Is Summer ADHD Coaching Right for You?

With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the picture, summer can present opportunities and challenges.  

For many of us, it’s a more unstructured time with reduced academic and work demands and more flexibility. With that, and the nicer weather, a plethora of social and leisure activities take priority (in a good way) – from going on vacation, trying new activities with family or friends, attending weddings, and ideally getting outside for some fun! You might even have the intention to use your newfound time to get ahead for the fall. With so much potential, summer can also be difficult – even feel overwhelming – to make the most of.  

With all this in mind, you or your family member(s) might be wondering… 

Depending on your goals, personal preferences and unique situation, working with an ADHD coach during the summer may be critical, while others may be wondering about a shift, or taking a break. In any case, this season of change can be a perfect opportunity to re-evaluate your personal goals with your ADHD coach and ask for any changes you might want to see in your support journey.  

Oh, and feel free to get creative this summer. Maybe you’d like to try a different style of session, or cadence in between appointments, or even consider an approach from a different Springboard team member like art therapy, family therapy or parent coaching. We love shaking it up at Springboard – so please, get curious and dive in!  😊  

As you explore what’s right for you, here are 5 questions for reflection:

1. If you continued coaching during the summer, what would be different as you kick off the fall?

2. If you took a break from coaching for the summer, what would be different as you kick off the fall?

3. Can coaching act as a catalyst for achieving your wants or needs? Are there specific areas you want to explore with the help of a coach?

4. Are there a couple of things you want to be accountable for goals-wise?

5. What three words come to mind when you think about summer?

By collaborating with your support team and openly sharing what you want and need this summer, they can better support you in the challenges you are facing and celebrate your “golden moments” alongside you too.  

Still on the fence about whether to proceed with ADHD coaching/therapy this summer?  

We’ve outlined some general benefits for summer coaching and some reasons to consider taking a break. We hope it sparks some brainstorming!  

Benefits of ADHD Coaching in the Summer

Here are three ways in which working with an ADHD coach/therapist can be beneficial over the summer months: 

1. An ADHD Coach can help provide you with structure to manage transitions and/or summer related challenges.

Summer can mark a change in regular routines: you may be going from school to vacation mode, perhaps you are starting a summer job, or you’re feeling “stretched thin” trying to take on everything all at once. Maybe you’re wondering about or overwhelmed by the prospect of how to make the most of your summer. Working with an ADHD coach can help you establish a consistent routine, set goals and stay accountable so you can best manage your time and avoid that “missing out syndrome” feeling.   

2. Sticking with ADHD Coaching during the summer (or even giving another therapeutic approach a try) can help you maintain progress or give you momentum as you transition into fall.

Some individuals want to work with an ADHD coach in the summer to maintain the progress they’ve made throughout the year and minimize potential setbacks with the change in routines. Your coach is a source of accountability, encouragement and ongoing support to help you stay on track and continue to find your way. You may even consider exploring other forms of discovery work like art therapy or occupational therapy! By switching up the angle or lens related to your individual work, you can find ways to be compassionate towards yourself while furthering any healing goals.   

3. Summer can be a great time to dig into emotional work.

Coaching is not all about skill development – (more importantly, a lot of the time) you can lean into your ADHD coach as a resource for emotional support and self-care strategies. And summer can offer a space to engage more closely with emotional work, with the goal of more closely connecting with your wants and needs. Your coach can validate your experiences and provide you with a safe space to discuss any challenges and concerns you may have related to ADHD. They can help you prioritize self-care practices and ways to align more closely to your values and intentions on a daily basis. 

Reasons Summer ADHD Coaching may not be a fit

Sometimes taking a break from coaching is what is needed to gain perspective. Here are some reasons ADHD Coaching during the summer may not be right for you:

1. You want to prioritize rest and embrace a less structured schedule to recharge.

Perhaps you want to prioritize rest and leisure activities this summer by taking a break from your regular routines (including working with your ADHD coach). Sometimes having a less structured schedule can help you recharge and have space to pause and reflect on what you next need as you move forward.

2. You have reduced academic or work demands.

If your academic and work responsibilities decrease over the summer, you may find that taking a break from ADHD coaching makes sense/aligns with your needs as you step away from the busyness of the daily treadmill for some well-deserved space. 

3. You want to take some to try on your own.

If your current coping strategies are working well and you feel committed to going about your goals independently this summer, taking a break can be suitable. Perhaps you’d like to explore other opportunities like joining support groups or just want to digest or have time for yourself to put into practice all the strategies you’ve already learned. Remember you can always space out sessions differently as you wish too!  

4. There are financial considerations.

We understand that ADHD coaching is an investment. While worthwhile, it may need to take a backseat this summer as other priorities and expenses take precedence. If you find that you need support over the summer, but your financial situation is a concern, consider joining support groups to maintain momentum or explore other cost-effective resources like self-help books (maybe even give our Springboard workbook a try!) 

Choose what feels right for you this summer

Summer can be a time of flexibility, relaxation, outdoor and social activities. Sometimes it makes sense to engage in ADHD coaching as a way to recalibrate, manage transitions and maintain momentum. Other times, taking a break from ADHD coaching to refuel and recharge after a busy year is what’s needed. As always, trust yourself in deciding what is right for you based on your goals, personal preferences and unique situation. And remember, by being honest with yourself and your ADHD Coach, you can work collaboratively on a plan that best suits your needs through the summer months and into the fall.