Why I wanted to become an adult ADHD Life Coach?
- Bernadette Ashton
- Feb 3, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Living with ADHD: A Personal and Professional Journey
The effects of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, though I didn’t recognise it at the time. It wasn’t until I became a parent and began supporting my son through his own ADHD journey that I truly began to understand the condition.
When my youngest son started school, it became clear that he was very different from his two older sisters. From toddlerhood, he was always on the go—energetic, constantly moving, and full of curiosity. Having only grown up with older brothers, I initially assumed his behaviour was simply typical of a lively little boy. But as time went on, I was reminded of two of my siblings who had shown similar traits and were never formally diagnosed.
Throughout his school years, I was regularly invited to meetings with his teachers and school staff to discuss his learning and behaviour. After multiple assessments through CAMHS and educational professionals, he was eventually diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, and speech, language, and learning difficulties.
As a parent, I was determined to learn as much as I could to support him effectively. I immersed myself in research, reading, enrolling in online ADHD courses, joining Facebook groups, and following ADHD professionals and organisations around the world. I also attended conferences and seminars in the UK, across Europe and worldwide, all to understand how I could help him thrive.
Today, I’m proud to say that my son is a resilient and thriving young man. He works full-time, leads an active lifestyle, and is passionate about fitness, spending much of his free time running, cycling, and participating in gym workouts. Like many individuals with ADHD, he still experiences some day-to-day challenges—misplacing items like keys, wallets, and cards—but he continues to manage his life with determination and a positive attitude.
Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with adults and families affected by ADHD. I’m a founding member of two support groups—one for adults with ADHD and another for families—and I currently serve as a board member of a UK-based ADHD charity, which organises annual conferences to support our community.
Since 2021, I’ve been studying with the International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACT Centre) and am now a Certified ADHD Life Coach. I’m also pursuing accreditation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) to become an Associate Certified Coach.
My passion lies in supporting adult professionals and business owners living with ADHD, helping them create balance and overcome the unique challenges they face. It’s estimated that over 75% of adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed, and I’m committed to changing that narrative by raising awareness and offering practical, compassionate support.
In our coaching sessions, I help clients identify their strengths, values, and simple strategies that create meaningful change. Together, we work on areas such as:
Exploring Challenges:
Identifying and understanding the specific challenges you face.
Self-awareness and Strength Development:
Focusing on developing self-awareness and leveraging your strengths.
Core Values Identification:
Collaboratively identifying your core values to guide decisions and actions.
Addressing Limiting Beliefs:
Recognising and overcoming any limiting beliefs that may hinder your progress.
Organisational and Prioritisation Skills:
Developing practical organisational and prioritisation skills.
Time Management and Awareness:
Strategies for improved time management and heightened time awareness.
Procrastination Management:
Techniques to overcome procrastination tendencies.
Psychoeducation about Adult ADHD, ADHD Brain, and Medications:
Providing comprehensive information on adult ADHD, understanding the ADHD brain, and exploring medication options.
Working with Targets:
Tailoring coaching to align with your specific targets and objectives.
Do any of these areas resonate with you?
Whether you're struggling to meet deadlines, stay organised, or find your rhythm, ADHD coaching can help you move from surviving to thriving.
It’s an honour to walk alongside my clients and support them in discovering their own “AHA” moments. If you’re an adult, parent, teacher, or professional seeking guidance or clarity around ADHD, I invite you to get in touch.
I offer a complimentary 20-minute discovery call to determine if my ADHD coaching services are a suitable fit for your needs.
Visit www.adhdlancashire.com/bookings to learn more and schedule your call.
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