Liliana Turecki is a certified professional and personal coach specializing in ADHD with ICF (International Coach Federation) approved training centers. I had the chance to have an insightful conversation with her about ADHD and ADHD coaching. She talked about her journey as an ADHD coach and how she helps her clients become their best ADHD versions.
“I cherish the deep connection with my clients, those insightful moments when my clients give themselves permission to go slow, to be creative, and come up with strategies and plans that make sense for them,” Liliana reflected on her treasured experiences with clients, “I also love spontaneous moments of humor – they help diffuse emotions and build awareness of the situation.”
For her, the most rewarding element of being an ADHD life coach is, “Witnessing moments of self-actualization. It is an incredible feeling, very empowering, and brings me a deeper sense of hope for a better world.”
So, tell us your story! What inspired you to be an ADHD coach?
It’s a personal story. Goes back to 2007 when my son was diagnosed with ADHD and Dysphasia (LD). I refused to believe that his life would be limited by his conditions as I was told by professionals. I think it gave me the motivation to immerse myself in a quest to empower him to achieve his goals and dreams. Having a child with a neurobiological condition gave me the opportunity among other things to question my values and beliefs. Education and diversity became top priorities on my list and without realizing I entered the fascinating world of coaching and the power of the mind.
What’s your coaching mantra?
I believe we are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole beings. And a curious mindset is key for long-lasting changes or whatever goals and aspirations you want to create in your life.
Let’s say a person ‘X’ has been struggling with ADHD symptoms for years but is too nervous to seek help. What would you like to tell them? What should they know?
I would like them to consider ADHD to be a developmental impairment of the brain's executive functions, not a character flaw. I would also like them to know that all kinds of help are out there and would encourage them as a first step to reach out to a local or an online support group, to meet folks going through similar struggles.
Do you have any practical advice for anyone who recently received their ADHD diagnosis?
Learn about ADHD as much as you can and how your symptoms show up for you. Learn to observe yourself in action, and collect data. The more you learn about your ADHD the more you will be able to articulate your needs and get the right support.
What does long-term coaching do for an individual living with ADHD?
Long-term coaching helps individuals grow their sense of agency and find the confidence to make their own decisions, and take action on informed decisions. It’s like writing their personal manual of operations.
Looking for an ADHD coach online? Want to know more about Liliana? Meet her on LinkedIn!