How to find the right ADHD Coach for you
With increasing numbers of ADHD coaches now available to work with, how do you find one that is the right fit for you? Here's my guide to help you make an informed decision.
Qualifications and Experience
ADHD Coaching is not a regulated industry in Australia, which means that anyone can call themselves a coach. It’s also important to understand that ADHD Coach training is specialist and distinct from other coaching professions. When researching potential coaches, look for those who have undergone specific ADHD coaching training through a certified training school. If that coach belongs to an appropriate governing body such as the International Coaches Federation (ICF), that’s even better and means they will uphold the ethical standards of that institution.
ADHD Coaches Australasia has a list of certified ADHD Coaching schools which you can find here.
While formal certifications are a necessary starting point; real-world & personal experience with ADHD is also invaluable. Make sure to find some testimonials, as these can provide insights into the coach's approach, effectiveness, and how they’ve practically helped their clients.
FIND SOMEONE WHO GETS YOU
Every individual's experience with ADHD is unique. Hence, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. The right coach will recognize this and tailor their strategies to align with your specific needs, strengths, and challenges.
During initial consultations, gauge how the coach listens to you. Are they genuinely interested in understanding your story, or do they jump to conclusions? A coach who takes the time to understand you will likely offer a more personalized and effective coaching experience.
Ask about their coaching techniques and tools. Do they offer a variety of strategies, or do they stick to only one methodology? Flexibility in approach can be a good indicator of a coach's adaptability to individual needs.
Discuss your goals openly during consultations. A good coach will not only listen but also offer insights, feedback, and potential strategies to help you achieve them.
Furthermore, consider the coach's values. Do they resonate with yours? A strong alignment in values can lead to a more trusting and effective coaching relationship.
ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
Every individual's experience with ADHD is unique. Hence, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. The right coach will recognize this and tailor their strategies to align with your specific needs, strengths, and challenges.
During initial consultations, gauge how the coach listens to you. Are they genuinely interested in understanding your story, or do they jump to conclusions? A coach who takes the time to understand you will likely offer a more personalized and effective coaching experience.
Ask about their coaching techniques and tools. Do they offer a variety of strategies, or do they stick to a rigid methodology? Flexibility in approach can be a good indicator of a coach's adaptability to individual needs.
Discuss your goals openly during consultations. A good coach will not only listen but also offer insights, feedback, and potential strategies to help you achieve them.
Furthermore, consider the coach's values. Do they resonate with yours? A strong alignment in values can lead to a more trusting and effective coaching relationship.
Open Communication and Trust
A successful coaching relationship is built on open communication and trust. You should feel comfortable discussing your challenges, successes, and concerns without fear of judgment.
During initial interactions, assess how the coach communicates. Are they empathetic, understanding, and non-judgmental? Your comfort level with the coach is crucial for a successful partnership.
Ask about their confidentiality policies. Ensuring that your personal information and discussions remain private is essential.
FLEXIBILITY
It’s also worth looking into the types of sessions offered by coaches. Do they exclusively offer their sessions as a part of a package or allow you to pay as you go. Consider which option will work best for you.
Some people benefit from booking a package of sessions as this helps keep them stay accountable, while others prefer the flexibility of paying as they go because it suits their lifestyle or budget better.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE INTRODUCTORY CALLS
There’s a reason most coaches will offer free introductory calls - research shows that getting the right fit and building rapport with your therapist is as affective as the therapy itself, and I’d imagine it would be similar with coaching.
Here’s why Introductory Calls are important:
Just like in any other relationship, compatibility matters. An introductory call lets you interact with the coach or therapist, getting a feel for their personality, communication style, and approach. This interaction helps you gauge if there's a natural rapport and if you feel you can build a strong working relationship.
Each coach has a unique approach to their work. During the call, they can explain the methods, techniques, and strategies they use. This helps you gauge if their approach aligns with what you're looking for.
You might have questions or concerns about the coaching process, and these calls are a good opportunity to ask these questions directly and clear up any doubts you might have.
An introductory call allows you to tune into your intuition or simply get the vibe of the coach. Feeling a sense of ease, trust and rapport from the outset can set a positive tone for your future work together.
Introductory calls are free. They can save you money in the long run by giving you a sense of what the coach is like before making a financial investment in a process you may later find is not right for you.
If you're considering a few different coaches, introductory calls allow you to compare and contrast their approaches, personalities, and how well they meet your needs.
CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME?
Finding the right ADHD coach is a journey in itself, but with the right considerations and questions in mind, you can find a partner who truly understands and supports your unique ADHD experience. Remember, this is a partnership built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. With the right coach by your side, you can navigate the challenges of ADHD with confidence and achieve your goals.
If you're on the hunt for an ADHD coach, take your time, trust your instincts, and prioritize your needs and values.
If you’re wondering whether we’d be a good fit, you can book a free 20 minute introductory call here to find out.
