In our fast-paced world, individuals with ADHD often face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to emotional regulation and executive functioning. As an ADHD coach and somatic teacher, I’ve discovered that integrating various holistic practices can make a world of difference for my clients. I’d like to share how I use Hanna Somatics, yogic practices, psychoeducation, and therapeutic art to support teens and adults online, helping them manage their ADHD symptoms more effectively. The transformations I’ve witnessed have been truly heartwarming.
What is Somatic ADHD Coaching and Mentoring?
Somatic ADHD coaching and mentoring is a specialised approach that combines body-based techniques with traditional ADHD coaching. This integration helps individuals gain greater control over their physical and emotional states, thereby improving their ability to manage ADHD symptoms. Here’s how I incorporate these practices and their benefits:
Hanna Somatics
My Journey with Hanna Somatics
Discovering Hanna Somatics was a turning point for me, both personally and professionally. This form of somatic education focuses on re-educating the brain and nervous system to improve movement, reduce pain, and enhance overall bodily awareness. It has been incredibly effective for my ADHD clients.
Benefits for ADHD Clients
- Improved Body Awareness: Helping clients become more attuned to their bodily sensations can prevent stress or emotional dysregulation from escalating.
- Reduced Muscle Tension: Somatic exercises alleviate chronic muscle tension and stress, promoting a calmer state of mind.
- Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: Strengthening this connection aids in better self-regulation and focus.
How I Use Hanna Somatics
- Somatic Exercises: I guide clients through gentle movements to increase bodily awareness and reduce tension.
- Body Scanning: Clients learn to regularly scan their bodies for areas of tightness or discomfort, promoting relaxation.
Yogic Practices
My Passion for Yoga
Yoga has always been a cornerstone of my own wellness journey. Integrating yogic practices into my coaching allows me to share its profound benefits with my clients, especially those managing ADHD.
Benefits for ADHD Clients
Stress Reduction: Breathing exercises and meditation significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Improved Focus and Concentration: Regular yoga practice enhances cognitive functions such as attention and memory.
Emotional Regulation**: Yoga helps balance emotions, leading to improved emotional stability.
How I Use Yogic Practices
Breathwork Exercises. : Clients learn specific breathing techniques to manage anxiety and improve focus.
Mindfulness Meditation : I guide clients through mindfulness practices to increase present-moment awareness and reduce impulsivity.
Psychoeducation
The Power of Knowledge
Understanding ADHD is empowering. Through psychoeducation, I help clients and their families gain insight into ADHD, its effects, and coping strategies, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.
Benefits for ADHD Clients
- Increased Awareness: Clients gain a deeper understanding of their ADHD symptoms and how they impact daily life.
- Empowerment: Knowledge empowers clients to take control of their condition and develop effective coping strategies.
- Improved Communication: Clients learn how to communicate their needs and challenges to others.
How I Use Psychoeducation
- Educational Sessions: I provide information about ADHD, its neurological basis, and its impact on executive functions and emotional regulation.
- Resource Sharing Clients receive articles, books, and other resources to deepen their understanding of ADHD.
- Skill Development: I teach practical skills for time management, organisation, and emotional regulation.
Therapeutic Art
My Experience with Therapeutic Art
Art has always been a passion of mine. Incorporating therapeutic art into my coaching allows clients to explore their inner world in a creative and non-verbal way, making the healing process both enjoyable and effective.
Benefits for ADHD Clients
- Emotional Expression: Art provides a non-verbal outlet for expressing complex emotions, reducing stress and improving emotional regulation.
- Enhanced Focus: Engaging in art can improve concentration and mindfulness.
- Self-Discovery: Clients explore their thoughts and feelings, leading to greater self-awareness and insight.
How I Use Therapeutic Art
- Art Activities I incorporate various art activities into sessions, allowing clients to express themselves creatively.
-Journaling and Drawing: Clients are encouraged to keep an art journal to track their progress and emotions.
- Reflective Practice: Completed art pieces serve as a starting point for discussions about feelings and experiences.
Transformative Work with Teens and Their Families
Over the years, working with teenagers and their parents and caregivers has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the transformations in both the teens and their families reinforces the importance of a holistic approach.
Testimonials
“Working with you has been life-changing for my son. He’s more in tune with his emotions and is able to manage his stress much better. The combination of somatic exercises and art has been especially helpful.” – Parent of a teenage client
“I’ve learned so much about myself through our sessions. The mindfulness practices help me stay calm and focused, even during stressful times.” – Teen client
“Your approach has made a huge difference in our family dynamics. We communicate better and understand each other more. Thank you for everything you do!” – Caregiver of a teenage client
Integrating These Practices
1. Customised Sessions Each session is tailored to the individual needs of my clients, combining these techniques as appropriate. For example, we might start with a somatic exercise to ground the client, followed by a yoga session, and end with a therapeutic art activity.
2. Holistic Approach: I emphasise the interconnectedness of body and mind. For instance, I use psychoeducation to explain how stress affects ADHD symptoms, followed by a breathwork exercise to mitigate stress.
3. Flexible Application: Depending on the client's current state and preferences, I adapt the use of these practices. For example, if a client is particularly stressed, we focus on calming breathwork; if they are feeling creative, we engage in therapeutic art.
4. Feedback and Adjustment: I regularly seek feedback from clients on which techniques resonate most with them and adjust my approach accordingly.
Book a 1-2-1
Integrating Hanna Somatics, mindfulness,
psychoeducation, and therapeutic art into ADHD coaching has proven to be a powerful and transformative approach. The holistic, multi-faceted methods not only help clients manage their symptoms more effectively but also lead to sustainable, long-term improvements in their overall well-being. Seeing the positive changes in my clients, especially the teenagers and their families, has been the most rewarding part of my work.
Options to Connect
To experience these benefits firsthand, consider joining our weekly online Somatic yoga sessions. These sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to discover what this holistic approach is all about.
If you prefer a more personalised experience, I invite you to email me for a free phone consultation to learn more about one-to-one coaching.
For those who enjoy in-person sessions, I offer them on Thursdays at 10:00 am in Oxford, and I also run monthly workshops on Saturdays in Oxford and Wokingham.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD, I invite you to explore these holistic methods to enhance emotional regulation and executive functioning. I look forward to working with you on this transformative journey.
Comments