09 Apr From Spiralling to Clarity: Mel’s ADHD Coaching Story
TL;DR:
ADHD coaching with me goes way beyond practical strategies. It helps people understand their brain, make huge mental shifts, improve medication effectiveness, reduce the impact of hormones on symptoms, and quiet their inner critic. Mel’s story shows how focused sessions can be a complete game-changer.
There’s so much more to coaching with me than getting through your to-do list. My unique background was a perfect fit for Mel, who just finished eight federally funded sessions. (Head to the bottom of the page for more info.)
From Spiralling to Self-Compassion and Clarity
When I started working with Mel, she was in a bad way. In her eighth session, when I asked what had been most helpful, this is what she said:
The difference was like “night and day.” She said it was like she’d been “pulled off the Ferris wheel” into reality. She’d gone from bawling her eyes out and spiralling, totally consumed by self-criticism, to acceptance, self-compassion, and being able to see the bigger picture with clarity and relief.
Despite having a senior role as a health professional, Mel had struggled enormously with imposter syndrome and persistent negative self-talk. This was one of the biggest shifts—her inner critic had lost much of its grip, and when it did appear, it was far less consuming than at the start of coaching.
Huge Mental Shifts
Through coaching, she came to understand that these thought loops weren’t personal flaws — they were mental habits deeply embedded in neural pathways from years of struggle and negative feedback. This awareness brought self-compassion, a kinder inner voice, and a view of strengths and challenges that was more grounded in reality.
At work, this translated into real-world changes. She felt confident enough to share where she struggled with a couple of close colleagues, and the response was support and practical strategies. By modelling openness and imperfection, she reduced stress and imposter feelings while fostering a supportive environment around her.
Tackling Tasks that Seemed Impossible
When it comes to the practical side of ADHD coaching, one session in particular stands out. We were problem-solving how to tackle a report she’d been avoiding for 9 months. During that session, she almost completed it in just 15 minutes — she emailed it the following day and then immediately finished the next report she’d put off for two months.
With my guidance, she realised the biggest barrier was simply locating a file she needed to complete the report. This highlighted the value of zooming out, asking, “What exactly is the barrier to getting started?” — and the power of body doubling and using someone else as a sounding board.
Mel also came to better understand her executive functioning profile and the strategies that support her weakest cognitive skills—task initiation, prioritising, and organisation. Understanding her brain’s natural tendencies helped her choose targeted strategies, set realistic expectations, and reduce self-judgment.
Taming Hormones and Health Issues
Learning about the impact of hormonal changes and health issues on ADHD symptoms was another huge win for Mel. It prompted her to find a great GP and explore HRT, which has already improved her peri symptoms.
She’s also planning to try clonidine, an evidence-based ADHD medication that can support peri symptoms, emotion regulation, and sleep. As an added bonus, clonidine can also help with postural hypotension (dizziness when standing), a health issue that many women with ADHD experience.
And I love the way I learn during coaching too! She introduced me to the Happy Hormones App, which helped her find a GP knowledgeable in both ADHD and hormonal health. I’ve recommended it to many others since.
Staying on Track with Accountability
In Mel’s last session, we focused on what may help her stay the course, and I’m chuffed that she plans to attend the free weekly ‘adulting’ accountability session I run every Monday from 2-2.45pm AEST (or AEST in summer, and fyi, they don’t happen on public hols).
To receive a calendar invite, send your email address to info@lilowellness.com.au.
She also plans to do more coaching in the future because she experienced the power of facilitation first-hand. While weekly sessions are ideal initially, occasional sessions longer term can help keep strategies that work front and centre.
Funding
The cool thing is that, here in Australia, so long as ADHD impacts you at work, with government funding, you can access eight fully funded coaching sessions every 12 months. To get started, call the Job Access helpline on 1800 464 800 and they’ll email you all the info you need or go here for more info.
If you’d like a hand applying, let’s have a quick call, and you can see if we’re a good fit.
