Episode Summary



If you’ve ever wondered whether ADHD coaching, therapy, or both would be most helpful, this episode will help you sort through the differences. I explore what each approach offers, how they can complement each other, and what questions to ask when choosing the support that fits best. It’s a practical guide for understanding your options and making an informed decision.



What You’ll Learn About Choosing ADHD Support:




* the key differences between ADHD coaching and therapy — and where they may overlap



* why executive function challenges sometimes need a different kind of support than mental health issues



* what makes therapy effective for adults with ADHD (even when it’s not ADHD-specific)



* how to assess whether a therapist or coach is the right fit for your current needs



* why it’s okay if your support needs shift over time — and how to adjust your approach accordingly




Transcript: Therapy vs ADHD Coaching



Therapy vs ADHD Coaching



(00:03):



Are you trying to figure out whether therapy A DHD, coaching or both is right for you? So are a lot of other adults with ADHD, you’re listening to Scattered Focused, done re-Imagining Productivity with ADHD, A podcast for ADHD, adults like you who want to get their essential work done in a way that works with the way your brain is wired without trying to do it like everyone else. I’m Marla Cummins, and I’m glad you’re joining me today.



So when learning how to work with your ADHD, there’s certainly no quick fix. So if you’re thinking about therapy or coaching options, whichever you choose, it’s always better if it’s part of a holistic plan that may include things like nutrition, exercise, sleep, mindfulness, and other support. That said, in this podcast, I want to help you decide whether to work with a therapist, a coach, or maybe both.



Do I Need Therapy or ADHD Coaching?



(01:02):



So let’s get into it. Recently I came across a post on LinkedIn where the person said that therapy is past focused. It helps people process emotional struggles, heal trauma, and manage mental health. So far so good. And then he goes on to say, and therapy is meant to take people from dysfunctional level zero to two out of 10, to a functional one, four to six out of 10. This I found a little bit problematic, whereas coaching he goes on to say is future focused and it helps people achieve goals, improve performance, and create meaningful change.



And coaching, he says, takes them from a functional one four to six out of 10 to an exceptional one, eight to 10 out of 10. So reading this prompted me to revisit the topic of A DHD coaching versus therapy because I know many people who come to me are curious whether they should do therapy or coaching or both.



What Is ADHD Coaching?



(02:09):



Some had tried therapy and were disappointed when they weren’t able to make meaningful changes in managing their ADHD symptoms, so they arrived on my doorstep. It’s not necessarily that the therapist was not effective, it was just a mismatch with expectations. They may have received a great deal of help dealing with their mental health challenges, just not their ADHD symptoms. I will say no doubt, both ADHD coaching and therapy are useful for adults with ADHD, including those who are highly functional.



When it comes to ADHD symptoms, our mental health challenges can exacerbate our ADHD and our ADHD c...