Adult ADHD Coaching/Psychotherapy

What is ADHD Coaching/Psychotherapy? How is it different from “regular” psychotherapy?

We know that living with ADHD comes with unique difficulties (for more information about symptoms of ADHD in adulthood, please see ‘What does Adult ADHD look like?’). Understandably, many adults with ADHD seek out therapy for help in managing the challenges they face. However, despite everyone’s best efforts and intentions, sometimes traditional therapy approaches can be unhelpful, and may even unintentionally reinforce ineffective behavioural habits and harmful self-concepts.

While introspection and self-reflection are undoubtedly important for everyone, gaining new insight about oneself is sometimes not enough to effect change – it’s what we do with this insight that matters most. Translating insight into behavioural change can be particularly challenging for those with ADHD. To be clear, there is no shortage of desire or commitment to making changes for these individuals; but actually doing so can feel daunting, overwhelming, and even impossible.

ADHD coaching/psychotherapy (ADHD C/P) provides an alternative, and allows for a broader conceptualization of how a therapist can be helpful to individuals with ADHD. This typically involves a more skills-based, hands-on approach that allow the therapist and the client to collaborate on addressing the client’s specific challenges. Some examples of this can include frequent progress monitoring, accessible and ongoing communication, and non-judgmental, values-based accountability.

Our clinic promotes a strengths-based approach to ADHD; we encourage clients to work with their ADHD brains, rather than trying to force their brains into “neurotypical” functioning (which, as it turns out, doesn’t actually work anyway!). Our ADHD C/P helps clients in identifying, acknowledging, and managing the less helpful aspects of their ADHD, while also recognizing, celebrating, and amplifying the amazing features of each unique brain.

A woman sitting at a cluttered wooden desk with a laptop, coffee mug, papers, colored pens, sticky notes, a clock, and other office supplies, looking overwhelmed.
A woman sitting at a desk with her head down, holding a phone to her ear and covering her face, surrounded by crumpled papers, a laptop, and office supplies, in an office setting.

Is there a difference between ADHD “coaching” and ADHD “psychotherapy” at your clinic?

Great question – the short answer is: no, for all intents and purposes it’s a matter of nomenclature and we just include both words for the sake of thoroughness.

The long answer is: ADHD “coaching” is a well-established approach for ADHD management, and this is supported by research (see here and here). However, the field is currently unregulated; qualifications and credentials of ADHD coaches in Canada vary enormously from person to person, as there are no standardized requirements. The term “psychotherapy”, on the other hand, is a protected term across Canada; meaning, only individuals with certain training qualifications and who are registered with specific regulated health authorities can legally call themselves “psychotherapists” or provide “psychotherapy”.

Furthermore, the term “coach” can be confusing as it has become increasingly popular in other wellness spaces, such as those who advertise themselves as “life coaches” (which, for the record, are completely distinct from the provision of ADHD coaching).

All this to say, since the term “coaching” alone can be vague, we have added the “psychotherapy” for the sake of clarity. At our clinic, registered psychotherapist (qualifying) Melanie Crane has a wealth of knowledge and training in working with individuals with ADHD and is currently accepting new referrals for ADHD C/P. And, since this service falls under the scope of psychotherapy, all billing and documentation would reflect the provision psychotherapy services by a registered psychotherapist.

Concrete steps leading upward into a bright sunlight through dense green foliage.
A fork in the dirt path in a forest with green trees and grass, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Do I need a diagnosis of ADHD to pursue ADHD Coaching/Psychotherapy?

While it’s recommended that an individual begin ADHD C/P with an existing diagnosis of ADHD, it is not strictly required.

Our main goal is to ensure that that an individual is receiving the most appropriate service to help them address any challenges they may be facing. Assuming a diagnosis of ADHD without a proper assessment runs the risk of delaying or precluding more appropriate services, should ADHD not be the ultimate root “cause” of this person’s difficulties.

This said, we understand that not everyone has access to a timely or affordable formal ADHD assessment/diagnosis, and it’s also the case that a lot of important progress can be made based on a provisional diagnosis.

Ultimately, Melanie will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Still have questions? Read more about Melanie Crane, RP (Qualifying), or reach out to our admin team for more information!