Alex Bellitter: Coaching vs. therapy for ADHD
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In this episode of the Women & ADHD podcast, host Katie Weber interviews Alex Bellatier, senior manager of coaching at Shimmer, an ADHD community and coaching platform. Alex, who does not have ADHD herself, shares her journey from clinical psychology to ADHD coaching, emphasizing the transformative power of coaching psychology—a field that blends clinical insights with strengths-based, evidence-informed support. The conversation explores the critical distinction between therapy, coaching, and healing work, highlighting how ADHD is often misdiagnosed as depression due to overlapping symptoms like overwhelm and executive dysfunction. Alex discusses the ebb and flow of ADHD symptoms across the lifespan, influenced by hormones, menopause, grief, and environmental stressors, and stresses the importance of recognizing temporary neurodivergent states versus lifelong neurodevelopmental differences. She also details Shimmer’s comprehensive support model, which includes weekly coaching, body doubling sessions, AI-powered tools with strict guardrails, and community-driven workshops—all designed to be shame-free and accessible. The episode underscores the value of coaching as a practical, empowering modality that helps neurodivergent individuals reclaim agency, build self-esteem, and reframe their challenges as part of a larger, resilient identity.
ADHD coaching is a strengths-based, practical modality that helps neurodivergent individuals build agency and structure without the need for healing or fixing.
Many ADHD symptoms—like overwhelm, executive dysfunction, and emotional dysregulation—are often mislabeled as depression, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment.
ADHD intensity can fluctuate over time due to life stages (e.g., menopause, grief) or environmental changes, making it crucial to assess current capacity rather than past performance.
Shimmer’s model combines human coaching, body doubling, AI tools with strict guardrails, and community support to create a low-friction, shame-free ecosystem.
Coaching psychology—recognized in the UK and Australia but not yet a formal discipline in the U.S.—offers a powerful bridge between clinical insight and practical life application.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Shimmer and the Power of ADHD Coaching
Katie introduces the episode and her guest, Alex Bellatier, senior manager of coaching at Shimmer, an ADHD community and coaching platform. She highlights Shimmer’s mission to provide accessible, strengths-based support for neurodivergent adults.
The Difference Between Therapy, Coaching, and Healing Work
“Coaching psychology is about recognizing what means most to us—not everything has to be a healing journey.”
Misdiagnosis of ADHD as Depression and the Role of Executive Dysfunction
“I'm depressed because I'm overwhelmed and I don't know what to do about it—this isn't clinical depression, it's ADHD in action.”
ADHD Across the Lifespan: Ebb and Flow of Symptoms
“During menopause or intense grief, you might temporarily present as neurodivergent—even if you're not neurodivergent by brain development.”
Shimmer’s Comprehensive Support Model: Coaching, Body Doubling, and AI
“AI should reduce executive burden, not replace human judgment. We’re building safe spaces where users aren’t left alone with hallucinated advice.”
“When someone realizes, 'My impulsive spending is related to my ADHD,' it’s mind-blowing. That connection changes everything.”
“During menopause or intense grief, you might temporarily present as neurodivergent—even if you're not neurodivergent by brain development.”
“I'm depressed because I'm overwhelmed and I don't know what to do about it—this isn't clinical depression, it's ADHD in action.”
Host
Guest
Alex Bellatier
person
Katie Weber
person
Shimmer
organization
GoFundMe
organization
Indie
product
Focus Space
organization
DSM
organization
Crystal Wang
person
ICF
organization
Sharon Salene
person
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