyone who needs it.
Oh absolutely! In fact, most of my coaching sessions are done virtually, which works perfectly for most ADHDers. No commute stress, you’re in your own space, and let’s be real – sometimes it’s easier to focus when you’re not worried about whether you remember to put your pants on đŸ™‚ Plus, if you need to fidget or pace around your living room during our chat, go for it (but probably should wear pants if you do)!
Finding the Right Coach
I’m not just any life coach – I’m specifically trained in ADHD coaching through ADDCA (ADD Coach Academy), and I have personal experience with ADHD myself. I get it because I’ve lived it. I specialize in working with ambitious adults, understanding the unique challenges folks face with ADHD. Plus, I offer a free introductory session so you can get a feel for my coaching style before committing.
I’m a trained ADHD coach through ADDCA (ADD Coach Academy), one of the most respected ADHD coaching training organizations (and I’m about to get my Advanced ADHD Coaching certifications through the ICF and PAAC). This means I have specialized knowledge about how ADHD affects adults specifically, plus practical tools and strategies that actually work for our unique brains.
Yes! I wrote ADHD Brilliance: Unlocking Your Potential and Thriving with ADHD – it’s packed with practical strategies and insights for ADHDers who want to work with their brains instead of against them. You can learn more about it at https://pathwaysforwardcoaching.com/adhdbrilliance/. It’s a great companion to coaching, but definitely not required! It’s also a fantastic resource if you’re not quite ready for coaching but want to start implementing some ADHD-friendly strategies on your own.
Ask me about my personal ADHD experience, how I work with clients, what my training background includes, what a typical session looks like, how I’m available between sessions if you need support, and how my programs work. Don’t be shy – this is your brain we’re talking about, and I want you to feel completely comfortable with your choice! Honestly, ever hear of ADHD over sharing? I am an open book. And I’ll probably tell you more than you ever wanted to know đŸ™‚
Common Coaching Goals
Where do I start? Folks want to stop feeling overwhelmed by their never-ending to-do lists, stop being late to everything (the eternal ADHD struggle), figure out where their stuff actually goes, stop procrastinating until the last possible second, focus without getting distracted by literally everything, create routines that don’t fall apart after three days, manage their emotions without feeling like they’re losing it, communicate better in relationships and at work, and actually succeed in the right careers. You know, the usual!
You bet! Work can be especially tricky for ADHD brains. We can work on managing your time so you’re not always in crisis mode, organizing your workspace so it doesn’t look like a tornado hit it, juggling deadlines without having a breakdown, communicating with your boss without over sharing, figuring out career moves that play to your strengths, and navigating workplace accommodations (yes, you deserve them!).
Here’s the thing about organization – you won’t transform into Marie Kondo overnight (and honestly, who has time for all that folding?- as it turns out, not even Marie! ). But we will find realistic systems that work with your brain instead of against it. Maybe that’s digital tools, maybe it’s color-coding everything, maybe it’s having a body double while you tackle that scary pile of paperwork. Whatever works for YOU.
Effectiveness and Expectations
Research shows ADHD coaching works pretty darn well, and I’ve seen amazing transformations in the folks I work with! Most see real improvements in how they function day-to-day and feel about themselves. But here’s the deal – it’s not magic. You’ve got to (kindly) show up, be willing to try new things (even when they feel weird at first), and (kindly) stick with it even when progress feels slow. Think of it as leveling up your life skills.
Ha! I wish I could wave a magic wand and fix everything for you, but that’s not how this works (and honestly, it wouldn’t stick if I could). Think of me as your guide and cheerleader, but YOU are the one doing the heavy lifting. I’ll help you figure out what to do and how to do it, hold you accountable, celebrate your wins, and problem-solve when things go sideways. But the actual doing? That’s all you, my friend. The good news is you are a whole, capable person and you’ve got this!
If you’ve been at it for a while and things aren’t clicking, definitely speak up! Maybe we need to switch up our approach, meet more or less often, figure out if there’s something else going on that needs attention first. I’m committed to finding what works for you. Sometimes it takes time to find the right strategies for your unique brain.
Nope, nope, nope! I’m not a doctor or therapist, and I don’t play one on TV. Coaching is amazing, but it works best as part of a holistic approach that may include meds, therapy, lifestyle changes, and whatever else helps you thrive. Always chat with your healthcare providers about your treatment plan.
Getting Started with PathWays Forward
You might be ready if you’re actually motivated to change things up (not just complaining about them), entertain the idea that things can be different, willing to try new strategies even if they seem silly at first, able to carve out time for regular sessions, looking for real solutions, and ready to do the work, not just talk about doing the work.
Take some time to think about what’s really bugging you and what you’d love to change, reflect on what you’ve tried before and what worked or didn’t work, come up with questions for our strategy session, and make sure you can realistically fit coaching into your schedule.
Absolutely! In fact, having a whole support team is pretty awesome. Just give everyone a heads up about who else is on your team so we can all work together when it makes sense. Think of it as having multiple people on your team, each bringing their own skills and knowledge to help you succeed.
Easy! Just book your free strategy session through my website at pathwaysforwardcoaching.com. We’ll chat about your goals, I’ll explain how my programs work, and we’ll figure out if we’re a good match. No pressure, just a conversation about how to help you live your best life with your weird and wonderful brain!
Are You Ready to Take the First Step?
At this point, you can follow one of two paths. First, you can move on without scheduling a strategy session and continue doing what you’ve always done. And, chances are, you’ll continue getting what you’ve always gotten. You can continue to struggle with your goals and dreams and face the challenges alone.
Or you can choose the second path.
You can choose to do something different, to stop trying to figure this out all by yourself and instead partner with someone who has knowledge of the inner workings of the ADHD brain and has already figured out how to achieve the very things you want so badly. You know where you’ll be in a year if you choose to do nothing, but there’s no telling how far you’ll go in life with Sue by your side, guiding you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to change your life, I invite you to choose the second path, schedule a strategy session, and take the first step toward a bigger, brighter tomorrow.
Questions? Click here to contact us.