Categories: ADHD Coaching - Tips & Advice

ADHD Coaching vs. ADHD Therapy

Coaching is used at Dr. Gordon’s office to help manage ADHD. ADHD Coaching is similar to therapy in many ways. Both are centered around having regular conversations and open-ended questions with the client. Both also support the client through a situation by utilizing the client’s strengths and providing a trusting partnership. However, there are some important differences between coaching and therapy.

Coaching	Therapy
Clients improve through goal-setting, actions, and gaining self-awareness.	Clients improve through self-understanding, acceptance, and occasionally through goal-setting.
Works with clients whose mental health issues are under control.	Works with clients in an attempt to better manage their mental health.
Focus is on issues beyond mental health	Focus is on mental health
Does not make a diagnosis	Diagnoses and treats
Works mainly with external issues (organization, time management)	Works mainly with internal issues (emotions)

If a client desires coaching but does not have his/her mental health under control, it is recommended that he/she first seeks therapy. This is because the person may lack the psychological capacity to be successful with coaching.

Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.

written by:  Brianna Malinowski,  Jay Gordon, Ph.D

Sleeper-Triplett, J. (2010). Empowering youth with ADHD: Your guide to coaching adolescents and young adults for coaches, parents, and professionals. Plantation, Fla: Specialty Press, Inc.

Pathways Neuropsychology