Certificate in ADHD-Specialist Coaching

Our accredited ADHD-Specialist Coach pathway is for existing coaches looking to specialise in ADHD coaching and develop their coach practice.

Who’s it for?

This course is designed for those who want to become a Certified ADHD Coach, existing coaches looking to specialise in ADHD coaching and those in other professions such a counselling & psychotherapy and want to certify themselves in ADHD Coaching.

MODULE 1

ADHD for All

This foundational module dives into the experience of everyday living with ADHD. We use Dr Thomas E. Brown’s 6 Executive Functions model to structure the course and help us understand what ADHD is and normalise the often paradoxical, confusing and inconstant nature of the ADHD brain. We also explore the nuances, intersections and strengths that come with having a neurodivergent mind.

MODULE 2

ADHD Coming Home

This follow on module integrates narrative coaching & narrative therapy with the THRIVE recovery model to help us gain clarity on how we see ourselves, both prior to diagnosis (or before knowing) and then going deeper into what the story is about who we are now. We will explore our strengths and how we need to be systematic in compassionately shifting the often negative narrative view to one of empowerment!

MODULE 4

ADHD Coaching

The course integrates the latest neuroscience research with a deep understanding of the brain’s functioning in ADHD. This program is rooted in the principles of Narrative, Transformational and Clean coaching, offering a ADHD-friendly learning environment.

We emphasise the creation of a space where each individual can not only bring, but develop their distinct coaching style.

Through this blend of evidence-based science and personalised coaching methods, our certificate program equips coaches with the knowledge and skills to thrive in ADHD-specialist coaching.

Those interested in this training pathway with no prior coach training are required to complete our Cert. in ADHD-Informed Coaching and have at least 3 ADHD coaching clients prior to starting Module 4.

Structured to support you in becoming an ADHD coach.

Module 1
ADHD For All

  • OBJECTIVE: To set up how we want to show up in a group learning environment and to start to interact with and anchor key concepts.

    OVERVIEW: an introduction to the course, your cohort peers and the key models and concepts we will be using throughout the course.

  • OBJECTIVE: To consider the ADHD lens on activating, what gets in the way and workarounds and how and when you activate best.

    OVERVIEW: We run through exactly what we mean by ‘activation’ and spend time in breakout rooms discussing activation wins and what we are learning about ourselves.

  • OBJECTIVE: To consider the ADHD lens on FOCUS, what gets in the way and workarounds and how and when you FOCUS best.

    OVERVIEW: A discussion and exploration of sustaining vs breaking focus and how we shift focus to tasks. In this session we combine breakout time with an experiential and creative task to reflect on the key concepts in relation to FOCUS.

  • OBJECTIVE: To consider the ADHD lens on EFFORT, what gets in the way and workarounds and how and when EFFORT can be harnessed.

    OVERVIEW: Learning about the paradox of spiky profiles in relation to effort, partaking in some exercises and then discussing our findings as a group. We also explore what we mean by effort and how we sustain it, regulate our alertness and our processing speed.

  • OBJECTIVE: To consider the ADHD lens on EMOTION, what gets in the way and workarounds and how and when EMOTION can be harnessed.

    OVERVIEW: An exploration of overwhelm, managing frustration and modulating emotions. In this session we discuss our key concepts in relation to emotion and complete experiential tasks and case studies.

  • OBJECTIVE: To consider the ADHD lens on MEMORY, what gets in the way and workarounds and how and when MEMORY can be harnessed.

    OVERVIEW: We discuss the systematic pause and use breakout rooms to discuss Memory and complete exercises. We also explore how we utilise our working memory, access recall and hold multiple thoughts.

  • OBJECTIVE: To consider the ADHD lens on ACTION, what gets in the way and workarounds and how and when ACTION can be harnessed.

    OVERVIEW: An exploration of awareness of action, the regulation of the pace of actions and modifying behaviour to circumstances. In groups we discuss the pre-learning and share positive reframes of the Executive Functions.

  • OBJECTIVE: To consider the ADHD lens on SELF-RECOVERY, what gets in the way and workarounds and how and when SELF-RECOVERY can be harnessed.

    OVERVIEW: A discussion on what we mean by self-recovery followed by an exploration of the Thrive model. We also cover self compassion, self acceptance and understanding our needs.

Module 2
ADHD Coming Home

  • OBJECTIVE: Reviewing learning in module 1 on Executive Functions and how we will use this in our narrative work and introducing the course outline and key concepts.

    OVERVIEW: Introduce the THRIVE recovery model and why we have chosen it as our structure to follow on from Module 1. Introduce the integration of Narrative Coaching/therapy, Self-Recovery & this module key themes.

  • OBJECTIVE: Taking stock of our narrative so far and how it has evolved, and how we will integrate Executive Function lens in this in narrative work.

    OVERVIEW: We use journaling and breakout time to explore our narrative and how it changes. We also discuss the importance of intersectionality, and ‘owning the hiding’ and why wasn’t it safe to own different parts of you.

  • OBJECTIVE: To understand how strengths work can shift our self talk and self perception when we engage with it systematically.

    OVERVIEW: Exploring the role of strengths and the shift from ‘doing to being’. Sharing personal stories and anecdotes of how strengths can invite us to move into the ‘Winning Triangle’. Discus when we focus on strengths, who do we become and how do we view others? (‘Giving an A’ mindset)

  • OBJECTIVE: How to deconstruct the stories we are telling ourselves through ADHD and intersectional lenses and then moving to strengths.

    OVERVIEW: We explore the importance of deconstructing narratives. Engaging in the process of narrative and how the different stages help you - using our own experience.

  • OBJECTIVE: How to normalise key themes which may need to be re-authored from a late diagnosed ADHD lens.

