Do I require ADHD Counselling, Executive Functioning Coaching, or both?

You may be wondering what the distinction is between ADHD counseling and Executive Functioning Coaching. Which treatment do I require?

This article will explain the type of ADHD treatment that I offer so that you can make an informed decision.

Please keep in mind that each therapist has a unique treatment approach, technique, and style. This is my approach to ADHD treatment.

What exactly is ADHD counseling?

Healing is the best word to describe ADHD counseling. Many adults with ADHD experience low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. They lack confidence due to multiple past failures in life. They may exhibit co-occurring disorders such as addictions and mood disorders. ADHD therapy focuses on the emotional consequences of ADHD.

Typically, the counsellor will conduct an intake assessment to determine how ADHD affects the client. He will also look for co-occurring disorders. Both the counsellor and the client will develop an intervention plan at the end of the intake. The first intervention usually focuses on the most important aspect of the client or the easiest to achieve success with.

For example, one of my ADHD clients came to see me because his relationship was failing. During the evaluation, I discovered that he has a co-occurring gambling disorder. While his fiancée is planning to cancel the wedding, he continues to gamble in secret. Our first intervention goal is to get him to stop gambling. Following that, we will gradually investigate the relationship between ADHD and gambling. (Note : I can provide addiction counseling to co-occurring ADHD clients because I am also a trained addictions counsellor. If a therapist is not trained in addictions work, I strongly advise referring the client to a trained addictions counsellor.)

ADHD counselling, as previously stated, focuses on the emotional impact of ADHD. The majority of therapy time is spent on understanding and managing emotions. Most ADHD client are defeated before they start any new project. These negative emotions are preventing them from achieving their life objectives. They've already failed before they've even begun.

ADHD counselling assists the client in investigating these negative beliefs and emotions. They will have more psychological space to act on their goals once they have healed from these negative experiences.

What exactly is Executive Functioning Coaching?

Executive Functioning (EF) coaching focuses on performance. An EF coach can assist ADHD clients by teaching them specialised life skills such as planning, time management, and task initiation. Most general life skills are not designed for ADHD patients. As a result, the coach will tailor the life skills to the ADHD client's needs.

For example, I had a client who struggled with task initiation. His boss assigned him the task of memorising a lengthy manual. He put off doing it for a week. His boss will put him to the test in three weeks. If he fails the verbal test, he may lose his internship. We devised a strategy to assist him with task initiation. He'll be halfway done in a week. I'm happy to report that he completed his internship successfully.

Which ADHD treatment do I require?

ADHD counselling is preferable if you struggle with emotional issues as a result of your ADHD.

If you want to improve your life skills and performance, EF coaching is a better option.

Having said that, a sizable proportion of clients use both. Why? Our lives are dynamic. Our requirements can shift. We may require healing at some point in our lives. ADHD counseling is appropriate. We are looking forward to performance and change once we have been healed. We may switch to EF coaching. Sometimes our emotions and self-doubt get the best of us as we try to implement the changes. This is where ADHD counseling comes in. When it comes to ADHD clients, I take a flexible approach. I work on the presenting requirements that arise during the session.

Recognise that assistance is available.

I hope this article has helped you understand the distinction between ADHD counseling and Executive Function Coaching. If you have ADHD, know that there is help available.

More information can be found by clicking here.

Insight Therapy Services offers ADHD counselling and/or Executive Functioning Coaching to clients with ADHD.

If you wish to book an initial consultation, visit this page.

For further information, please contact me at alex@insight-therapy.com.sg.