Setting The Table
This is an orientation to me as a provider: I need you to know my approach and decide if I’m the type of provider you want to work with. If so, we will work together much more effectively. If not, it’s better to know now so we can find you a better match.
We are a team. I see us as a team working toward your healing. I want you to have the best life possible- however you define that. I see you as whole- and already capable of everything you hope for, even if you can’t see that right now. You’re not broken, and I don’t need to fix you.
I take a Biopsychosocialspiritual approach. I will always take all of them into account as they are all an aspect of your entirety as a human. They are each a part of you and your wholeness, and they are each an approach to your wholeness. Each of them needs to be addressed for you to have the best life possible.
We bring our best. I bring my best to our meetings and we both focus on what is best for you. To have the best possible outcome, we need you to bring your very best- to who you are becoming, and to the actions you take every day. As far as our appointments go, this means each of us showing up on time to the best of our ability, both of us operating in complete honesty, and you paying your bills on time as a reflection of your commitment to this partnership.
You need to bring motivation and willingness to do what it takes to improve, including taking your medication as prescribed, facing unpleasant truths, seeing how great you are, and making powerful changes in your life. No one can do these things for you. Some days these will be easier to find, and on other days you will have to dig deep to find them, but they are there- always. If you struggle here, it may be the wrong time, or you may need a coach or therapist.
Medications are a tool to improve your everyday psychosocial experience, and to make coaching or therapy go better. Medications need to be used with caution and adjusted slowly and given time to work. This happens at the same time as you make improved adjustments to your life, and as you grow through your own experience. These things take time and patience. Your adjustments and experience are more powerful than medication. It takes 9 months to a year or more to change your brain in truly meaningful ways, although this occurs faster through the consistent focus found in coaching.
Coaching is the best way to quickly move forward in your life. I often consider making coaching mandatory when working with me because it makes your success much more likely. Coaching helps you commit to, prioritize and organize meaningful goals in your life and move forward with the kind of passion and accountability that transforms your life quickly. Therapy is frequently backward looking, and not everyone needs or wants this approach. Most people with ADHD don’t pick up their third prescription, and despite a promising start with medications, end up right back where they started a year later. It’s not mandatory, but please strongly consider making this investment in yourself- You are worth it!