While ADHD coaching is often recommended by healthcare practitioners, many people don't fully understand what it involves. In this post, I’ll walk you through what happens before and after ADHD coaching sessions, providing a clearer picture of the process. In future posts, I'll dive deeper into what takes place during a coaching session, as well as the Intake and Planning meeting that occurs before coaching begins.
Before Coaching Sessions
Most clients meet for coaching once a week. Before each session, clients are asked to complete a brief online coaching preparation form. While it only takes a few minutes to submit online, this form plays a crucial role in the coaching process.
The form provides an opportunity for clients to reflect on their progress since the last session. It prompts them to summarize any successes or challenges related to the goals and action steps they set in the previous meeting. This encourages clients to engage in reflection on what strategies worked and what needs further refinement. Clients are also invited to identify what they'd like to focus on in the upcoming session.
Although it's common for clients to bring up different topics during a session, the preparation form helps ensure they reflect on their current challenges and arrive ready to make the most of our time together. While the main goal is for clients to assess their progress and choose a focus for the session, the coach will also review the form in advance to be fully prepared for a productive discussion.
After Coaching Sessions
Several important steps take place after each coaching session to ensure clients stay on track and continue making progress.
First, within a few hours of the session, clients receive a brief summary of the action steps they identified during the coaching meeting. While clients are encouraged to take notes during the session, many find it helpful to have a written list of action items to refer to throughout the week.
Clients may also receive recommended resources, such as videos, articles, exercises, and links to helpful tools, to support their growth and goals.
Additionally, clients are encouraged (but not required) to complete an online reflection journal after each session. Taking a few minutes to reflect on any challenges uncovered during the session—and to make a plan for addressing them—can significantly enhance the coaching experience. In this journal, clients also have the opportunity to connect the session's content to their broader goals and reflect on what they've learned about themselves.
Lastly, clients are invited to complete a coaching feedback form after each session. While optional, this feedback is invaluable for the coach, as it helps identify what worked well and areas for improvement. This ensures that coaching sessions remain personalized and tailored to the client's needs and preferences.
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