ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting how the brain develops, especially in those areas that control Executive Functioning.

What is Executive Functioning?

These are abilities such as:

• attention and focus

• working memory

• emotional regulation 

• self-control

• planning and organizing

• time management

In what areas of life do people with ADHD struggle?

• living with hyperactivity or restlessness

• impulsivity

• feeling overwhelmingly intense emotions

• rejection sensitivity

• trying to plan or start activities, such as completing homework or paying monthly bills

• trying to multitask or decide which activity to tackle first

• keeping friends or getting along with colleagues 

What are some names used to describe people with ADHD?

People with ADHD are often called "lazy", "unfocused", "not living up to their potential", or "don't try hard enough." But these comments suggest that these individuals have a choice in their behaviours, when they do not. A person with ADHD is simply trying to live with a brain that does not work the way it does in non-ADHD people.

What about ADHD and kids?

ADHD is the most common mental health condition in kids, affecting 5-7% of children in Canada. An individual with ADHD is usually born with it, but many people do not get diagnosed until adulthood, when finally life becomes too difficult to manage day by day. Boys tend to be diagnosed more often than girls, but not because more boys have ADHD, but rather because boys typically present with hyperactivity and struggles with behaviour. Girls present more often with incessant talking rather than being over-active, so they do not get noticed as much in terms of having behavioural "challenges".

In puberty, ADHD tends to "change", by replacing restless bodies with racing thoughts, minds, and anxiety.

What may people who have never been diagnosed or treated for ADHD develop?

• negative self-esteem or self-worth (eg. "I'm such a loser." "I'm such a screw up.")

• anxiety or depression

• sensitivity towards criticism or rejection (real or perceived)

• difficulty with every day tasks (eg. maintaining living space, buying groceries, managing finances)

• challenges in maintaining relationships, including friendships and romantic partners

• struggles succeeding in school (eg. academic and/or behavioural challenges)

• struggles keeping employment

Are people with ADHD able to be "fixed"?

• people with ADHD are not damaged or broken

• people with ADHD are simply trying to live their lives with brains that do not function the way the world expects

• skills and accommodations can be learned and used to manage challenges

ADHD is a lifelong disorder. One does not grow out of it and makes the different ages in life challenging in different ways.

A life coach partners with clients to identify, set, and achieve goals in many aspects of their lives. As an ADHD coach I have additional training on the ADHD mind and have learned and use specific tools and systems to accommodate for the challenges of living with ADHD. 

Through thought-provoking, reflective, and creative interactions I help people identify and stay focused on their goals, develop tolerance when facing stress or obstacles, and feel more in control with how they are living their lives. Working together, we identify ways to tackle life more effectively and struggle less by creating systems and strategies to help clients manage their days.

I provide flexible appointment scheduling, including day, evening, and weekend appointments.

I offer 60 minute sessions, on-line from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

• I require 24 hours notice to cancel a scheduled appointment

• the full session fee will be charged for sessions starting late, or not canceled within 24 hours before a scheduled appointment

Confidentiality is essential. It is vital that you feel comfortable and safe to talk openly and honestly in our coaching sessions, knowing that everything you share will be kept private.

My professional code of ethics, under the International Coaching Federation requires that all information shared in coaching is kept confidential and can only be communicated, either directly or indirectly, with your informed and signed consent. Any exceptions to this rule will be discussed during our first appointment.

To book an appointment, you can fill out the form on the Contact page and I will promptly connect with you via telephone or email.