As someone with a neurodivergent brain, you're constantly juggling a unique set of strengths and challenges. From hyperfocus abilities that can power you through any task, to miiiillllion-miles-per-hour thoughts that leave you feeling scattered and overwhelmed. From bursts of creativity and ingenuity to battles with staying motivated.
It's a wild, wonderful, roller-coaster ride that sometimes has you wondering - "Should I be doing more to understand and improve my ADHD circumstances?" That's a fair and wise question to ask yourself, friend!
When it comes to getting additional support and strategies for your ADHD journey, there are generally two main routes: psychotherapy and ADHD coaching. Both can be hugely beneficial, but they're different animals with unique strengths.
Which one is the right fit depends on your specific needs and circumstances at any given time. Sometimes it's coaching, sometimes it's therapy, sometimes it's a hybrid of the two.
So what's what and when?! Let's break it down!
When ADHD Coaching Is The Right Choice:
Think of an ADHD coach as your guide and co-pilot for designing the life you want to live - free from shame, overwhelm, or feeling boxed in by societal norms. Their role is hyper-focused on helping you understand your unique ADHD expression and giving you tools to thrive with it.
You'd hire an ADHD coach if things like:
• Developing practical systems and routines to maximize productivity
• Cultivating focus, time management, and accountability
• Calming your emotional turbulence and rollercoaster moods
• Learning to advocate for your needs and boundaries with others
• Tapping into healthy motivation and goal achievement
• Overcoming self-doubt, judgment, and feelings of being "othered"
ADHD coaches use evidence-based techniques to boost your executive functioning skills and enhance overall life satisfaction. Through thought-provoking exercises and collaborative strategizing, they'll illuminate your blind spots and equip you to lean into your ADHD strengths.
Good to know...
ADHD coaching is not covered by insurance so it may be more expensive than therapy sessions, but shorter term overall as the focus is all about getting you the tools and skills you need to thrive..
When Therapy Is For You:
On the other hand, therapy is best suited for processing and healing from core mental, emotional, or psychological roadblocks. A good therapist helps shed light on internalized belief systems, trauma responses, dysfunctional patterns, and other psychological aspects impacting your well-being.
You may decide to prioritize therapy if you're navigating:
• Crippling anxiety, depression, PTSD or other clinical conditions
• Feelings of burnout, chronic stress or being overwhelmed
• Unhealthy coping strategies or addictive tendencies
• Relationship challenges, attachment issues or family dynamics
• Processing major life transitions, losses or identity shifts
• Unpacking repressed traumas, emotions or childhood narratives
Simply put, therapists are trained to guide deeper psychological exploration and healing. They offer a judgment-free zone for increasing self-awareness, resolving emotional burdens, and changing unhelpful thinking patterns.
Good To Know...
Therapy is usually covered by insurance, but can be costly due to deductibles, and finding a therapist who takes your insurance, is neurodivergent informed, and a good fit for you can be more challenging. Using sites like psychologytoday.com can help you find someone to see.
The Coach-Therapy Hybrid Approach
Here's the real deal, though: ADHD coaching and psychotherapy are not an "either-or" equation! In fact, many neurospicy individuals benefit most from an integrative, collaborative care model.
Think of it like boxing...your therapist works on developing your mental/emotional stamina and resilience through self-discovery. While your ADHD coach is the one teaching you those punchy fight moves and conditioning you for peak performance in the ring of life.
With therapists and coaches joining forces, you get a mega-dose of holistic support that nurtures and unleashes every dimension of your unique mind and spirit.
At the end of the day, don't be afraid to get savvy about assembling your own neurodivergent support squad. Whether that's therapy, coaching, or a dynamic combo platter, the right reinforcements can be a game-changer for really thriving (not just surviving) with your brilliant ADHD brain!
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