OUR APPROACH
When treating ADHD, people often seek to treat the symptoms; we focus on improving things like hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness, etc. Unfortunately, this strategy tends to be ineffective because it doesn’t approach the root causes of those behaviors.
At High Sierra Coaching, we view ADHD as a multi-pronged condition that affects executive functioning as it is defined by Dr. Russell Barkley. By viewing Barkley’s model on executive functioning through the Attention Scope™ lens created by Jeff Copper, we see that ADHD is a disorder of self-regulation, and a struggle to be able to think toward a goal. This, coupled with our intolerance for discomfort, leaves us lacking the vital self-awareness that allows us to grow and cope with our ADHD.
We work with clients to help them understand what ADHD looks like, and to identify the ways it impacts their lives. We seek to help our clients develop awareness of ADHD and themselves by creating a safe space for clients to go exploring in their brains. On this journey, we cultivate acceptance, and learn how to take actions that will help mitigate and manage the ADHD we live with each and every day.
ABOUT GRIFFIN
Griffin Rouse was diagnosed with ADHD when he was eight or nine years old. His family struggled for years to find him a supportive and structured environment that would help him learn to manage his ADHD instead of promising to “cure” it. Eventually, they identified a small high school in central Massachusetts that specialized in ADHD and other learning disabilities. This school became a turning point in Griffin’s life; it was a safe haven for Griffin and is where he began his journey of helping children and young adults with ADHD.
After high school, Griffin went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Public and Community Service at Providence College, where he focused on asset-based development and community organizing. After graduating, Griffin spent seven years working with at-risk youth in Providence. Griffin saw clearly that many of these bright, misunderstood young men and women were simply ADHD adolescents who lacked the structure and support to succeed – much like he was as a child. This experience inspired Griffin to channel his passion into a field where he could make a difference in the lives of young people with ADHD. This led him to coaching.
Griffin’s coaching style is built on the foundations of asset-based development, a practice that encourages participants to reframe the things traditionally considered to be liabilities as assets or solutions. In ADHD coaching, this means understanding and harnessing the parts of being ADHD that are traditionally considered problems and helping clients to do the hard work of thinking through their challenges in a calm, confident, clear way. Griffin works with clients to develop creative ways to use those traits to solve the challenges that ADHD, and life in general, create for clients. Griffin has ADHD and life coach training through MentorCoach and currently works with ADHD Coach Jeff Copper as his mentor.