As the featured clinician this month at the HALLOWELL ADHD CENTER, they asked me to answer these questions for our readers:
1. What do you think distinguishes you as a coach?
One of my favorite approaches is to coach our patients to "step into their courage” and do things that they are afraid to do. This usually requires stepping into some zone of discomfort but it can be very rewarding when they do. Sometimes people get overwhelmed with the details of setting a new plan in place and we work together to break it down into easier steps to manage. I hold people's hands through the uncomfortableness of growth. Frequently what gets in their way is lack of self-confidence and perfectionism. One of my favorite quotes is “It doesn’t hurt to ask others for anything.“ Many times this can be the beginning of a whole new rewarding path for them. Those with ADHD have a tendency to not ask for help because they don’t want to appear needy or weak etc but the reality is people generally really like to help one another.
2. If you could only give one tip to someone with ADHD what would it be?
My
number one tip is to move your body! I can't tell you how important this
and sleep are. Besides being active, I tell them to do what they’re afraid
to do. Essentially, I tell them to never let fear stop them, step into their
courage and have “fun” with their fear. It’s important to be OK with feeling
uncomfortable. I help our patients manage their anxious feelings. If
they do this, they will surprise themselves and be rewarded, as their life
blossoms, instead of remaining stagnant. The other thing I share is never to be
afraid of failure. We either win or we learn.
3. Is there anything you have learned from working with this population?
I’ve learned repeatedly how smart and creative the ADHD brain is. It is such a strength! Many people with ADHD have a hard time seeing their strengths because they focus on what isn’t working, rather than what is. Naturally, there is sometimes shame around mistakes that they feel they have made. I guide patients to see that they are not failures, they are just learning and growing. I really enjoy helping people navigate whatever they are struggling with.
4. What do you like about working with people with ADHD?
I love what outside-the-box, big picture, creative thinkers they are. They make great problem solvers and are able to weave conclusions together that no one else can usually understand; but they are frequently right. ADHD people are often highly intuitive and need to trust their intuition. I also love that they have big hearts and usually want to help others. They also have lots of energy when they are doing something that they love to do and that really interests them. It’s great to see this unfold in people because it makes them happy as we create together what they want for themselves.
5. The Hallowell center is known for its strengths based approach, what is your understanding of that?
