can you recommend an ADHD coach, or alternative?

March 19, 2015 7:41 PM

I don't want to keep living with disorganization, slippery time management, and a general level of overwhelm. I'm in the process of getting back on Strattera, but while it helped in the past, it didn't cure me, so I want more ammo. I've heard that coaching is one of the most helpful things for ADHD. But who?

I've looked through the directories at adhdcoaches.org and addca.com, but the search functions aren't very detailed, and clicking at random names in the long lists of results seems to give me mostly outdated and/or badly designed web sites. Nobody is jumping out as just the right fit, and I am daunted by the idea of sending emails to every one of these people outlining my situation and asking questions about how each coach works. I really don't know how to narrow it down, and I can't think of anybody to ask for a personal recommendation except metafilter. Has anyone worked with a great ADHD coach?

Specifically, I'm a performing artist and also work from home as a freelance copy editor. I'm struggling with managing lots of life/art projects, keeping my living space organized, and not panicking over my to-do list, among other standard-fare ADHD challenges.

A complicating factor is that I'm not really sure I can afford coaching. But I don't know what else to do that I actually believe would help. I'm starting therapy, but I want to focus on other things in therapy. I know there are books on adult ADHD, but I also know how likely I am to lose steam on any new plan/program/system without accountability. Are there coaching groups that are more affordable? Or maybe a peer accountability buddy would be a good compromise?

(Previously, but not many responses)

posted by nevers to Health & Fitness (4 answers total)

Best answer: I can't help with an ADHD-specific coach, particularly in your area, but because you also asked for alternatives, I would recommend that you use the search function at National Association of Professional Organizers, and also, possibly, at Institute for Challenging Disorganization. There, you will be able to search for professional organizers and productivity experts who specialize in working with people with ADHD to help them develop strategies to achieve their time management goals and provide accountability.

I'm a professional organizer, and people tend to think of us as people who deal with "stuff," but many of our clients also (or only) need help with time management, project management, planning, and butt-in-chair issues.

It's understandable that you'd be overwhelmed by random websites, but I'd like to suggest you bear in mind that you don't necessarily need a coach (or PO) in your geographic area, as you can meet by phone and Skype/Facetime/Hangout and touch base by email. (If you do go the PO route, you can memail me and I can offer some guidance about questions to ask.)

Another resource you might want to try is to call your nearest chapter of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) and ask them whom they can recommend. (Also, visit the website and use the Support Directory links to narrow down your search.)

Finally, the project with coaching groups is that unless the leader is very adept, things can devolve into focusing on the squeakiest wheel. However, a peer accountability buddy -- someone with whom you can have a check-in each day, or twice a day -- can work well, as long as you set ground rules and don't end up losing focus and chatting away your during prime activity time.
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 8:30 PM on March 19, 2015 [3 favorites]

I found my current coach and ADHD-focused pill prescriber through links on ADDitude magazine's website, which also offers a podcast that I'm in love with. Honestly, if you can't afford coaching, the podcast may be a good not-quite-there substitute. I'm always downloading old episodes from the archives and finding great tips as well as encouragement from the stories of other people whose strengths and challenges are similar to my own. (Search "ADHD Experts Podcast")
posted by croutonsupafreak at 9:06 PM on March 19, 2015 [3 favorites]

I've worked as an ADHD coach in the past and have used this book as an adjunct to treatment. It's an inexpensive way to check out some of the concepts and activities that ADHD coaching is centered on.
posted by batbat at 6:47 AM on March 20, 2015 [1 favorite]

Adding a plug for ADDitude magazine. The magazine covers a variety of issues and techniques for people with ADHD throughout their lifespan.
posted by heathrowga at 3:37 PM on March 20, 2015