Experiences with ADD Coach?

[auroraatdusk]

Has anyone worked with an AD(H)D coach? What were your experiences like? Do you prefer it to other forms of therapy/would you recommend seeking this sort of specialized help, or do you prefer psychotherapy that addresses other issues as well? Thanks!

[Drewbacca]

I think it really depends on the environment in which you were raised. I grew up in a weird, alcoholic, shift-work, non-nuclear family... I don't know what is normal. Part of my struggle with ADHD is chemical/physical/biological/etc. But, another part is most definitely caused by family of origin. If you have anxiety/depression, then cognitive behavioral therapy would be beneficial. If you are a functioning adult without other issues and just want to be more productive, then a coach would be better suited to you.

In my case, I need both. I need CBT/Psychotherapy to learn to cope with my depression/anxiety/ and PTSD. I also need an ADHD coach in order to develop good habits and break the bad ones... someone to help with organization and time management. It needs to be an ADHD specialist coach though, as we are a unique bunch with unique (but well understood) needs. Even with a psychotherapist, you need to find someone who is familiar with ADHD beyond a text book, at least if you plan to treat the ADHD with them.

First and foremost, you need to isolate what your issues are and what your needs are for treatment. Any of the above would be able to help you do that, so start with the person who is available and keep your options open.

You really didn't give much detail about your condition. If you want our feedback, you need to give us a better idea about your particular history/conditions/needs.

But seriously, not only is your question general, but it's all information that is readily available with a google search. Do some homework and ask specific questions. The same general question has already been asked in this forum over and over and over again. Use the search feature of this forum to find old threads. Search google for comparisons. It's not that hard. If you need to learn to use google, a google 101 class if you will, then ask for that and I'd be more than happy to help you learn to search better.
Here's a good site to start:
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/574.html
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/4002.html
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/912.html
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/7287.html
http://www.additudemag.com/web/article/562.html

[anonymouslyadd]

Originally Posted by auroraatdusk

Has anyone worked with an AD(H)D coach? What were your experiences like? Do you prefer it to other forms of therapy/would you recommend seeking this sort of specialized help, or do you prefer psychotherapy that addresses other issues as well? Thanks!

I would highly recommend it. I can give you this person's name, who I worked with, if you PM me.

She put me on the path of a new life. She knew my struggles and was so understanding and compassionate. I'd never met someone like her.

I hired her to help me with the direction of my career and with workplace issues. She's also a licensed therapist and was able to talk to me about psycho-social issues.

I can't say enough about her.

[addproud]

I have not only taken control of my ADD and converted it into the blessing it really is, but my company has coached hundreds of people with ADD to do the same. (I chose not to advertise my company here)

Coaching does not always work well, because it is often times conducted under the wrong conditions.

But when people with ADD/ADHD use a coach under the right conditions they achieve many remarkable goals and because they have ADD/ADHD they excel at whatever they choose to do.

[Drewbacca]

Originally Posted by addproud

I have not only taken control of my ADD and converted it into the blessing it really is, but my company has coached hundreds of people with ADD to do the same. (I chose not to advertise my company here)

Coaching does not always work well, because it is often times conducted under the wrong conditions.

But when people with ADD/ADHD use a coach under the right conditions they achieve many remarkable goals and because they have ADD/ADHD they excel at whatever they choose to do.

Don't leave us in suspense... what are the "right" and "wrong" conditions in your opinion?

My personal thought, on therapy, is that it will only work if you (the patient) have a goal. Going to a therapist without a goal is like driving an unknown road without a map and no idea where the next gas station is.

I'm not sure about coaching though, so I'm curious what you mean?

[spunkysmum]

I haven't seriously looked into getting an ADHD coach. I've always assumed it would be way too expensive for me.

[MX2012]

Originally Posted by Drewbacca

I think it really depends on the environment in which you were raised. I grew up in a weird, alcoholic, shift-work, non-nuclear family... I don't know what is normal. Part of my struggle with ADHD is chemical/physical/biological/etc. But, another part is most definitely caused by family of origin. If you have anxiety/depression, then cognitive behavioral therapy would be beneficial. If you are a functioning adult without other issues and just want to be more productive, then a coach would be better suited to you.

In my case, I need both. I need CBT/Psychotherapy to learn to cope with my depression/anxiety/ and PTSD. I also need an ADHD coach in order to develop good habits and break the bad ones... someone to help with organization and time management. It needs to be an ADHD specialist coach though, as we are a unique bunch with unique (but well understood) needs. Even with a psychotherapist, you need to find someone who is familiar with ADHD beyond a text book, at least if you plan to treat the ADHD with them.

First and foremost, you need to isolate what your issues are and what your needs are for treatment. Any of the above would be able to help you do that, so start with the person who is available and keep your options open.

You really didn't give much detail about your condition. If you want our feedback, you need to give us a better idea about your particular history/conditions/needs.

But seriously, not only is your question general, but it's all information that is readily available with a google search. Do some homework and ask specific questions. The same general question has already been asked in this forum over and over and over again. Use the search feature of this forum to find old threads. Search google for comparisons. It's not that hard. If you need to learn to use google, a google 101 class if you will, then ask for that and I'd be more than happy to help you learn to search better.
Here's a good site to start:
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/574.html
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/4002.html
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/912.html
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/7287.html
http://www.additudemag.com/web/article/562.html

Excellent advice, Drewbaca!

[Retromancer]

Is anyone not paying for the services of such coaches out of pocket? I couldn't afford a "coach" when I was working . I sure can't now.

For many struggling ADDers you might as well be talking about unicorns.