What’s the Difference Between ADHD Coaching and Therapy?
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD—or suspect you might have it—you’ve probably come across the terms ADHD coaching and therapy. While both can be helpful, they’re not the same thing, and understanding the difference can help you choose the kind of support that fits your needs.
ADHD Coaching: Practical Tools and Accountability
ADHD coaching is typically action-oriented. Coaches help clients set goals, build structure, manage time, and stay on track. Think of coaching as helping with the “how” of daily life—how to plan your day, how to break down tasks, how to follow through.
Coaches often work with clients on:
- Organization and time management
- Prioritizing tasks
- Creating routines and systems
- Accountability and motivation
Coaching is not therapy. It doesn’t address emotional issues like anxiety, shame, past trauma, or relationship dynamics. A coach may notice these patterns, but they’ll typically refer you to a therapist if deeper work is needed.
Therapy: Emotional Support and Insight
Therapy offers a safe space to explore how ADHD affects your emotional world, relationships, and sense of self. Many adults with ADHD struggle with chronic self-criticism, rejection sensitivity, and feeling “behind” in life. Therapy can help you understand these patterns and build healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
In therapy, we may work on:
- Anxiety, depression, or emotional dysregulation
- Low self-esteem and shame
- Rejection sensitivity
- Life transitions, burnout, and overwhelm
- Relationship issues at work or home
As a therapist, I focus on helping people understand and manage the psychological and emotional aspects of ADHD. I also offer practical strategies when needed, but our work goes deeper than checklists and calendars.
Do I Need a Coach or a Therapist?
That depends on what you're looking for. If you feel mostly stable emotionally but struggle with staying organized and following through, a coach might be a good fit. If you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, anxious, or overwhelmed, therapy can help you address those deeper layers and move forward with more clarity and confidence.
Some people choose to work with both a therapist and a coach, depending on their goals and needs.