When people approach me for ADHD coaching they quite often ask me how the way I coach people with ADHD is different to the way I coach neurotypical clients.

The short answer is that in many ways, what I actually do is not that different at all. Some aspects of coaching are very much the same, whether I am coaching someone with ADHD or not. For example:

I approach everyone I coach as a unique individual without judgement, taking time to listen and find out who they are, how things are for them and what makes them tick– and their ADHD is just one such thing. In fact, one of the things I’m proudest of as a coach, is the frequency with which clients tell me that I “get them” like nobody else ever has. And I hear this as often from my ADHD coaching clients as I do from others.

I help you clarify the outcomes you really want to achieve, and know what will be different for you, and what you’ll notice when that’s different, so we’ve got a really clear set of goals to aim for together.

I take a solution-focused approach, and encourage my coachees to stretch their thinking and get new insights about what may be possible by exploring their own successes, ideas and instincts, and modelling possible strategies from there.

Whoever you are, coaching with me usually involves exploring and making changes at both a cognitive (thoughts and beliefs) and behavioural (skills, strategies, actions) level. Both of these are appropriate and often present in ADHD coaching, although in ADHD coaching there’s usually a greater focus on the development of skills and strategies in terms of the outcomes we’re looking to achieve.

I ultimately use the same tools, skills and knowledge of psychology to help individuals make changes, develop new habits and overcome obstacles to change, whether the work I’m doing is ADHD coaching, executive coaching or life coaching (or indeed a mixture of all three, which is not uncommon!).

The main difference that a fly on the wall observing a coaching session would notice is that ADHD coaching is usually a blend of three different things:

I’m aware that what it takes for someone with ADHD to be organised and ready to get the best from their coaching session may be different to other people, and I will support that process differently if needed.

I may ask questions in a different way – shorter, simpler, or perhaps less or more abstract than usual, depending on the individual’s neurodiverse strengths and challenges.

When I’m helping people develop possible strategies, I do this from a place of knowing why what may often work well for someone neurotypical simply won’t cut it for someone with ADHD.  So I don’t suggest the same things that have been repeatedly suggested and rejected!

I know that while a problem or challenge a client has may sound and look the same on the outside regardless of whether it’s being brought to coaching by someone neurotypical or with ADHD (eg procrastination, long working hours, stress, or difficulties with time management), the root cause of the problem is likely to be different.

And as well as understanding that, I know that what’s easy and hard for someone with ADHD is different – and that means a different approach or starting point when looking for a strategy or solution.

I understand the likely strengths that someone with ADHD may have, and am able to help my clients uncover and use those strengths to develop potentially creative strategies so it feels easier and more natural to use to get results

I have different expectations around the kind of accountability someone may need in order to take action after their coaching session. What may be considered unethical or taking too much of the power within the relationship when working with someone neurotypical, may be essential for supporting someone with ADHD to make progress with new habits

I offer different session patterns and lengths for people with ADHD, depending on the type of ADHD they have and their particular needs.

In short, I will not expect you to do things in a neurotypical way and will be ready to work with you in whatever way your ADHD brain will best respond to!

I’m Jo Lee, the No Stress Success Coach. I help ambitious people with neurodiverse conditions achieve the successful, enjoyable work life they want, without the stress, self-doubt and exhaustion they don’t. I help you make changes that mean you control your work rather than it controlling you, so you’re able to switch off, worry less, sleep better, work less and live more. So you feel balanced, not burned out. 

I offer coaching remotely on Zoom or Teams, or in person from my coaching room in North Leicestershire.