Coaching for Adults with ADHD
ADHD is a medical condition, much more like diabetes than depression. It is not caused by traumatic life experiences like the loss of a loved one, physical or psychological abuse or emotional neglect. Consequently, traditional psychotherapy often fails to help adults with ADHD improve their lives. Like a diabetic patient, it is important for an adult with ADHD to understand the medical causes of their medical condition…. To learn how medications work and which one might be best for them…. To appreciate the role of nutrition and fitness in improving attention, mood and functioning. Sometimes, adults with ADHD can “do it on their own”. Other times, the advice of a personal trainer or “coach” is needed to help them take steps to simplify their lives and overcome the day to day problems that are part of ADHD.
At our clinic, we are here to help you, if you need a “coach”. We’ll begin by asking you to provide us with some essential background information… like how were you diagnosed with ADHD, what doctors or health care providers are involved in your treatment, and ask your permission so that we can collaborate with them in your care. We’ll also ask you to complete several questionnaires designed to give us a better idea of how your ADHD is interfering in your life.
Once we receive this information, one of our coaches will contact you to arrange an individual consultation, either at our clinic or by telephone. Our coaches hold either a doctorate degree in psychology or master’s degrees in social work and have extensive experience helping adults with ADHD. During this initial consultation, we will talk about what you want to change and develop strategies to “make it happen”. Afterwards, your coach will be in daily contact with you to help if you get stuck. Typically this is done via email; however, phone consultation is available should you so desire. Fees for this type of service vary depending on your need but typically cost less per month than a single “psychotherapy” session.
So, let us know if you’d like more information about coaching services at our clinic. Change happens one day at a time… we’ll be there to help.
Common Functional Problems: WITHOUT TREATMENT
| Health/Injury: | Teens have 4X the number of serious injuries; 3X as many auto accidents ADHD patients require more than twice the health care as peers |
| Academic: | ADHD patients perform poorer than peers on achievement tests Are more likely to be retained in a grade Have 3 fewer years of education Are more likely to not graduate from high school |
| Substance Abuse: | ADHD patients tend to start smoking cigarettes at an earlier age and smoke more Are more likely to continue smoking as adults and have greater difficulty quitting Are more likely to begin drinking/using illegal drugs at an earlier age and demonstrate drug/alcohol problems as adults Comprehensive Treatment for ADHD led to an 85% reduction in risk for substance abuse disorders |
| Sexual Behavior: | ADHD teens are more likely to have sexual intercourse at an early age Are more likely to have more sexual partners Are more likely to become pregnant (38% vs 4%) Are more likely to contract STD’s (17% vs 4%) |
| Social Behavior/Self-Esteem: | Problems in peer and family relationships, emotional control, social problem-solving, and self-esteem are noted in over 50% of children with ADHD. |
