If you or someone you care about has ADHD, you’ve probably been encouraged to try therapy. And while therapy can be incredibly helpful—especially for addressing anxiety, depression, or trauma—it often doesn’t focus on the real-world skills and accountability you need to function day-to-day. That’s where ADHD coaching steps in as a powerful complement.
ADHD coaching is a practical, goal-focused approach that helps you develop strategies for managing the executive function challenges that come with ADHD. Instead of spending time unpacking emotional issues or diving into your past, an ADHD coach works with you on what’s happening right now. You might focus on organizing your time, starting and finishing tasks, managing overwhelm, or improving follow-through. Coaches help you create systems and habits that work with your unique brain, not against it—often using visual tools, check-ins, and structured routines.
Unlike therapy, ADHD coaching isn’t clinical or diagnostic. It’s a partnership built around structure, support, and action. Rather than processing emotions from a couch, you’re collaborating on how to break your to-do list into manageable steps at your desk or on a video call. Coaching sessions typically happen weekly or biweekly, offering steady support that helps you build momentum, stay accountable, and adjust strategies as needed.
When you’re looking for an ADHD coach, seek someone who understands executive function and has experience supporting neurodiverse individuals. Ideally, they should have completed a recognized certification process, such as one accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), to ensure they follow ethical guidelines and professional standards. A good coach doesn’t just give advice—they ask insightful questions, help you recognize patterns, and guide you toward setting and achieving realistic goals. Most importantly, they hold you accountable with compassion and flexibility, not judgment.
If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want help building the skills and habits that support success, ADHD coaching could be the missing piece. It’s not therapy. It’s a hands-on, forward-focused way to start making progress today.
References
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changing-the-narrative-on-adhd/202405/do-i-need-an-adhd-coach-and-a-therapist—
- https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-therapy-cbt-vs-coaching/?srsltid=AfmBOoryVogeGIvwcqUILmrVB39mG1SOuKS231-s4cIVytlEivr3MH56—
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-coaching—
- https://chadd.org/about-adhd/coaching/—
- https://add.org/how-to-find-an-adhd-coach/—