    OVERVIEW: Explore getting clarity on your ‘positive change narrative’ and your process. We compare measurement and comparison mindsets vs times when you affected positive change and the ‘art of possibility’.

  • OBJECTIVE: Gaining emotional granularity regarding our late diagnosis and understanding a non linear approach to emotional processing.

    OVERVIEW: We discuss the grief of ‘Woulda, shoulda, coulda’. And explore how ADHDers process emotions differently - how we skip to the end and work backwards. We also reflect on ADHD processing as non-linear with the relationship of disability and ADHD.

  • OBJECTIVE: How to move forward from an empowered place & communicating change to yourself and to others.

    OVERVIEW: We explore the ‘art of possibility’ at a greater depth. How we can move forward from an empowered place and communicate change to yourself and to others.

  • OBJECTIVE: How to own and appreciate the breadcrumbs that led you home and examine what ADHD on purpose looks like in a coach.

    OVERVIEW: This final session uses breakout rooms and group discussion to reflect on the learnings of the course and how we can engage these in our coaching. We wrap up with final words and appreciations.

Module 4
ADHD Coaching

    • The key distinctions between ICF, PAAC and Gold Mind’s definitions of ADHD coaching. We cover the outline and lay a foundation for the journey ahead including expectations, triad groups and work outside of the learning sessions.

    • What to consider when starting a session with ADHDers and the different needs in getting an agreement.

      We nuance the PCC markers and empathise with the importance of considering Executive Functions when helping a client get into the best thinking ‘state of mind’.

    • The use of models in coaching and why they are so valuable to ADHD coaching. We explain the 6 threats of ADHD coaching and how to integrate that into coaching practice.

    • DiscuHow trauma can present in ADHD coaching clients and what this means for the coach and the work in coaching. Dive deep into important themes and factors to consider and ethical boundaries that often get overlooked.

    • How ADHDers can present with trauma responses when in an ableist system and in drama with themselves. Get practical on how to surface and evoke awareness in order to empower our clients.

    • The key success factors in ADHD coaching - empowering clients to self-validate (instead of by coaches or others) via re-focusing on their strengths and facilitating the all important mental shift of doing to being.

    • How to use narrative coaching to facilitate positive re-authoring of clients stories. We delve into the understandings of why re-authoring is so important for ADHDers due to negativity bias and a heightened nervous system.

    • How alive ableism can be in the coaching space, for both coach and client - and how we can help our clients unpack their own internalised ableism. We explore how clients can shift from normalising to acceptance to empowerment of their ADHD experiences in order to take positive action.

    • Understanding of the psychology of ‘Wonder’ in coaching and how important it is in serving ADHDers. We practise using ‘Wonder’ in your coaching conversations.

    • How ADHD clients take action well and when they struggle to take action and why this may be. We cover when actions need to be practical and when they need to be profound shifts in thinking.

  • The challenges that come with different Time perceptions of ADHDers, and how to work with this in coaching. We also cover managing time in coaching and what helps to land coaching sessions well and how our own time perception differences get in the way of this.

    • The unique needs that ADHDers have when thinking through how to on-board new clients as well as what to consider when it comes to big ‘C’ contracting.

    • The structure of how to design an ADHD coaching program and what considerations need to be taken into account when adapting to different Neurodivergent clients’ needs as well as our own.

    • Reviewing what we have covered in the course, personalising the learning journey to each student and the ethics of ending with clients. We finish the course with a celebration each other strengths and personal growth.

*Please note that this training program is subject to change as we constantly improve the learning based on live feedback from our currant and past students.

ADHD friendly learning


Course facilitators, Alex and Katie, are both ADHDers with co-occurring conditions. The course is designed to accommodate different learning, processing & communication preferences. It includes group work, pair work, exercises and discussion, providing an experiential approach to learning that is engaging, memorable, and above all, fun!

What’s included?

ADHD Friendly Materials

As included in the course, you will receive helpful resources to aid your understanding and participation throughout the learning. These include PDFs, Pre-recorded audio conversations, videos, transcripts and further reading materials.

Weekly Online Sessions

Join 2.5hr weekly interactive online sessions via zoom. Each session is tailored to the needs of ADHD learners. There are at least 2 breakout room times, a comfort break as well and interact exercises and discussions.

Online Community

As a course attendee you will be invited to the Gold Mind online community - here you will be able to access all the materials, chat with fellow course mates, as well as get access to exclusive Gold Mind tools and resources.

ICF CCE Accredited

Module 1 - 20hrs
Module 2 - 20hrs
Module 3 - 25hrs (for new coaches only)
Module 4 - 50hrs

This course is ICF (International Coach Federation) accredited at CCE level.

Being ICF accredited ensures that by attending this course, regardless of if you are a coach or not, you will receive comprehensive training, possess coaching skills and be protected by the ICF’s code of ethics.

By completing this training, you will receive a Certificate in ADHD-Specialist Coaching and be awarded a total of 115 hrs of CCE (Continuing Coach Education). Those looking to accredit themselves as PCC coaches with the ICF, will need to apply via the Portfolio Route.

PLEASE NOTE: the ICF has additional requirements beyond our training, which includes 10hrs of mentor coaching, an exam and 500hrs of 1:1 coaching experience. For an portfolio application example and full details please visit links below:

Training Pathways

Please note - there are additional requirements for ICF accreditation. See section above for details.

Are you ready for this?

This course isn't just about being prepared to learn. It starts with you being ready to delve into deep self-discovery and committed to continual growth. The Gold Mind Academy is more than a training institution—it's a community of passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference through ADHD coaching. In order to be effective leaders in our field, we have to lead and develop ourselves. If you're prepared to join this transformative journey, we can’t wait to meet you!

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