I read today as a matter of fact an article in the ADDitude mag about a girl who used a coach and it was the best thing for her, there are ads for some in the classified section of the magazine!!

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i got the "delivered from distraction" by the same authors i liked the positive title instead.. lol

i've been looking for a coach too...haven't found one yet...but in the meantime i took hallowells advice and got "ADD friendly ways to organize your life." Judith Kolberg

a great book...i took the advice from the book...and put it on 3X5 cards posted them here there and everywhere...moved things around in the house...i put sticky notes hanging off the pages...highlighted stuff... generally i just made a right mess out of the book...i did that too with "delivered from distraction." ;-)

exercise helps a lot! right/left brain exercises...

i got a balance board...that seems to help...i need a harder one, i plan on trying a Chango S2000 Balance Board...i would juggle but my hand is in a cast...physical exercise is the only reason i got anywhere in college...and I only figured this out the last month or so...but i can't go back to a lot of the things i love with my hand in a cast for the time being.

Right/Left Brain Games!!! http://www.gamesforthebrain.com/

don't give up...it takes time to change habits...our brains work off habits too...so try not to be disappointed with yourself...it's taken me several months of meds and using the advice from books to just begin to get a handle on things.

cheers, Ramona

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While the ACO does not vouch for the expertise of any coach, they do provide a "find a coach" directory. Every coach that joins the ACO (www.adhdcoaches.org) is interviewed to see that they have met certain minimum standards of training in coaching and if not included in that training, the ADHD add-on coach training to the interviewer's satisfaction. Coaches can also be found on many internet sites (ADD.org, addconsults, addresources). Some are free listings and some are paid. It is best to use your head and ask normal questions before one would hire anyone. How long have you been coaching? Where did you get your training? Do you have references? Do other's in the field know you and can you provide me with some names? Interview at least 4 or 5 before deciding on one because the range of talent and fit for any individual varies greatly. If you want a good coach, they may not be the cheapest. Do they speak about ADHD in their community? Nationally at conferences? If you've read some ADHD books, does the coach sound knowledgeable to you? Good luck in finding happiness and balance.

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I happen to be an ADD coach and would be happy to answer any questions anyone has about coaching. To start, I can give you some general info. First, most coaching takes place by phone therefore making it easy for you to connect with one you like even if they don't live in your area. Second, coaching is a partnership that is different from therapy. Typically, you can keep in touch with your coach between sessions via e-mail. Finally, a good coach will not only help you figure out effective strategies for your challenges, but will also help you identify and incorporate your strengths (yes, you have them) into your life.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you may have about coaching in this forum.

Rhonda Pawlan, M.S.

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I've researched about coaching and looked for some in my area of the country (not too many) and discovered that they do the work via telephone and e-mails and charge as much as $500.00 a month per client and you pay the long distance telephone bill (very lucrative business if you have more than 5 clients/month).

Unfortunately coaching is not covered by most insurances so you have to come up with the fee yourself. Since I don't have that kind of money laying around I tried looking for a psychologist who is willing to coach me. This is good because my insurance will pay for it and my cost is the $20 per session co-pay (much less than coaching and you get counseling in the process as well). I was fortunate to find a psychologist who specializes in adult ADD in my community and she is now my coach. I see her twice a month for now and will probably reduce that to once a month and e-mails for accountability at a later date.

There is a coaching website that has a $27.00 per month coaching option with 1 live teleclass per month along with member forums, audio library, coaching exercises and other resources that you can tap into. It's not as intensive as one on one coaching but there a lot of people who have used this site who liked it enough to write about it. It's also good if you don't want the hassle of making appointments to meet with a coach/psychologist. The website is www.addmanagement.com. Since ADD is a lifelong condition and insurance pays for psychologists I'll probably opt for that most of the time since it's doing double duty for much less cost.

By the way, I was diagnosed 3 years ago with ADD for the first time. I was 50 years old. I am on Adderall XR and it pretty much works all the time but I still need help with organization and work issues.

I had tried antidepressants (Paxil, Zoloft, Welbutrin) but found they triggered anxiety/panic attacks. Asked a psychiatrist why that happened with drugs that were supposed to reduce anxiety and was told that in some cases they can actually trigger panic attacks in some people. Soooo If you're on antidepressants and still having panic attacks, check and see if they may be actually triggering the attacks.

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I only have time for a short reply right now, but I felt compelled to respond to the last post for clarification. First, most ADD coaches do not charge $500 per month - I know that I certainly don't and neither do most colleagues of mine. Also, since most coaches pay for a long distance monthly rate, you can find a coach who will call "you" at the designated time.

Finally, even though you will always have ADD, that doesn't mean you will always have to be working with a professional - whether coach or therapist. Once you have learned strategies to help you with your main challenges, you can take off and fly! The longest I've ever worked with a client has been two years, and most others for shorter periods of time. Each person, their challenges, and what they want to accomplish is quite unique. My point is -- don't rule out working with an experienced ADD coach, if that's what it takes to help you live a better life.

Rhonda Pawlan, M.S.

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