|
Many adults struggle with ADHD, often without knowing they have the disorder. It is common for children with ADHD to
have at least one parent who also has the disorder, often unidentified. Many adults with ADHD do not realize they
have the disorder (and are therefore not obtaining the help they may need) because they associate ADHD only with
hyperactive symptoms, not appreciating that ADHD also occurs without hyperactivity. However, it is more common for adults
to have the Inattentive-Distractible type of ADHD rather than the Hyperactive-Impulsive type.
ADHD can negatively affect many areas of the lives and relationships
of adults with the disorder. Problems common for adults challenged by ADHD include:
- Significant disorganization and/or chaos in many areas of life
- Chronic forgetfulness and memory problems
- Missing important deadlines
- Difficulty concentrating and staying focused
- Feeling overwhelmed by multiple demands
- Poor time management and poor sense of time
- Poor at following-through and completing tasks once started
- Low frustration tolerance
- Difficulty managing anger and other emotions
- Acting without thinking
- Difficulties in interpersonal relationships
- Poor listening skills
- Low self esteem
- Depression
- Failure to achieve dreams and goals
- Failure to live up to one's true potential
Life can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD.
In our society, women are often depended upon for their organizational abilities, both at home and in the work place.
ADHD can significantly impair organizational abilities, which can lead to significant feelings of incompetency and discouragement
for many women with the disorder.
Services
The Attention, Behavior & Learning Center offers
an array of services that promote more effective functioning and better outcomes for adults with ADHD, including:
Adult ADHD Coaching
Professional coaching for adults with ADHD fosters the development
of needed skills, and facilitate the changes and improvements desired, for adults struggling with ADHD. Adult ADHD coaching
services help adults increase their effectiveness in many areas essential to greater success and satisfaction in life, career
and relationships, including skills and strategies for:
* Getting and keeping organized.
* Managing time effectively.
*
Following through and completing tasks.
* Improving concentration and memory.
* Managing distractions.
* Managing
stress.
* Improving relationships, communication and listening skills.
* Increasing self-confidence and self-esteem.
*
Discovering and fulfilling one's true potential.
Adult ADHD Coaching vs Traditional Psychotherapy
Many individuals become involved in psychotherapy to address ADHD concerns. But other individuals struggling with ADHD
are reluctant to become involved in psychotherapy. There may be several reasons for this. Psychotherapy is commonly viewed
as being for the purpose of treating various psychological or emotional problems. But ADHD is not a traditional psychiatric,
psychological or emotional disorder.
ADHD is, in essence, a neuro-biological disorder. It is a difference in how
the brain itself functions. Many individuals with ADHD feel an unnecessary stigma attached to seeing a psychotherapist for
difficulties that are not essentially psychological or emotional in nature. Moreover, not all psychotherapists are well-trained
in assessment and effective treatment of ADHD. Given the neuro-biological nature of ADHD, it does not necessarily require
a psychotherapeutic approach to assist an individual with ADHD.
An Increasingly Popular Alternative
The services of an ADHD or effectiveness coach are gaining in popularity as a means for assisting those with ADHD and other
concerns. Such services provide individuals with the training and support needed to develop the skills and competencies that
lead to greater effectiveness in their personal and professional lives.
How It Works
The Adult ADHD Coaching process begins with an assessment to determine the individual's particular needs, strengths
and resources, set goals and design an "action plan" tailored to meet the needs of the particular individual.
The
Adult ADHD Coaching process is highly "client-centered." Clients have much say over the goals, direction, content and
process of coaching activities. Results are re-evaluated at set intervals to ensure satisfactory progress is being made.
Coaching may
even occur by phone, which makes these services more convenient and accessible than standard psychotherapy, which occurs around
the set office visit.
An Invaluable Resource
Dean Garrison has been providing coaching services to adults with ADHD, and those wishing to be more effective in various
aspects of their lives, for two decades. Many adults have valued the role Dean has played in assisting them to lead more satisfying
lives, overcome chronic dysfunctional patterns, increase their productivity and achieve their deepest goals.
|
