Coaching vs Therapy: Unravelling the Differences

As an ADHD coach, I'm no stranger to the question, "How does coaching differ from therapy?"

It's a valid question considering the shared goal of both coaching and therapy – to enhance mental well-being, foster personal growth, and improve daily life. While they both provide safe, confidential spaces with therapeutic value, they also serve distinct purposes.

Having tried various types of therapy, psychology, and coaching myself, I can tell you it's not black and white.

Here's how I explain the differences between coaching and therapy.

PAST VS PRESENT

One way I like to explain the difference is this: therapy traditionally deals with the past, while coaching focuses on the present.

To put it another way: therapy answers "why," and coaching tackles "how." Therapy comes in when you need to process emotions, untangle situations, or find answers to lingering questions. Therapists excel at helping individuals make sense of chaos and understand their emotions.

In contrast, coaches thrive at helping you come up with practical solutions for challenges you're currently experiencing, solutions that work with your brain in ways that are tailored for you. Coaches might peek into your past and explore your emotions briefly, but they don't linger there. It's all about the now, with any time spent looking backwards done with the purpose of serving the now.

WHEN THERAPY MEETS ADHD

From my experience coaching adults with ADHD, there is sometimes some caution and even a sense of fatigue felt by clients when it comes to seeing a therapist - especially if they have engaged in therapy prior to their ADHD diagnosis.

Therapy might not directly address the symptoms of ADHD, particularly those common to adults with the condition, such as difficulties with organization, time management, over commitments and overwhelm. If these symptoms are not recognized as ADHD-related, the individual might feel like therapy isn't helping them truly understand and address their specific struggles. This can then cause people to feel frustrated during therapy if they can't explain why certain challenges persist despite their efforts, which can lead to frustration and ultimately feeling like they "failed" at therapy.

It can be worth trying therapy again after your diagnosis (with a therapist, psychologist, or counsellor with specific interest or training in ADHD). Your diagnosis will give both you and your therapist a deeper insight into your previous life experiences, help you understand why you behaved in certain ways, and give you the tools to help you heal from any shame and/or grief you still carry from those experiences so you can make better decisions in your future.

WHY ADHD COACHING, YOU ASK?

This is where coaching steps in as a game-changer. It offers a fresh perspective and renewed potential, tailored for ADHD minds. Working with an ADHD coach will help you build a toolkit of skills that will help you right now.

There's also a common saying in ADHD coaching: "pills don't teach skills".

Medication helps the brain, but it doesn't cure all your problems or make your ADHD magically disappear. Some ADHDers find that even with medication, certain tasks and challenges remain tough.

Expert Russell Barkley summed it: "ADHD is not about knowing what to do, it's about doing what you know – at the right times and places."

That's ADHD coaching; learning the skills your medication won't teach you.

Here's just a few real-life examples of how ADHD coaching can help you:

• Improved Focus at Work: ADHD medication helps your brain's ability to focus, but you may still struggle with organizing tasks and managing your time effectively. ADHD coaching steps in by teaching you practical techniques like breaking tasks into smaller steps, structuring your time in a way that works for you, and taking charge of prioritizes. These skills help you make the most of your increased focus, boosting your productivity at work.

• Consistent Daily Routine: Your medication helps you stay alert, but establishing a daily routine remains a struggle. With ADHD coaching, you learn how to create a routine that works for your brain and personal needs. By externalizing tasks such as setting timers or using visual reminders, as well as incorporating regular breaks, you create a routine that minimizes forgetfulness and ensures you stay on track throughout the day.

• Effective Decision-Making: Medication might enhance your cognitive abilities, but making decisions is still overwhelming. ADHD coaching helps you to determine your core values so that you are clear on what matters most to you so you can break down complex choices, weigh pros and cons, and set reach decisions faster. These strategies streamline the decision-making process and reduce the anxiety that can come with it.

• Improved Self-Esteem: While medication may help you to feel less restless by reducing the cognitive load and physical restlessness, self-esteem struggles persist. ADHD coaching focuses on building a positive self-image by acknowledging achievements, drawing on your strengths, setting realistic expectations, and practicing self-compassion. This boosts your overall confidence and well-being.

CURIOUS ABOUT WHETHER ADHD COACHING WOULD HELP YOU?

The journey isn't about choosing between coaching or therapy; it's about embracing the possibilities offered by both. The two can work harmoniously, providing a holistic support system for individuals with ADHD.

If you are struggling with ADHD, book in a free 20 minute introductory call with me and let’s see if we’re a good fit.