What’s the difference between ADHD coaching and therapy?
Not sure if you need a therapist or a coach? Here’s difference.
If you're navigating ADHD and wondering what kind of support you need, you've probably asked yourself: Should I work with a therapist, or try coaching instead?
It's not just a good question — it's a crucial one. While both coaching and therapy offer safe, supportive spaces to reflect, learn, and grow, they serve distinctly different purposes. I make a point of explaining this distinction in every discovery session so clients feel confident they're in the right place.
Here's a metaphor I use to explain the difference:
Imagine you’re learning how to ride a bike...
A therapist might help you explore why you’re afraid of falling, or how your early experiences with risk and safety shaped that fear.
A mentor might offer tips on how to steer, or share what worked for them.
A consultant could explain the laws of physics or build you a better bike.
A coach? A coach runs alongside you. We check in, ask where you want to go next, and help you reflect on what worked — and what didn’t — after each ride.
Coaching is about helping you move from Point A to Point B. It’s action-oriented, practical, and forward-looking.
So which one is right for you?
Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
ADHD Coaching might be a good fit if...
You’re motivated to make a change, but something keeps getting in the way
You want support that’s focused on action, not analysis
You’re in a life transition — a new job, parental leave, or burnout
You need structure, accountability, and tools that work for your brain
Therapy might be a better fit if...
You’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma that interferes with daily life
You want to explore emotional pain or past patterns
You’re not ready to take action yet and need time to process or heal
Your symptoms are psychological in nature, not primarily executive function-based
Here’s how this plays out in real life
Take overwhelm — something we encounter regularly in our coaching work.
A therapist might explore the emotional roots of that overwhelm: where it comes from, how it shows up, and what patterns lie underneath. That kind of insight can be life-changing.
As a coach, I help you break that overwhelm into manageable parts. We identify what's most important, build structure around your tasks, and find tools that work with your ADHD so you can follow through — not just once, but consistently.
What if you want both?
Many of my clients work with both a therapist and a coach. Therapy helps them make sense of the past. Coaching gives them a framework to build what comes next.
If you're unsure which path to take, that's perfectly okay — we can help you figure it out. Coaching isn't a substitute for therapy, and we take that responsibility seriously. If it seems like therapy would be a better first step, we'll say so — and we're always happy to refer you to someone trusted.
The bottom line?
Therapy helps you understand where you've been. Coaching helps you decide where you're going — and how to get there.
We're here to walk (or bike!) alongside you as you take those next steps — with structure, compassion, and strategies that actually work for your ADHD.
Curious about ADHD coaching specifically?
That’s a slightly different conversation — and I’ve covered it in a follow-up post:
👉 What is ADHD Coaching (and how is it different from regular coaching)?
Or, if you're ready to explore what coaching might look like in your own life, book a discovery session at the link below, and let’s talk!
