When you are starting out post-ADHD diagnosis there is a danger of becoming paralysed over what to do next.

Many people will opt to get ADHD medications, mainly stimulants and amphetamines but having a support structure around you which may include meds can really help to move you towards better times.

Having been in therapy since 2010 and ADHD coaching since late 2025 I have first-hand experience of both and there are clear and obvious differences between the. Both could have their place in your toolkit.

Psychotherapy

• Often long lasting (sometimes decades), can be short and focused too e.g. CBT
• Different modes depending on what you want e.g. Integrative, Person-Centred, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy etc. (for a list click here for BACP info)
• Depending on the modality it can rely on human connection and relationship, may involve unconditional positive regard and often delves back into your childhood
• May focus on helping you to live the life you want or work through current difficulties
• Primarily focusing on recovery or coping, clinically-based
• Regulated as a profession in the UK mainly working with accrediting bodies such as BACP, UKCP
• Help with finding a psychotherapist is here

ADHD Coaching

• Future-focused perhaps informed by past
• Less focused clinically and more on executive functioning, implementing systems and routines, goal setting and working on areas of need
• All about empowerment and progress driven by the coachee
• Largely unregulated with coaching as a term unprotected
• Useful if the coach has direct experience of ADHD either themselves or close to them to help understand common problems faced

Help with finding an ADHD coach is here