ADHD Coaching: Why Pills Aren’t Skills
ADHD coaching is a growing area of support in Australia, helping people move beyond medication to build practical skills for daily life. Today, we sat down with Annabel, a Counselling & Clinical Psychologist at Wellvue who treats patients across Australia, to unpack what coaching really involves, and why it’s making a difference for people with ADHD.
Wellvue: Annabel, thanks for joining us. To begin, can you explain in simple terms what ADHD coaching is, and how it differs from psychology or counselling?
Annabel: Of course. ADHD coaching is a structured, collaborative process that focuses on everyday challenges faced by people with ADHD. While psychology or counselling often explores emotions, mental health conditions, or past experiences, coaching is more practical and future focused.
It is about helping people build systems that work in their daily life. That might be learning how to manage a calendar, break down tasks into achievable steps, or develop routines that reduce decision fatigue. Coaching complements but does not replace medical or psychological care. Many of my patients see a psychiatrist or psychologist, and coaching adds an extra layer of support by translating insight into action.
Why Pills Aren’t Skills
Wellvue: Many people assume that once they start medication, that is enough. Why might someone still benefit from coaching?
Annabel: Medication can be life changing. It sharpens focus, improves attention, and reduces impulsivity. But medication does not teach you the skills you need to thrive. As we often say:
“Pills sharpen focus, but coaching builds skills.”
Take organisation as an example. Medication might help you stay more focused when sorting your emails or planning your day. But if you have never had a system that works for you, focus alone will not magically create one. Coaching helps bridge that gap by teaching strategies and holding people accountable as they put them into practice.
Another reason is self-esteem. Many people with ADHD carry years of self-doubt or criticism, often being told they are “lazy” or “not trying hard enough.” Coaching helps challenge those unhelpful narratives and replace them with self-understanding and confidence.
Focus Areas in Coaching
Wellvue: What areas do you usually focus on with patients?
Annabel: It depends on the person, but some themes come up again and again.
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Time management and organisation: building personalised systems for calendars, reminders, and task lists
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Emotional regulation: learning to pause, reflect, and manage reactions before overwhelm takes over
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Productivity and follow-through: breaking projects into smaller steps and using accountability to get things done
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Self-esteem and motivation: rebuilding confidence, addressing negative self-talk, and celebrating wins
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Relationships and communication: improving conversations, setting boundaries, and addressing rejection sensitivity
I also work with patients on health behaviours like sleep, exercise, and nutrition. These are not just “wellness extras.” They are crucial in managing ADHD symptoms day to day.
Why Work with a Coach?
Wellvue: Why is it important to work with a trained coach rather than just following tips online?
Annabel: There is no shortage of ADHD advice on social media. Some of it can be great, but a lot of it is oversimplified, unrealistic, or not evidence based.
The risk is that people try quick fixes that do not work for them, then feel even more discouraged. Coaching provides a safe, structured space where strategies are tailored to your strengths and challenges. A qualified coach also brings an understanding of ADHD as a condition, so we are not just throwing random tips at you. We are drawing on approaches that are informed by evidence and sustainable.
What Does a Coaching Program Look Like?
Wellvue: What does a typical ADHD coaching program look like?
Annabel: Most people benefit from committing to at least three to six months. Sessions usually run weekly or fortnightly for around 50 minutes. That regular rhythm is important because consistency builds habits.
In early sessions we often set up the foundations by understanding your priorities, exploring what has or has not worked in the past, and building initial strategies. As coaching progresses, the focus shifts to refining those strategies, keeping you accountable, and troubleshooting when life inevitably gets messy.
We also celebrate progress along the way. ADHD brains respond really well to positive reinforcement, so acknowledging what is working is just as important as fixing what is not.
Who Benefits from Coaching?
Wellvue: Who is ADHD coaching best suited for?
Annabel: Coaching can be helpful across a wide range of ages and situations.
- Adults who are balancing careers, households, or family life, and need more structure
- University students or young adults who are adjusting to independence and new academic or work demands
- Teenagers who are starting to take ownership of their routines and learning how to advocate for themselves
- People recently diagnosed as adults, who often describe relief at finally having answers, but also frustration at years of missed support
Coaching helps them start building a toolkit for the future, rather than dwelling on the past.
Getting Started
Wellvue: If someone is interested in starting ADHD coaching, what should they do next?
Annabel: The first step is to learn more about what coaching involves and reflect on whether it aligns with your needs. Talking with your psychiatrist, GP, or psychologist can also be helpful, as they can recommend whether coaching could complement your existing care.
At Wellvue, our coaching program is designed to integrate with medical and psychological support. We believe in a team based approach, where coaching strengthens the progress you are making in psychology or with medication.
Final Takeaways
- ADHD coaching is practical, structured, and focused on building real-life skills
- Medication can help, but it does not teach strategies. Coaching bridges that gap
- Consistency matters, and most people benefit from a few months of regular sessions
- Tailored support beats generic advice, as coaching is personalised, realistic, and sustainable
- It is not about fixing you. It is about helping you thrive in a way that works for your life
Author bio:
Annabel is a Counselling & Clinical Psychologist at Wellvue, specialising in ADHD coaching, ADHD in women and psychological support. She works with patients across Australia, helping them build the systems and strategies needed to thrive in daily life.
© 2025 Wellvue. All rights reserved. Patients are welcome to share this article with attribution. Media enquiries: media@wellvue.com.au.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and does not replace personalised medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you have concerns about your mental health, please speak with your GP, psychiatrist, or another qualified health professional. In an emergency, call 000 in Australia.