Major Red Flags You Should Look Out For in Executive ADHD Coaching Services
ADHD coaching has become a vital resource for professionals looking to harness their strengths, navigate challenges, and thrive in their careers.
However, not all coaching services are created equal.
(I should know – I’m a therapist AND an ADHD coach.)
With the rise in popularity of executive ADHD coaching, it’s important to distinguish quality programs from those that might waste your time, money, and energy.
Here are the major red flags to watch out for when evaluating an ADHD coaching service:
1. Overpromising Results
Any service that guarantees “life-changing” results in an unreasonably short timeframe should raise alarm bells.
While ADHD coaching can lead to transformative changes, growth takes time, effort, and a tailored approach.
It also takes flexibility, programmatic reinforcement, and knowledge about human development and mental health.
Beware of vague claims like “cure your ADHD” or “achieve all your goals in 30 days.”
Why?
First, there’s no cure for ADHD; it’s literally how your brain is built and wired.
And second?
If you have ADHD, you might have so many goals that it literally takes 30 days to list them all…
What to Look For Instead:
Coaches who set realistic expectations and outline clear, achievable milestones.
Programs that emphasize incremental progress rather than overnight success.
Coaches who understand the language and concepts of neurodivergence. You don’t want to have to educate someone about your experience.
2. Lack of Credentials or Experience
Coaching is an unregulated field, which means anyone can claim to be an ADHD coach without proper training or experience.
A lack of relevant certifications, professional affiliations, or client testimonials is a significant red flag.
What to Look For Instead:
Certifications from recognized organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF) or ADHD-specific training programs (e.g., ADDCA); conversely, look for credentialed mental health professionals with niche ADHD experience and a solution-oriented framework.
Coaches with proven experience working specifically with professionals or executives with ADHD.
Testimonials, reviews, or case studies demonstrating their impact.
3. One-Size-Fits-All Approach
ADHD manifests differently in every individual.
As an ADHD coach, that’s at least half the fun.
A coach who uses a rigid, cookie-cutter method without tailoring their strategies to your unique needs may not provide the support you require.
Also, look for folks who understand that ADHDers often require more reinforcement of concepts and tasks than your neurotypical bear.
Find folks who also take the time to discuss your learning style and can tailor their approach to your needs.
What to Look For Instead:
Personalized coaching plans that take into account your strengths, challenges, and goals.
An emphasis on collaboration, where the coach works with you to develop customized strategies.
Programs that have individual coaching sessions partnered with group learning opportunities.
4. Focus Solely on Productivity Hacks
While productivity is a key area of concern for professionals with ADHD, a coaching program that focuses exclusively on task management without addressing emotional regulation, mindset, and long-term growth is incomplete.
While inconvenient, ADHD impacts more than just your to-do list.
Seek out coaches who help you attain the foundational knowledge and skills for emotional regulation so you can actually implement all those awesome systems floating around in your brilliant brain.
What to Look For Instead:
Person-centered approaches that address emotional resilience, communication skills, and work-life balance.
Coaches who help you develop self-awareness and build sustainable habits, not just quick fixes.
5. Lack of Accountability Structures
A coach who doesn’t hold you accountable for your progress can leave you feeling unsupported and directionless.
Accountability is a cornerstone of effective ADHD coaching, helping you stay motivated and consistent.
It also provides you with ongoing feedback as well as nurtures the ongoing coaching relationship – which keeps you more invested in the process.
What to Look For Instead:
Regular check-ins, progress tracking, and actionable feedback.
Tools and systems to help you monitor your growth between sessions.
Access to resources between sessions.
6. No Emphasis on Strengths-Based Coaching
ADHD often comes with unique strengths, such as creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
A coach who focuses solely on “fixing” your perceived weaknesses may inadvertently reinforce feelings of shame or inadequacy.
Rather, find a coach who understands that building entirely new systems is not sustainable for ADHDers. They should focus on tweaking established systems that work to make them more effective and efficient – or applicable for other challenges.
What to Look For Instead:
Coaches who celebrate your ADHD strengths and teach you how to leverage them in your professional life.
A positive, empowering tone that encourages self-compassion and growth.
7. Unclear or Unstructured Program
A coaching program without a clear structure or defined outcomes can leave you feeling lost.
If the coach cannot explain their process or how they will help you achieve your goals, it’s a major warning sign.
Also, if their methods are not based in extensive research on neurodevelopment, mental health, and coaching or group design – RUN.
What to Look For Instead:
Clear outlines of the program’s objectives, format, and timeline.
A transparent explanation of how each session will contribute to your progress.
Programmatic flexibility to allow time for additional understanding.
8. Lack of Collaboration
Effective coaching is a partnership.
If a coach seems overly controlling, dismissive of your input, or unwilling to adapt to your needs, it’s a big ol’ red flag.
They should be modeling the behavior and skills you’re seeking to learn.
What to Look For Instead:
Coaches who actively listen and value your perspective.
A collaborative dynamic where you feel heard and respected.
An environment that encourages questions, further discovery, and follow-up: a learning environment for all.
9. Absence of Emotional Safety
Coaching can delve into vulnerable areas of your life, so it’s essential to feel emotionally safe with your coach.
Before approaching any coaching relationship, create a list of qualities you’re seeking in that coach. Also have a good idea of what you need in order to feel safe, be engaged, and to learn.
Baseline: if a coach dismisses your feelings, uses judgmental language, or makes you feel uncomfortable, they’re not the right fit.
What to Look For Instead:
A coach who creates a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and growth.
Evidence of empathy and understanding in their communication style.
Responsiveness to feedback about the quality of their performance.
10. No Exit Strategy
The goal of coaching is to empower you to thrive independently.
Coaches who try to create dependency or don’t provide a clear exit strategy may not have your best interests at heart.
Ultimately, it’s our job to give you the skills to fly the coop, little bird – and to soar high, high, high but with the insight to control those impulses so you don’t pull and Icarus.
What to Look For Instead:
Coaches who help you develop the tools and confidence to sustain progress on your own.
A clear plan for concluding the coaching relationship when the time is right.
Assistance with an exit plan for after the coaching relationship ends.
The Bigger Picture
Finding the right executive ADHD coach can be a transformative experience, helping you unlock your potential and navigate your professional life with confidence.
By watching for these red flags and seeking coaches who emphasize personalization, accountability, and emotional safety, you’ll be well on your way to finding a partnership that drives real growth.
Remember, coaching is an investment in yourself.
Choose wisely, and don’t settle for anything less than a coach who aligns with your values and vision.
IF you are seeking an ADHD coach or coaching program and this little blog post tickles your fancy, reach out to Max Casero at [email protected]. They have two ADHD group programs established and also offer individual opportunities as well.