ADD/ADHD coaching is available to those persons who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD by a qualified professional. The coach will work with the person and his counseling professional in identifying areas of concerns they have that the coach can then take a hands on approach in assisting the client in attempting to improve the person’s quality of life. Many persons use a close friend, family member or spouse to assist them at the present time. This can be very stressful to those existing relationships, which are so vital to the person with ADD. By utilizing a coach who is knowledgeable in the field it allows for an independent third party working with the individual to reach agreed upon goals. The coach uses an empathetic and positive approach in holding the individual accountable for what was agreed upon. The best example I have come up would be to view the Coach similar to a probation officer who the person hires and agrees to work with to accomplish written goals. Obviously the difference would be that the Coach would be serving at the pleasure of the individual and utilizing much more positive and upbeat approaches to securing compliance. The individual who desires coaching must acknowledge they have ADD and want help. Coaching is less expensive then counseling but is not cheap. We would usually ask for a commitment from the individual for $150.00 which would cover the intake appointment and preliminary work on a coaching contract (at least one hour), the $150.00 would also cover the first two additional hours of coaching (for a total of 3 hours work) which depending on circumstances and client motivation could be within a couple of days or spread over several weeks. Additional hours would be billed at $45.00 an hour with payment be made in advance by placing funds in a draw account when it is estimated by coach and client as to how many more hours the client desires. Any unused funds would be refunded to the client at their requests. Most insurance companies do not cover coaching, so it would be up to the client to pursue this option, the Coach would provide whatever documentation would be necessary, but ultimately the client would be responsible. Payment would be expected at the time services are rendered. Since the coach will often go to the individual’s residence, if asked, to help out with certain areas of concern, which most Psychologist and Psychiatrist cannot afford to do, the Coach offers both the individual and the professional counselor an additional tool to utilize to improve the client’s quality of life. Here is one testimonial which will help you get a better understanding of what I provide... Dear Pat, I just wanted to write and thank you for all the help you have given me since I was diagnosed with ADHD. As you know, I went to a Psychiatrist and got placed on medication. We also talked about ADHD, but I was struggling with basic life skills issues and his suggestions, although helpful, were hard for me alone to put into action. I attended one of your free support groups that you have been facilitator of for seven years, and found it comforting to know that others shared my struggles including you. You're sympathetic understanding of ADHD was very helpful. When you started your ADD Coaching Clinic, I jumped at the chance to get additional one on one assistance. I liked the way you personally found out about me and my specific problem areas, help me set my own goals for both short term and long term things, and then held me accountable for these in a firm, yet empathetic way. You also were adaptable to the changes that were occurring in my personal life, and allowed those goal priorities to be shifted if necessary. If I struggled with reaching a particular goal, you forced me to examine that issue and find out why I had procrastinated on it, and reminded me of why we set it for a goal in the first place. You have offered, every time I have seen you, to come to my home to help me, if necessary, to help me accomplish a goal. It is nice to know you are there if I need you. I guess I have come to the conclusion that when I needed help with my ADHD, I went to a Professional to get that help and be placed on medication. I discussed my ADHD with that Professional and continue to work with them. I just wanted you to know that your hands on approach, practical suggestions, and self knowledge of ADHD (having it yourself for 50 years) has proved so valuable to me in my ongoing journey with discovering and being the best person I can be. And as you say "no excuses," just education and self growth are what is important. Here is another testimonal, in which telephone coaching was provided. "The first time I picked up the telephone to dial my new ADD coach I wondered how it would work. Not having face-to-face contact, could he help with all the challenges I faced? Could he "see" what I was talking about? However, I had a really positive intuition about this coach, so I knew this was the way I wanted to go. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Pat showed a remarkable knowledge of how to coach over the phone. At the very first session, my coach and I set meaningful, reachable goals. In a short time, I experienced a remarkable shift in my confidence, and a new commitment to attain the goals that were vitally important to me. Pat demonstrated that ADD does not have to be an obstacle in my life anymore. In only a few weekly over-the-phone sessions, I was well on my way to a more satisfying life. Even though I consider myself a visually oriented person, I get what I need from this. Pat is a good listener and a good communicator. He really knows a lot about ADD/ADHD too. Telephone coaching works! I recommend it. Here is another testimonal, in which I worked with a 12-year old female client "I like Patrick because he has helped me very much with my ADHD. I have not been going there for very long, but I know it has helped me. At first, I thought it would just a waste of my time after a long day of hard work at school. Well, I was wrong. Now I look forward to that hour I have. It was also difficult to believe this would actually help because of other people that have it, it has affected them and many other people and their lives around that person. That's not right, having ADD isn't a crime but you should be willing to get help. You can't change unless you want to change, you have to get help and try hard at it. You have to take your medicine if that's what the doctor says and you have to go to the appointments and listen you can't get your medication and skip it every day, you can't say you'll go to your appointment and just sit there and not even pay one word of attention to what the coach says. I also think that it's good that Patrick has ADD because he is there to tell how your life can and will change if only you try your hardest. Always think positive and don't let your ADD get you down, just keep trying!" And another adult female client... "I just wanted to let you know how much you have helped me. You have listened to all my moans and groans about family issues. You helped me understand things that I wasn't aware of, and I do appreciate it. I appreciate your honesty with me and your kindness. It is also nice to know that you understand where I'm coming from, when I have to overcome some obstacles. I am so grateful for your compliment that I am a hard worker, and the fact that you drive 3 1/2 hours to my home to help me sort through my disorganized mess! Without your help I probably would be so overwhelmed and very anxious. I also want you to know that I enjoy your corny jokes and all the funny incidents that you have encountered. Thanks Pat, for being there for me, and giving me hope. I only wish I lived closer to you, so I could attend your support group. If you have any questions feel free to contact me   Constantly Updated News on ADHD/ADD [from Google.com] College crack" describes Adderall abuse among Northern Star Online, IL - 18 hours ago Adderall and other ADD/ADHD prescription drugs, like Ritalin, are part of the amphetamine drug class. According to www.erowid.org, amphetamines are a strong ... Lifewatch: ADHD and ADD WECT, NC - May 8, 2008 According to Dr. Vetter, studies have shown medications that treat ADHD and ADD can increase heart rate and blood pressure. 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