How I Became an ADHD Coach
ADHD coaching wasn’t something I always knew about.
In 1998, my daughter and I were diagnosed with ADHD at the ages of 16 and 46. We literally knew nothing about it, nor the impact it had on our lives. Our relationship was non-existent and anything we had to say to each other was an immediate argument. My daughter did not take the diagnosis of ADHD very well and it just made matters worse. She could now add, “it’s your fault I have this” to her repertoire of negative statements. Of course, I couldn’t let that go unanswered.
I came across information on the Internet about a CHADD conference. I wanted both of us to attend but I wasn’t sure how to approach my daughter. I expected the usual negative response when I asked her if she wanted to go to a conference on ADHD. Instead, she simply said, “Yes!” My head spun around and I was so surprised that I ran to the phone and made the reservations immediately before she could change her mind; and, I told her there were no refunds!
It was our first conference and a very positive one. While my daughter attended sessions of her choice, I became very curious about the sessions on coaching. Just what was coaching? I attended sessions by Nancy Ratey and Sari Solden and was very impressed. I immediately knew this was something I wanted to do. I felt that surge of excitement and energy in me that said what a great career – being a coach! When I returned home, I connected with Susan Sussman, American Coaching Association, and took her course on ADHD coaching.
I spent the first couple years monitoring myself and my children with ADHD and began developing strategies and structures that kept us on task and moving forward. In that time, our family was also diagnosed with depression and anxiety, adding another dimension to coaching. I developed skills through observations and self-awareness exercises, and taking classes online.
My confidence to coach became greater each week and my ability to relate to those with ADHD became stronger. It wasn’t long before I developed my style and method of coaching for people with ADHD. I developed and published planning-journals (Plan For Success©) for adults, college students and K-12, that are an integral part of every coaching session. I wrote articles for local papers, and national publications. It wasn’t long before I was presenting at schools, hospitals, and national conferences. I had found my niche in life – ADHD Coaching.
Today I coach adults through a six-week coaching class “Building Life-Long Strategies” using my model “Framing the ADHD Experience.” I also train fellow coaches all over the world using this model. Read what some of my students have said about the course.
I’m still as passionate today about my work as I was in 1998. I love how empowering it is for my clients as well as myself. I feel fortunate to have such a wonderful career.
