ADHD Coaching
As a Psychologist, I have trained in treatment techniques from the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral, Behavioral, and Family Systems Therapy traditions. My training in assessment and evaluation comes from the perspective of School Psychology and Neuropsychology. While these provide a strong academic foundation for my work, they don’t fully capture why working with clients with ADHD is such a passion of mine.
I was diagnosed with ADHD (ADD or “Minimal Brain Dysfunction,” as it was called back then) in 1979. Unlike many girls with this diagnosis, I was fairly hyperactive, so the diagnosis was hard to miss. I also had the benefit of a Psychiatrist father who recognized that my inability to sit still and difficulty paying attention were not simply defiance or misbehavior. Even with an early diagnosis and a supportive family, ADHD has presented many challenges throughout my life.
In my practice, I offer coaching sessions informed by my professional training and my personal experience living with ADHD. I have a particular interest in using technology to help compensate for ADHD-related challenges. I have extensive knowledge of smartphones, web-based applications, and task-management and calendar software. That said, I recognize that technology isn’t for everyone. When clients prefer more traditional methods, I am happy to work with them to develop effective paper-and-pencil strategies that suit their needs.
I prefer to tailor therapeutic tools to a client’s individual needs rather than relying on pre-existing curricula or workbooks. I believe it’s crucial for people with ADHD to find tools they are motivated to use and that fit seamlessly into their lives. If a tool doesn’t excite them or align with their lifestyle, it’s not the right tool for them. Of course, there are exceptions—for example, when clients have previously used strategies or tools that worked well and want support reintegrating them into their routines. I’m happy to assist with that. However, when once-successful strategies have fallen by the wayside, I find it helpful to explore why their effectiveness diminished. This often reveals the key to developing an updated, more sustainable approach.
ADHD coaching sessions with me are typically half coaching (practical, day-to-day strategies) and half therapy. The goal is twofold: to develop organizational strategies and to address the negative self-talk—the “Oh man, here I go again. I can’t believe I missed that appointment. I can’t believe the water got turned off,” etc.—that often accompanies ADHD. Tackling the practical side of things can help clients feel more in control, but there are often deeper, ingrained scripts that need to be rewritten.
I work with clients at various stages of their ADHD journey, including:
I am a health care provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina, the State Health Plan of North Carolina, and Aetna. For out-of-network clients, payment is required at the time of service. If you’re interested in setting up an intake appointment, please contact me and include the following information: your age (or the age of your high school or college student, if you’re contacting me on their behalf), a brief description (2-3 sentences) of your current concerns, and the type of insurance you hold. I will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you!
I was diagnosed with ADHD (ADD or “Minimal Brain Dysfunction,” as it was called back then) in 1979. Unlike many girls with this diagnosis, I was fairly hyperactive, so the diagnosis was hard to miss. I also had the benefit of a Psychiatrist father who recognized that my inability to sit still and difficulty paying attention were not simply defiance or misbehavior. Even with an early diagnosis and a supportive family, ADHD has presented many challenges throughout my life.
In my practice, I offer coaching sessions informed by my professional training and my personal experience living with ADHD. I have a particular interest in using technology to help compensate for ADHD-related challenges. I have extensive knowledge of smartphones, web-based applications, and task-management and calendar software. That said, I recognize that technology isn’t for everyone. When clients prefer more traditional methods, I am happy to work with them to develop effective paper-and-pencil strategies that suit their needs.
I prefer to tailor therapeutic tools to a client’s individual needs rather than relying on pre-existing curricula or workbooks. I believe it’s crucial for people with ADHD to find tools they are motivated to use and that fit seamlessly into their lives. If a tool doesn’t excite them or align with their lifestyle, it’s not the right tool for them. Of course, there are exceptions—for example, when clients have previously used strategies or tools that worked well and want support reintegrating them into their routines. I’m happy to assist with that. However, when once-successful strategies have fallen by the wayside, I find it helpful to explore why their effectiveness diminished. This often reveals the key to developing an updated, more sustainable approach.
ADHD coaching sessions with me are typically half coaching (practical, day-to-day strategies) and half therapy. The goal is twofold: to develop organizational strategies and to address the negative self-talk—the “Oh man, here I go again. I can’t believe I missed that appointment. I can’t believe the water got turned off,” etc.—that often accompanies ADHD. Tackling the practical side of things can help clients feel more in control, but there are often deeper, ingrained scripts that need to be rewritten.
I work with clients at various stages of their ADHD journey, including:
- Adults struggling at work who wonder if they have ADHD
- Individuals with a prior ADHD diagnosis who have “fallen off the wagon” and want support getting back on track
- Parents whose children have been diagnosed with ADHD and are concerned they may also meet the criteria
- College students on academic probation who suspect their ADHD symptoms may be contributing to their challenges
- Parents concerned about their high schooler’s academic performance
I am a health care provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina, the State Health Plan of North Carolina, and Aetna. For out-of-network clients, payment is required at the time of service. If you’re interested in setting up an intake appointment, please contact me and include the following information: your age (or the age of your high school or college student, if you’re contacting me on their behalf), a brief description (2-3 sentences) of your current concerns, and the type of insurance you hold. I will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you!