How Coaches Differ from Therapists

Discover tips, treatment options, and support strategies from the Finding Focus Care Team

Last Update: June 16th, 2025 | Estimated Read Time: 8 min

Introduction

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals across the lifespan. It is associated with challenges in executive functioning, including planning, attention regulation, impulse control, and emotional modulation. As more people become aware of ADHD and seek assistance in managing its impacts, there is a growing demand for various treatment options, including therapy and ADHD coaching.

While both therapy and ADHD coaching aim to support individuals in functioning more effectively, they differ considerably in scope, method, and intended outcomes. Understanding these distinctions is essential for determining which form of support is most appropriate for a given set of needs. This article explores the roles, methodologies, and goals of ADHD coaches and therapists, offering guidance to individuals and families navigating these services.

Defining ADHD Coaching

ADHD coaching is a collaborative and client-centred intervention that focuses on practical problem-solving and skill-building. Unlike therapy, coaching does not delve into past emotional trauma or provide treatment for psychological conditions. Instead, it supports clients in developing personalized strategies to improve daily functioning, such as organizing tasks, managing time, setting priorities, and building self-awareness.

Coaches help individuals with ADHD build the capacity to follow through on intentions by developing systems for accountability and behavioural change. The coaching relationship emphasizes strengths, autonomy, and self-efficacy, guiding clients to make sustainable improvements in performance and daily routines. Coaching is particularly helpful for adolescents and adults who understand their diagnosis and want assistance managing the real-world implications of ADHD.

Coaching methods often draw on behavioural psychology and self-determination theory. The emphasis is on forward momentum: what the client wants to achieve, how they can get there, and what structures they need in place to succeed. Parker et al. (2011) found that university students with ADHD who participated in coaching reported improved self-regulation, greater academic achievement, and higher satisfaction with their learning experience compared to those without coaching support.

Importantly, coaching is not a regulated profession in most jurisdictions. However, reputable coaches often obtain training through organizations such as the ADHD Coaching Organization (ACO), the International Coach Federation (ICF), or the ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA). These programs ensure that coaches are well-versed in the cognitive and behavioural dimensions of ADHD and adhere to ethical guidelines in their work.

The Role of Therapy in ADHD Treatment

In contrast to coaching, therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is delivered by licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychotherapists, or social workers. These clinicians are qualified to diagnose mental health conditions and provide treatment for psychological concerns, including those that often co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and trauma.

Therapy is often more exploratory and insight-driven than coaching. It involves helping individuals understand the emotional, relational, and historical contexts behind their behaviours. It can also address negative self-perceptions and patterns of thought that undermine motivation or self-worth. Many individuals with ADHD internalize years of criticism, leading to feelings of shame or inadequacy. Therapy provides a safe space to process these experiences and build emotional resilience.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, in particular, is an evidence-based treatment shown to be effective for adults with ADHD. It targets maladaptive beliefs (e.g., “I’m lazy” or “I’ll never be good enough”) and teaches practical strategies for improving focus, reducing procrastination, and managing stress. Ramsay and Rostain (2015) emphasize that therapy is especially appropriate for individuals who experience significant emotional distress or who struggle to implement behavioural changes due to psychological barriers.

Therapists can also work with families or couples when ADHD affects interpersonal dynamics. For adolescents, therapy may focus on emotional regulation, peer relationships, or identity development. For adults, it may address chronic self-doubt, perfectionism, or work-related burnout.

Comparing Scope and Focus

Although ADHD coaching and therapy share common goals, such as improving functioning, reducing overwhelm, and enhancing quality of life, they differ in their theoretical underpinnings, interventions, and areas of focus. Understanding these differences is crucial when deciding which service is the best fit.

