Sarah Nichols
Therapeutic Counsellor,
ADHD Coach.
BSc (Hons) Psych., Dip Coun., (Accred) MBACP, GMBPsS
ADHD COACHING
A Space to Grow...
Inattention-Related Traits
​
Poor concentration: Easily distracted by irrelevant sights, sounds, or internal thoughts.
​
Forgetfulness: Frequently forgets appointments, deadlines, or daily tasks.
​
Disorganization: Difficulty keeping track of materials, tasks, or time.
​
Trouble following instructions: Especially multi-step directions.
​
Procrastination: Often delays tasks, especially those requiring sustained effort.
​
Mental restlessness: Minds may wander even during conversations or activities they enjoy.
​​
Hyperactivity-Related Traits
​
Fidgeting and restlessness: Difficulty sitting still, tapping, bouncing legs.
​
Constant motion: Especially in children, often running or climbing when inappropriate.
​
Talking excessively: Often interrupts or dominates conversations.
​
Difficulty engaging in quiet activities: May feel bored or uncomfortable with stillness.
​​
Impulsivity-Related Traits
​
Interrupting others: Blurting out answers or speaking over people.
​
Poor self-control: Acting without thinking about the consequences.
​
Emotional reactivity: Intense emotions, difficulty regulating anger or frustration.
​
Risk-taking behaviours: Engaging in risk taking without full consideration of danger.
​
ADHD Traits
How ADHD Coaching Supports Individuals
​
ADHD coaching serves as a practical and highly effective support system for people living with ADHD. Unlike traditional therapy, which typically addresses emotional or psychological concerns, ADHD coaching is centred on actionable strategies. The coaching process is designed to assist clients in organising their daily routines, managing goals, and developing structured approaches to everyday challenges.
​
Improved Executive Functioning
​
ADHD can have a significant impact on executive functions, such as planning, organising, time management, and getting started on tasks. Through our coaching sessions, we focus on developing these skills in the following ways:
​
-
Breaking down large tasks into manageable steps
-
Setting realistic and achievable goals
-
Creating and following structured schedules
-
Consistently using reminders, planners, and other organisational tools
By implementing these strategies, clients often find their productivity improves and feelings of overwhelm are reduced.
​
Accountability
​
Many people with ADHD find it challenging to follow through with plans and commitments. As an ADHD Coach, I offer support in the following ways:
-
Providing regular check-ins
-
Offering gentle accountability
-
Creating a sense of structure and encouraging commitment to action
Knowing that someone is there to follow up can be a powerful motivator and help maintain progress.
​
Tailored Strategies
​
ADHD manifests differently for everyone, so a one-size-fits-all approach is rarely effective. In my coaching practice, I work with you to:
-
Identify how your specific ADHD symptoms present in your daily life
-
Develop strategies that leverage your unique strengths
-
Experiment with systems—such as time-blocking or visual reminders—that suit your individual needs, rather than relying on generic advice
Through this tailored approach, you can build sustainable habits that support your personal growth over time.
Challenges Experienced...
Executive Function Challenges
​
Executive functions are the mental skills that help with managing time, setting goals, organizing, and remembering details. ADHD often impairs these:
​
-
Time blindness: Difficulty sensing the passage of time.
-
Trouble prioritizing tasks: Struggles with figuring out what to do first.
-
Initiation issues: Hard to start tasks, even important or desired ones.
-
Difficulty shifting focus: Trouble moving from one task or thought to another.
-
Difficulties with concentration: Becoming easily distracted and moving onto often tasks, can result in unfinished tasks, or having many tasks ongoing at once.
Social and Emotional Difficulties
​
-
Misreading social cues: Can lead to awkward or strained interactions
-
Low self-esteem: Years of perceived "underperformance" or criticism can impact self-worth.
-
Social rejection & Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) : Impulsivity or hyperactivity may cause peer difficulties.
-
Mood swings: Frustration, anxiety, or sadness can co-occur.
Academic or Work Challenges
​
-
Underachievement: Often despite high intelligence or capability.
-
Missed deadlines: Due to procrastination or forgetfulness.
-
Poor performance reviews: Struggles with consistency and task completion.
-
Burnout: Managing ADHD symptoms over time can be exhausting.
Daily Life Challenges
​
-
Difficulty managing money: Impulsive spending, missed bills.
-
Poor sleep habits: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
-
Chronic lateness: Underestimation of time needed to complete tasks or travel.
-
Relationship stress: Partners, family, or friends may misinterpret ADHD symptoms as carelessness or irresponsibility
​​
Benefits
of
Coaching...
Increased Self-Awareness
​
ADHD coaching helps you to better understand your ADHD-related behaviours, such as procrastination and avoidance. By working with a coach, you learn to notice your triggers and behavioural patterns, which allows you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
​
This process encourages improved emotional regulation and helps to build your confidence.
​
Mindset Shifts and Self-Compassion
​
Many people with ADHD have spent years feeling misunderstood, blamed, or criticised. This can lead to low self-esteem, shame or guilt around productivity, and a fear of failure. As an ADHD coach, I offer a non-judgemental space where encouragement and positive reinforcement are provided. I will help you to reframe any perceived "failures" as valuable learning opportunities.
​
This approach creates a more empowering narrative and promotes resilience.
​
Better Relationships and Communication
​
Through coaching sessions, I help clients learn to communicate their needs more clearly, such as asking for accommodations. Together, we develop strategies to reduce misunderstandings, whether with partners or co-workers, and manage frustration and emotional outbursts more effectively.
​
This support leads to stronger personal and professional relationships.
​
Support Through Transitions
​
Big life transitions, such as starting college, beginning a new job, or navigating parenthood, can be especially challenging for people with ADHD.
​
ADHD coaching supports you in preparing and planning for change, creating flexible routines, and adjusting goals as needed.
​
Please note I do not require a diagnosis to offer you support.
I have trained as an ADHD Coach through Barrett Coaching and Training, this qualification is dual accredited by the Association for Coaching and the Universal Coaching Alliance.
​
​