2017 CHADD Annual International Conference on ADHD November 12, 2017 Atlanta, Georgia Coaching Adults with ADHD from Pathology to Possibility Presented by David Giwerc, MCAC, MCC, Founder/President ADDCA Learning Objectives: Introduce the VIA Character Strengths survey and key concepts. Discuss the rationale for applying the VIA character strengths survey for integration with the ADHD Coaching process. Demonstrate, with an adult volunteer client with ADHD who has taken the VIA character strengths survey, how the coaching process is integrated with an individual s VIA Character Strengths. Experience how this process can naturally shift an individual s negative bias tendency by empowering the client to refocus on their best qualities to create positive emotions and increased energy. Why Focus on Character Strengths? Negativity Bias of clients and practitioners Bad is stronger than good (Baumeister et al., 2001) Cultural focus on managing weaknesses After a debriefing of the client session, and if time permits, there will be a final discussion/question period for the rationale of specific strategies and coaching competencies. No definitive language for what s the best in people Copyright 2001-2017 ADD Coach Academy, LLC copyright, ADD Coach Academy, LLC, 2001-2017 1
What Adults believe about Their ADHD? About four out of five adults with ADHD believe that the disorder has held them back from: Four Key Principles 1 What you pay attention to grows Coaching creates a PAUSE to BRIDGE to what s best in each person s unique brain wiring. Achieving long-term goals (87%) Achieving short-term goals (80%) Pursuing their dreams (80%) Adult Experiences with ADHD, May 2004, prepared by Harris Interactive in cooperation with Eli Lilly and the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA). 2 The language people use create their reality 3 4 There is something great and successful in each human that works in their unique way Your uniqueness must be identified, embraced and integrated for progress to occur copyright, ADD Coach Academy, LLC, 2001-2017 2
*ADHD Coaching Skills/Process 1) RECEIVING: Unique brain wiring, Strengths 2) WITNESSING: Words, thoughts, actions, storiesobjectively 3) ACTIVATING: Positive Prompts, Processing styles, Customized systems *ADDCA Coaching Skills Accredited by ICF and PAAC 4) FILTERING: Identify, Challenge/convert negative stories- 5) REINVENTING: Pinpoint Authentic intention/build on knowings 6) QUESTIONING: Posing evocative Possibilities of Heart in Harmony with Head VIA Character Strengths (www.viacharacter.org) Common language/classification identifies & describes the best in human beings. Free VIA Character Survey: only free online psychometrically reliable survey of strengths in the world Identifies core capacities of who we are. Human capacities for thinking, feeling and behaving. Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. New York: Oxford University Press and Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, www.viacharacter.org Six Broad Categories of Virtue emerge from historical surveys valued by moral philosophers, religious and scientific thinkers 1) Wisdom-- Cognitive Strengths 2) Humanity Interpersonal Strengths 3) Courage --Emotional Strengths 4) Justice Civic Strengths 5) Temperance -- Self-Regulation strengths 6) Transcendence Transformational strengths Copyright 2011-2016 VIA INSTITUTE ON CHARACTER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 2001-2016 ADD Coach Academy, LLC copyright, ADD Coach Academy, LLC, 2001-2017 3
Wisdom Humanity VIA Classification of Character Virtues and Strengths Creativity, Curiosity, Judgment & Open-Mindedness, Love of Learning, Perspective Capacity to Love and Be Loved, Kindness, Social Intelligence 26 Character is Character Strength Principles A capacity; essence; core. 27 VIA Character Strengths provide a pathway for developing specific strengths Courage Bravery, Perseverance, Honesty, Zest Plural expressed in combination. Justice Teamwork, Fairness, Leadership Expressed in degrees. Examples: Perseverance & Self-Regulation to pursue a talent in music or sports. Temperance Transcendence Forgiveness & Mercy, Modesty & Humility, Prudence Self-Regulation: Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, Religiousness & Spirituality Copyright 2011-2016 VIA INSTITUTE ON CHARACTER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVE Expressed in context. Stable, but can change. All 24 matter signature and phasic. Curiosity as we explore our interest areas. Hope in developing a new skill at work. Gratitude and Kindness when tapping into our human resources. copyright, ADD Coach Academy, LLC, 2001-2017 4
Character Strengths are Psychological Ingredients for Displaying Virtues of Human Goodness Universal -similar across 54 nations, including remote cultures Greater use of signature strengths builds greater well-being and happiness. Sources/ Wellsprings of positivity and emotions. Copyright 2011-2017 VIA INSTITUTE ON CHARACTER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVE copyright, ADD Coach Academy, LLC, 2001-2017 5