WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ADD/ADHD COACH
Posted on May 31, 2012 by Mark Julian, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
A look at attention, ADD coaching and what some experts say about it.
Attention is our portal to awareness and as such, it determines the content and quality of our life experience. When our ability to control attention is challenged, as it is for millions of us with ADHD/ADD, other challenges can become magnified throughout life. ADD can present a spectrum of difficulties which are unique in their effects, just as each of us are unique as individuals. Education, medication and professional, individualized support can be life-changing tools in learning to manage your unique ADD.
It’s important to understand that ADD isn’t actually a deficit of attention; rather it is a challenge of attention regulation. Attention regulation effects not only what you pay attention to on the outside, but also your thoughts and emotions on the inside. The good news is that regulating attention is an individual discipline that can be practiced and strengthened, and like many other popular coaching applications, can be understood through co-active coaching techniques and hands-on, experiential learning.
When selecting an ADD coach, look for one that is certified by the ICF, which is the internationally recognized federation that sets professional coaching standards and practices. Certification is signified by the initials ACC, PCC or MCC following the coach’s name. Ask what ADD specific training the coach has had. Find out what direct experience they’ve had in living with ADD. Lastly, request that they provide a preliminary meeting, at no charge, to see if you’re a good fit for moving forward together!
Following are some quotes from well known experts on ADHD/ADD:
“Coaching is the single most effective tool in ADD self-management.” – Edward M. Hallowell, MD, Faculty Member at Harvard Medical School, Founder of the Hallowell Centers, Author & Speaker on ADD
“One of the most helpful treatments for ADD is personal coaching. Coaching helps a person develop good “internal supervision skills.” Coaching involves using another person (a coach) to help you set goals and develop specific skills needed to meet those goals. I have seen it be very powerful for people with ADD, who, as a group, tend to struggle with issues of goal setting, organization, planning, and consistent performance.” – Dr. Daniel G. Amen, M.D., Medical Director of the Amen Clinic, Author of Healing ADD and other books on the brain
“Coaching intervention can make a real difference in how people with AD/HD negotiate their own particular deficits and cope with life on a daily basis.” – ADDA, Attention Deficit Disorder Association
“Through a close partnership, an AD/HD coach helps the client learn practical skills and initiate change in his or her daily life.” – CHADD, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder
“Coaching is wonderful for those with ADHD because it gets to all the nitty, gritty stuff that medication does not address. Medication can reduce the symptoms of ADHD and help you concentrate, but it doesn’t teach you how to get organized or get that better job.” – Patricia O. Quinn, M.D. Author of books on ADHD and cofounder of The National Center for Gender Issues and ADHD
“Coaching, it turns out, is one of the most powerful and effective ways for people with ADHD to achieve success."
- Thom Hartmann, American radio host and the author on AD/HD
Engaging in a professional coaching relationship can be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made! It can be an adventure of self discovery and enrichment that will inform you and stay with you for years to come. And, of course, it can be fun! I hope you enjoy the journey.
Mark Julian, CPCC, ACC
ClearView, Attention-centered Consulting & Coaching
Business Counselor, George Mason University, SBDC
Cell: 703-362-2100
Skype: clearviewcoach
Email: getclear@clearviewcoach.com
Web: www.clearviewcoach.com
