Everything on Your To-Do List Marked 'Urgent'? Why ADHD Coaching Might Be the Game-Changer You've Been Missing

Photo by William Bout on Unsplash

Living with ADHD can feel like trying to run marathon whilst everyone else got the route map and you're just following the crowd, hoping for the best. Whether you've recently received a diagnosis or have been managing ADHD for years, you've likely discovered that understanding your condition is only the first step. The real challenge lies in developing practical strategies that work with your unique brain wiring, not against it. This is where ADHD coaching comes in—and we're excited to announce that Kernow Psychiatry will soon be offering this transformative service.

What Exactly Is ADHD Coaching?

ADHD coaching is a collaborative, structured approach that helps individuals with ADHD develop practical skills and strategies to manage their daily challenges. Unlike therapy, which often explores the emotional and psychological aspects of living with ADHD, coaching is action-oriented and focused on the present and future. It's about identifying what you want to achieve and creating realistic, ADHD-friendly systems to get there.

Think of an ADHD coach as a knowledgeable partner who understands how the ADHD brain works and can help you harness its strengths whilst managing its challenges. They won't judge you for having seventeen half-finished projects or forgetting that important appointment—instead, they'll help you build systems that actually work for your neurodivergent brain.

How ADHD Coaching Differs from Other Support

In the UK, support for ADHD typically includes medication management through psychiatrists, psychological therapy, and sometimes occupational therapy. Whilst these services are invaluable, ADHD coaching fills a unique gap:

Medication can help with core symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity, but it doesn't teach you how to organise your life or manage time effectively.

Therapy addresses emotional regulation, past trauma, and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression, but may not focus on practical day-to-day strategies.

ADHD coaching bridges this gap by focusing on executive function skills, practical life management, and goal achievement. It's about learning to work with your ADHD brain rather than constantly fighting against it.

The Benefits of Working with an ADHD Coach

Research and clinical experience show that ADHD coaching can lead to significant improvements in various areas of life:

Professional Life

• Developing time management systems that actually stick

• Creating realistic project timelines and meeting deadlines

• Managing workplace distractions and improving focus

• Advocating for reasonable adjustments at work

• Building strategies for task initiation and completion

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Personal Organisation

• Establishing routines that don't feel restrictive

• Creating ADHD-friendly home organisation systems

• Managing paperwork and administrative tasks

• Developing strategies for remembering appointments and commitments

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Relationships and Communication

• Improving listening skills and managing interrupting

• Building strategies for emotional regulation

• Developing systems for sharing household responsibilities

• Enhancing communication with partners, family, and friends

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Self-Advocacy and Confidence

• Understanding your rights under the Equality Act 2010

• Learning to explain your needs without apologising

• Building self-compassion and reducing shame

• Celebrating your ADHD strengths and unique perspectives

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What to Expect from ADHD Coaching Sessions

ADHD coaching typically involves regular sessions—usually weekly or fortnightly—where you work with your coach to:

1. Identify specific challenges you're facing in your daily life

2. Set realistic, achievable goals that matter to you

3. Develop personalised strategies that suit your lifestyle and preferences

4. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best

5. Track progress and adjust strategies as needed

6. Build accountability systems that support rather than shame

Sessions might be conducted in person, via video call, or sometimes through a combination of both. The key is consistency and having a supportive accountability partner who understands ADHD.

Who Can Benefit from ADHD Coaching?

ADHD coaching can be valuable for:

• Adults recently diagnosed with ADHD who feel overwhelmed by the implications

• Students struggling with university demands and deadlines

• Professionals looking to advance their careers despite ADHD challenges

• Parents with ADHD trying to manage family life

• Anyone feeling stuck despite medication and therapy

• Individuals wanting to build on their ADHD strengths

It's worth noting that coaching works best when any co-occurring mental health conditions are being appropriately managed. Your coach should be able to recognise when additional support from mental health professionals is needed.

The Science Behind ADHD Coaching

Whilst ADHD coaching is a relatively new field, emerging research supports its effectiveness. Studies have shown that ADHD coaching can lead to improvements in executive functioning, goal attainment, and overall quality of life. The collaborative, strengths-based approach of coaching aligns well with what we know about ADHD neurology and the importance of external structure and accountability.

The coaching model recognises that people with ADHD often know what they need to do but struggle with the 'how.' By providing external executive function support and helping develop personalised systems, coaching addresses the core challenges of ADHD in practical, measurable ways.

Choosing the Right ADHD Coach

When selecting an ADHD coach, consider:

• Training and credentials: Look for coaches with specific ADHD coaching training

• Understanding of ADHD: Your coach should have deep knowledge of ADHD across the lifespan

• Approach and personality fit: The relationship is key to coaching success

• Flexibility: Good coaches adapt their approach to your needs

• Professional boundaries: They should know when to refer to other professionals

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Coming Soon to Kernow Psychiatry

We're delighted to announce that Kernow Psychiatry will soon be adding ADHD coaching to our comprehensive range of services. Our coaching programme will be designed specifically for the UK context, understanding the unique challenges of navigating NHS waiting lists, workplace rights, and accessing support services.

Our ADHD coaching service will complement our existing psychiatric care, providing a holistic approach to ADHD management. Whether you're already a patient with us or seeking standalone coaching support, our trained ADHD coaches will work with you to develop practical, sustainable strategies for thriving with ADHD.

Taking the First Step

If you're considering ADHD coaching, remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. ADHD coaching isn't about fixing something that's broken—it's about understanding your unique brain and building a life that works for you.

Living with ADHD in a neurotypical world can be exhausting, but with the right support and strategies, it's entirely possible to not just manage but genuinely thrive. ADHD coaching offers a practical, empowering approach to building the life you want, one manageable step at a time.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates about our ADHD coaching service launch at Kernow Psychiatry. In the meantime, if you have questions about ADHD assessment, diagnosis, or treatment, our team is here to help.