Coaching Adults with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorder

Richard Dana, Ed.D.

​

What is coaching?

Coaching is an ongoing, collaborative relationship that begins by helping you clarify important personal or professional goals. Coaches then support you as you take action steps toward realizing your goals—similar to mentors whose only desire is to see you succeed.
 

How is coaching different from psychotherapy?

Coaching and psychotherapy are distinctly different, but complementary services. Consider the analogy of physical conditioning. A coach, like a personal trainer, collaborates with you and provides support and encouragement so that you can reach higher levels of performance and satisfaction in life. A psychologist, like a physical therapist, approaches a working relationship by focusing on "problems" which prevent you from feeling better or behaving in healthy ways. The goal of coaching is to facilitate positive change by focusing on human strengths and the widest available range of resources. Together we clarify your most important personal and professional goals and work as partners until they have been achieved.

Who needs a coach?

Do learning style differences limit your success at work? Do you have difficulty communicating or advocating for yourself on the job or at home? Many young adults need assistance in making the transition from school to work. Other adults find that they work harder than friends or colleagues to blend in socially or adapt to changes on the job. Is it especially challenging to learn new or complex information? Would you benefit from learning effective strategies for succeeding in professional or social settings? Can you picture lifestyle changes which would make you happier and healthier? Would you like to live the life that you've always dreamed of ...NOW?

Of course you do! Many adults continue to develop strategies for success in adulthood. Don't just dream about a more fulfilling life—decide to live it! Coaching can help you identify and achieve goals which will result in feeling successful, enthusiastic, and energized.
 

What are some sample areas for coaching?

• Job search

• Organizational skills

• Communication skills

• Self advocacy

• Pragmatic and social skills

• Reading and writing skills

 

 

How does coaching work?

Coaching relationships are completely confidential and flexible. Clients can choose to work in person or by telephone. Clients and coaches meet regularly to stay focused and motivated, either on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Coaching fees and frequency of meetings are determined by the needs of each client.

Richard Dana Ed.D. is a psychologist, business consultant and coach with twenty-five years of experience. Founder of Richard Dana Associates he specializes in executive and management consultation, team building and leadership training.