Episode Description:

What impact does coaching have in supporting adults with ADHD? In this episode of Coaching Revealed, Emily Terrani and Austin Matzelle interview Elizabeth Ahmann and Micah Saviet, Directors of the Springer Institute and researchers in ADHD coaching. Together, they unpack the evidence base behind ADHD coaching, highlighting its unique strengths-based, client-centered approach.

Liz and Micah share their personal journeys into the field, the research gaps that inspire their work, and how ADHD coaching supports adults struggling with executive functioning challenges.

In this episode, Liz, Micah, Emily, and Austin cover:

• The progression of ADHD coaching research and the gaps that remain.

• How ADHD affects executive functioning and why that matters for coaching.

• Key differences between ADHD coaching and other coaching approaches.

• Frameworks and strategies that support adults with ADHD in achieving wellness and professional goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about ADHD coaching research or accessing publications, visit: https://springerinstitute.org/

Episode Summary:
How does ADHD coaching create meaningful change for adults navigating executive functioning challenges? In this episode of Coaching Revealed, we explore the pioneering work of Elizabeth Ahmann and Micah Saviet.

Drawing from her background in nursing and public health, Liz explains how coaching’s client-centered, strengths-based model uniquely supports adults with ADHD. Micah shares how his lived experience with ADHD shaped his path and why coaching became a crucial tool in his success. Together, they describe ADHD not as a deficit of intelligence, but as a neurodevelopmental condition with significant implications on executive functioning often tied to motivation and emotional regulation.

The discussion explores the current research landscape; Liz and Micah identify major gaps, especially around adults in one-on-one coaching. Their findings underscore the importance of psychoeducation, structured accountability, and lived-experience-informed coaching approaches.

They also highlight the wellness challenges faced by adults with ADHD, who experience significantly reduced health outcomes compared to their neurotypical peers. The conversation emphasizes strategies that work: breaking tasks into manageable steps, increasing accountability touchpoints, and most importantly, addressing the shame and criticism that so many clients carry.

Looking forward, Liz and Micah preview their upcoming book, which will integrate evidence, theory, and practice into a comprehensive resource for coaches, therapists, and practitioners. The Springer Institute continues to bridge the gap between research and practice by making ADHD coaching studies accessible to the wider coaching community.