ADHD Coaching

‍Provider: Coach (not licensed to treat mental illness)

Focus: Executive skills, goal achievement, practical tools

Approach: Present-to-future, action-oriented

Use of Diagnosis: Works with a known diagnosis

Target Outcomes: Improved organization, time management, self-regulation

Therapy

‍Provider: Regulated mental health professional

Focus: Emotional healing, psychological wellbeing, mental health

Approach: Past-to-present, insight-oriented

Use of Diagnosis: May diagnose and treat disorders

Target Outcomes: Improved mood, self-esteem, emotional regulation

ADHD coaching is most beneficial when the individual is stable and functional enough to focus on implementing strategies and developing habits. It is not suitable for individuals in acute emotional distress, experiencing suicidal ideation, or requiring clinical treatment.

Therapy, on the other hand, is ideal for individuals experiencing significant psychological symptoms, unresolved trauma, or emotional dysregulation that interferes with daily life. Knouse and Safren (2010) highlight that for therapy to be effective in individuals with ADHD, interventions often must address the interplay between ADHD symptoms and emotional factors like anxiety or depression.

Can Individuals Benefit from Both?

Yes. In fact, many individuals with ADHD benefit from engaging in both therapy and coaching, either simultaneously or sequentially. Therapy and coaching complement one another, with therapy addressing internal emotional experiences and coaching addressing external behavioural strategies.

For instance, a university student might work with a therapist to address social anxiety and negative self-talk while concurrently meeting with a coach to improve study habits and time management. This dual-track approach can support both psychological healing and skill development.

Prevatt and Levrini (2015) recommend that professionals collaborate when clients are engaged in both services, ensuring coherence in goals and minimizing role confusion. The therapist can help identify emotional patterns that interfere with change, while the coach provides structure and accountability to apply strategies in daily life.

When to Choose Coaching vs. Therapy

Choosing between coaching and therapy depends on a variety of factors including symptom severity, emotional wellbeing, and readiness for change. Consider the following indicators when making a decision:

Coaching May Be the Right Fit If You:

• Are aware of your ADHD diagnosis and want to improve executive functioning
  
  
• Struggle with procrastination, disorganization, or poor follow-through
  
  
• Want help creating systems for time, tasks, and productivity
  
  
• Do not have significant emotional or psychological concerns
  
  
• Are motivated to take action and make practical changes  

Therapy May Be the Right Fit If You:

• Experience anxiety, depression, or emotional dysregulation
  
  
• Struggle with low self-esteem or feelings of failure
  
  
• Have a history of trauma or complex family dynamics
  
  
• Require a formal diagnosis or want to explore treatment options
  
  
• Need support processing emotions or understanding relational patterns  

Some individuals may begin in therapy and transition to coaching once emotional stability improves. Others may move between the two as needs evolve. The important consideration is that support should be tailored to the individual, flexible over time, and grounded in evidence-based practices.

Conclusion

Both ADHD coaching and therapy offer meaningful, evidence-informed support for individuals managing the complex challenges associated with ADHD. They differ in scope and approach, but neither is inherently superior. Rather, they serve distinct but complementary functions.

Coaching empowers clients to take immediate, structured action on the executive difficulties that affect their work, school, and home lives. Therapy helps clients make sense of emotional experiences, develop resilience, and address psychological barriers to growth. When used together, they provide a holistic framework that supports both change and healing.

As awareness of ADHD continues to grow, so does the opportunity to find supports that are not only effective, but aligned with each individual's unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Finding Focus Care Team 

We are a group of nurse practitioners, continuous care specialists, creators, and writers, all committed to excellence in patient care and expertise in ADHD. We share content that illuminates aspects of ADHD and broader health care topics. Each article is medically verified and approved by the Finding Focus Care Team. You can contact us at Finding Focus Support if you have any questions!  

References

Knouse, L. E., & Safren, S. A. (2010). Current status of cognitive behavioural therapy for adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(3), 497–509. Link  

Parker, D. R., Hoffman, S. F., Sawilowsky, S., & Rolands, L. (2011). Self-control in postsecondary settings: Students’ perceptions of ADHD college coaching. Journal of Attention Disorders, 15(1), 63–71. Link  

Prevatt, F., & Levrini, A. (2015). ADHD Coaching: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals. Routledge. Link  

Ramsay, J. R., & Rostain, A. L. (2015). The Adult ADHD Tool Kit: Using CBT to Facilitate Coping Inside and Out. Routledge. Link