ADHD Assessment and Coaching in Newmarket, Cambridge, and Online

Growing up with ADHD in my family means I have been supporting neurodiversity for my entire life. When training and subsequently qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist, ADHD was a natural area for me to specialise in, with over a decade of training and experience to date. Unfortunately, ADHD coaching is not a regulated industry. There is no requirement for anyone describing themselves as an ADHD coach, ADD coach, or life coach to have any professional qualifications or experience at all. When I founded Konnect, I wanted to offer the ADHD support I felt the people in my life deserved. I have trained to a doctoral (PHD equivalent) level in supporting people with their ADHD and hold the most advanced qualification available in the UK. As a Clinical Psychologist, my practice is regulated and audited by the HCPC, meaning it must be evidenced-based and meet a standard of excellence for me to maintain my licence to practice.

Supporting ADHD: Coaching Qualifications and Experience                   

Our unique ADHD coaching approach is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This is an evidence based third-wave cognitive behavioural therapy; the only non-medical ADHD treatment recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Instead of giving a list of pre-packaged strategies, ACT-ADHD coaching aims to understand the person as a whole.

Trying to conform to a neurotypical world is exhausting, and this in turn makes it unsustainable for us to continually mask our ADHD symptoms. Rather than trying to battle or supress thoughts, urges, emotions, and impulsivity, ACT-ADHD coaching aims to teach you to use these executive functioning traits as strengths, rather than weaknesses. The coaching process includes an assessment of values, strengths, difficulties, and support systems that can be accessed. We aim to teach you to apply the skills you learn to both your current difficulties, and any future problems you encounter. Our goal is to help you to thrive and reach your full potential in the long-term.

The approach includes:

  • Psychoeducation (enhancing our understanding of ADHD)

  • Bespoke practical strategies and environmental adaptations

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) skills training

  • Helping those around us understand our difficulties and how to help us thrive

  • Understanding and managing interactions with mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, and sleep

How can ADHD Coaching and Support Help Me in the Long Term?   

As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, I understand the complex way that ADHD can interact with mental health difficulties such as anxiety, OCD, bi-polar, and EUPD. It’s common for ADHD symptoms to be exacerbated by these difficulties, and by working on skills to manage them, we have seen exceptional results for people who have otherwise felt let down by generic coaching approaches.

What If I Struggle With Mental Health Difficulties and ADHD?         

While the majority of my clients have a diagnosis of ADHD, anyone struggling with the following difficulties may benefit from this approach…

  • Attention or being easily distracted

  • Memory

  • Concentration, focus, or zoning out

  • Impulsivity or hyperactivity

  • Feeling overwhelmed

  • Time management, planning, or completing tasks

  • Motivation

  • Organisation

  • Decision making

  • Setting boundaries

  • Difficulties in relationships, education, work, and social settings

Do I need an ADHD Diagnosis for ADHD Coaching to be Effective?              

If you you’d like to find out more or would like to book a free consultation, please contact us below.

Do you Offer Couples Counselling for ADHD?                                                        

Neurodiversity (and neurotypicality) can have a big impact on our relationships. The partner with ADHD can be left feeling misunderstood, exhausted, and like they just can’t win. A neurotypical partner may find it challenging to understand how best to help, guilty, and struggle to communicate their own needs effectively. This can lead to frustration, resentment, and a breakdown in communication even with the most compatible couples. Couples counselling for neurodiversity in relationships aims to help both partners work as a team to understand their needs and how to get their perspectives valued and understood. At Konnect we take the approach that neither the neurotypical or neurodiverse brain is the “problem”. We aim to help both partners understand ADHD, the impact it has on each partner and the couple, and strategies to allow both partners to communicate and prioritise their needs equally.

Dr Joseph Barker

Phone 07585 689 025

Email j.barker@konnectclinicalpsychology.co.uk

Please note that we do not offer an emergency crisis service.

If your need is an emergency, please call 999, or go to your local Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.

For mental health support, contact NHS 111 option 2.

24/7 support is also available by calling Samaritans on 116 123 or via SHOUT text crisis service on 85258.

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