What is ADHD Life Coaching?
There are many types of coaches and many, many more types of people and lives.
First, let's cover the second half of that title, Life Coaching.
Consider this use of the word 'Life' to mean any aspect of your life in which you would like to achieve growth or create change. This could mean something about school or career, relationships with others, or personal goals you would like to fulfill. Mostly, you talk and I listen. We have conversations that lead to self-discovery, clarity of purpose, and setting goals; we also plan the steps to achieve those goals and that vision.
It might be surprising to learn that, as your Life Coach, I am not going to outline a path or hand you a worksheet with a program on how one should live a happy life.
As your Life Coach, I believe that you are the expert and authority of your own life. I also believe you are creative, resourceful, and whole in your ability to manifest real and lasting change.
You are holding the map; your coach helps identify your path. You are the chooser; your coach helps you to navigate the obstacles and challenges along the way to your chosen goals.
All types of people work with Life Coaches. Astronauts, BBQ Pit Masters, heads of state, hairstylists, bicycle mechanics, students, Moms, Dads, CEOs, brain surgeons, sanitation workers, and other Life Coaches. And they do it to work toward all kinds of changes, goals, and discovery.
The benefits of Life Coaching are not limited to the achievement of goals. People experience changes in many other areas of personal growth. To list just a few:
More balance in life
Self-discovery and awareness of core values
Greater clarity of purpose and goals
Feelings of empowerment, ownership
Greater self-reliance
New strategies to accomplish goals
Improved relationships
Improved sense of self and self-esteem
Awareness of personal boundaries
A greater understanding, and practice of, personal accountability
Feeling more confident and capable, therefore less stressed or overwhelmed by life, work, etc.
... Life Coaching improves lives in many, many ways.
Life Coaching is also a regulated profession. Founded in 1995, the International Coaching Federation has 25 years of research, standards, and integrity. It is the largest regulating body of professional Coaching.
From the ICF: "Coaching is a thought-provoking and creative partnership that inspires clients to maximize their personal and professional potential, often unlocking previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity, and leadership."
OK, now for the first part: What is ADHD Life Coaching?
ADHD Life Coaching is Life Coaching with the added training, knowledge, and understanding of ADHD applied. An ADHD Life Coach also provides skills coaching and ADHD education.
In practical terms, as part of our process, we will explore and consider the unique ways you experience life with ADHD. We will work to recognize your gifts and strengths and apply them toward your goals. We will also work to create solutions for the ways ADHD challenges you. I can provide information and resources to help you better understand ADHD.
For individuals with ADHD, ADHD Life Coaching has additional benefits. To list a few of them here:
Learning about ADHD and finding a sense of community
Becoming aware of how ADHD is, and is not, affecting their life
Learning what motivates and inspires them
Prioritizing life by what is meaningful for them
Discovering strengths and leveraging these to achieve their goals
Learning to deal with being stuck, and problems getting started
Developing the tools, techniques, strategies, and interventions needed to accomplish goals.
Creating systems for coming up with personal solutions and strategies that work
Understanding and learning how to regulate their emotions and actions
Having a sense of being in control
Feeling empowered and in control of their ADHD
Experiencing success in social situations and relationships
ADHD Life Coaching is a studied, recognized, and powerful tool for individuals with ADHD who are working to improve their lives.
ADHD Life Coaching is also a regulated profession. Together the ICF and the ACO (ADHD Coaches Organization) define standards and practices of ICF accredited training programs and credentialed Life coaches who specialize in ADHD Life Coaching.
What would you like your coach to help you with today?