You Deserve to Shimmer: ADHD Coaching

{"blocks":[{"key":"jkuZT","text":"What is unique about Shimmer and the work you all are doing?","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":60,"style":"BOLD"},{"offset":0,"length":60,"style":"fontSize_20"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"vLpG5","text":"Shimmer, according to Alexandra Bellitter, is unique because it is solely devoted to neurodivergent people, which tends to be a footnote in other spaces. This allows for neurodivergence to shine and be an integral part of identity, not just a minor detail. Shimmer is designed with neurodivergence in mind, from the clients to the coaches. They work from a neurodiversity paradigm framework, focusing on the strengths and striving to increase the confidence of their clients in their identity, rather than pathologizing it. Neal Sundberg appreciates the fact that this commitment to neurodiversity is inherent in everything they do, setting Shimmer apart from others.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"1spW9","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"f9VKE","text":"How would a coach support someone with ADHD?","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":44,"style":"BOLD"},{"offset":0,"length":44,"style":"fontSize_20"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"AS4s6","text":"In supporting someone with ADHD, a coach must avoid boxing them into a fixed definition of ADHD or any neurodivergence, according to Alexandra Bellitter. It's important to understand that the impact of neurodivergence varies from person to person. Thought should be given to the language used with neurodivergent clients, and a strength-based approach is advisable. Contracting with a client might look different, as neurodivergent clients might be more likely to veer off during conversations. Therefore, devising strategies to loop them back to the original goals is important. Alexandra also stressed that when in doubt, it's best for a coach to refer a client to someone with better understanding of neurodivergence. She confirmed that all training and practices used at Shimmer are evidence-based and backed by scientific research.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"UhUdM","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"zKLl1","text":"What excites you about the future of Shimmer and ADHD Coaching?","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":63,"style":"BOLD"},{"offset":0,"length":63,"style":"fontSize_20"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"myLNZ","text":"Neal Sundberg enquires about the future perspectives on Shimmer and ADHD coaching from Alexandra Bellitter. Alexandra expresses her pleasure at the growing recognition of ADHD coaching as part of health and wellness coaching. She highlights their efforts to find different support methods outside coaching to assist with the various layers of accountability required for a lot of neurodivergent people. Bellitter also mentions the body doubling features they launched which provides a platform for community members to work collectively. She reveals their plans of introducing group coaching in 2025 and other undisclosed initiatives. Alexandra also underscores the importance of acknowledging the unique dynamics when an ADHD coach dealing with a neurodivergent client is neurodivergent themselves. This need for supervision, she says, forms a much-needed conversation in neurodivergent coaching. Alexandra's vision is focused on setting standards, benchmarks, and consistency in quality. Neal agrees about the potential benefits of group support and lived experience in coaching, and probes more into the concept of body doubling. Alexandra explains that body doubling is an accountability technique similar to coworking, offering additional motivation for neurodivergent individuals by creating a joint task-completing environment. Neal appreciates the idea, envisioning how much such a support layer can be motivating.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"cmHlv","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"Q56jO","text":"Final Thoughts?","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":15,"style":"BOLD"},{"offset":0,"length":15,"style":"fontSize_20"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"IcaBa","text":"In the conclusion, Neal asks Alexandra for any final thoughts or promotions. Alexandra encourages people to connect with them through their website or her LinkedIn account. Highlighting the importance of acknowledging and addressing neurodivergent clients, she calls on her audience to adopt neuroaffirming practices that are inclusive. She mentions that they have articles aimed at coaches for understanding ADHD coaching practices. She also offers to connect individuals with other field experts if they wish to learn more. She concludes by encouraging individuals who are interested in ADHD coaching to act on it.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"Xrxmu","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}}],"entityMap":{}}