Name
Emotions as Signals: Teaching Emotional Intelligence in ADHD Coaching Without Crossing Into Therapy
Description
ADHD coaching often focuses on executive function skills such as planning, time management, and accountability. However, many of the barriers clients face—procrastination, avoidance, overwhelm, and inconsistent follow-through—are driven by emotional signals that clients do not yet know how to interpret. This session introduces a practical framework for understanding emotions as signals rather than problems. Participants will learn how emotional responses emerge through the sequence Event → Evaluation → Emotion, and how misinterpretation of these signals contributes to common ADHD challenges. The session begins by introducing the distinction between cues, signals, and symptoms, followed by an overview of four channels of signal awareness: cognitive, emotional, physical, and relational. Participants will then focus on emotional signals and learn coaching-appropriate strategies to help clients identify, name, and work with emotions without engaging in psychotherapy. Through interactive exercises, including the Name the Fish Practice and Signal Mapping Exercise, attendees will gain practical tools for building emotional awareness while maintaining clear professional boundaries. Participants will leave with immediately applicable strategies for integrating emotional intelligence into ADHD coaching, academic support, and educational settings.
Jon Thomas
Track
ADHD Coaches & Professional Organizers
Date & Time
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM