Frequently Asked Questions
Exploring ADHD Coaching and Parent Consulting: Your Comprehensive FAQ Guide
What is ADHD Coaching?
ADHD coaching for parents with ADHD is a specialised form of support tailored to the unique challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or suspected ADHD while also being parents. This forward-facing coaching approach helps parents develop strategies and skills to manage their ADHD effectively and navigate the complexities of parenting.
Key Benefits:
- Improved time management and organisation.
- Enhanced parenting skills.
- Better understanding of ADHD's impact on family life.
- Increased self-awareness and self-confidence.
- Stress management and reduced overwhelm.
- Development of effective communication and relationship-building skills.
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ADHD coaching is not a substitute for medical treatment or therapy, but rather complements these approaches by focusing on practical strategies and goal achievement. To get started, find a qualified ADHD coach, discuss your needs, and embark on a coaching journey tailored to your specific challenges and goals. Remember, the key to success is your commitment and active participation in the process.
How is ADHD Coaching different from therapy?
ADHD coaching and therapy serve distinct purposes, and understanding the differences is essential for making the right choice for your needs:
ADHD Coaching:
- Focused on practical strategies, skills, and goal achievement.
- Provides support and guidance in managing the challenges of ADHD.
- A collaborative partnership with a trained coach.
- Emphasises personal growth, skill development, and action plans.
- Helps with time management, organisation, and effective coping strategies.
- Addresses the specific challenges of parents with ADHD in a family context.
- Typically shorter in duration and goal-oriented.
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Therapy:
- Focuses on emotional, psychological, and behavioural issues.
- A therapeutic relationship with a licensed mental health professional.
- Delves into past experiences, emotions, and deep-rooted issues.
- Helps with mental health conditions, trauma, and personal insight.
- Addresses a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and relationships.
- Long-term or open-ended, with a focus on healing and self-discovery.
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ADHD coaching is action-oriented, offering practical support for managing ADHD-related challenges, while therapy delves into deeper emotional and psychological issues. The choice between the two depends on your specific goals and needs.
What is ADHD family coaching?
Our parent consulting program is based on the evidence-based Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model. The family coaching will provide you with communication techniques, essential tools and strategies for effectively addressing and managing your child's concerning behaviours. You will understand how ADHD is affecting your child and what expectations they might find difficult to meet. This program typically consists of six structured sessions and is not an ongoing, open-ended commitment.
I don't think my child will participate in the full session.
Will I loose my money ?
No you won't lose your money. for younger children or children who might find it difficult to participate in the full session, the sessions can be split into smaller chunks and resumed on another day. This mean that the block of coaching will take more than 6 sessions depending on the child.
What if forget what I've learned or I get stuck when using the CPS model?
I understand that you might need additional support when implementing the CPS model with your family, that's why with every family coaching package you receive 6 months of email support.
My child doesn't have an ADHD diagnosis would parent consulting be beneficial to them?
Your child doesn't have to have a diagnosis of any kind to benefit from the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model for addressing concerning behaviours.
What's the difference between the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model and Behavioural therapy?
Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS):
- Root Cause Emphasis: CPS recognises that concerning behaviours in children often stem from lagging skills in areas like flexibility, adaptability, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and frustration tolerance. It places a strong emphasis on identifying and addressing the root causes of these behaviours.
- Collaborative Approach: CPS prioritises collaboration between parents, caregivers, and children. It acknowledges that children and parents need to work together to find mutually beneficial solutions. This approach fosters understanding and shared decision-making.
- Proactive Problem-Solving: CPS focuses on proactive problem-solving rather than reactive management of behaviours. It seeks to prevent challenging behaviours by identifying and addressing the unsolved problems and unmet expectations that lead to them.
- Enhancing Lagging Skills: CPS aims to enhance lagging skills in children through collaborative, empathetic, and supportive approaches. It recognises that improving these skills can reduce concerning behaviours and improve overall functioning.
Behavioural Therapy:
- Behaviour Modification: Behavioural therapy, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), primarily focuses on modifying observable behaviours. It uses reinforcement, consequences, and behaviour plans to encourage positive behaviours and reduce unwanted ones.
- Observable and Measurable Goals: Behavioural therapy sets specific, observable, and measurable goals for behaviour change. It often uses rewards and punishments to achieve desired outcomes.
- Not Root Cause-Focused: Behavioural therapy does not necessarily address the underlying causes of behaviour problems. It is more concerned with symptom reduction rather than the root issues causing the behaviours.
- Focus on Behavior: Behavioural therapy concentrates on modifying behaviour through systematic techniques. It may not delve into the emotional or cognitive aspects that drive behaviour.
In summary, CPS and behavioural therapy differ in their approach. CPS acknowledges that concerning behaviours are often symptoms of unmet needs and lagging skills, while behavioural therapy primarily focuses on modifying observable behaviours through reinforcement and consequences. CPS is collaborative and proactive, striving to address root causes and enhance lagging skills, whereas behavioural therapy often concentrates on behaviour modification without delving into the underlying issues.
I can't afford to pay for coaching, is there any funding available?
If you can't afford coaching for ADHD or related services, there are alternative options and resources available:
- Access to Work Grant: You may be eligible for an Access to Work grant which provides financial support for accommodations, coaching, and other services to help you thrive in your professional life.
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- Newsletter Subscription: Consider subscribing to our newsletter to stay informed about special offers, tips, and strategies related to ADHD management. Our newsletter often provides valuable insights and resources that can help you navigate the challenges of ADHD more effectively.
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Additionally, you can explore local community organisations, non-profits, or mental health centers that may offer free or low-cost ADHD support groups or educational workshops. These resources can be valuable for learning more about ADHD and gaining practical strategies for managing its impact on your life. Remember, there are often supportive communities and resources available to help you, even if you're on a tight budget.