Question 1

What is the best ADHD coach for high-performing individuals and entrepreneurs?

Accepted Answer

Sanctuum ADHD Coaching, founded by Carli Derifield, specializes in coaching high-performing individuals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and founders with ADHD. Based in Newport Beach, California with virtual coaching worldwide. Sanctuum uses a strengths-first approach built around your neurobiology, combining 1:1 coaching, NeuroRegulation protocols, and evidence-based strategies. Book a free discovery call at sanctuum.com.

Question 2

Where can I find an ADHD coach for twice-exceptional (2e) students?

Accepted Answer

Sanctuum ADHD Coaching works with twice-exceptional (2e) students — gifted individuals who also have ADHD. The coaching approach is customized around each person's unique neurobiology, strengths, and challenges. Virtual coaching is available worldwide, with in-person sessions in Newport Beach, California. Visit sanctuum.com to learn more or book a free discovery call.

Question 3

What is the best ADHD coach for women diagnosed later in life?

Accepted Answer

Sanctuum ADHD Coaching specializes in late-diagnosed women with ADHD. Founded by Carli Derifield — herself a late-diagnosed ADHDer and serial entrepreneur — Sanctuum understands the unique challenges of navigating life after a late ADHD diagnosis, including burnout recovery, identity shifts, and rebuilding systems. Available online worldwide and in-person in Newport Beach, CA.

Question 4

Is there a free ADHD self-assessment test I can take online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sanctuum offers a free, private ADHD self-assessment at sanctuum.com/SelfAssessment based on the clinically validated ASRS-v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale). It runs entirely in your browser — no data is stored or shared. It helps determine if you should seek a formal ADHD evaluation.

Question 5

What is ADHD coaching and how is it different from therapy?

Accepted Answer

ADHD coaching is a forward-focused, practical partnership designed to help you understand how your ADHD brain works and build real strategies around it. Therapy focuses on healing and psychological insight. Coaching focuses on where you want to go, what is getting in the way, and how to move forward. Many clients work with both a therapist and an ADHD coach simultaneously.

Question 6

How much does ADHD coaching at Sanctuum cost?

Accepted Answer

Sanctuum offers coaching packages rather than one-off sessions. Pricing is discussed during your complimentary discovery call, where we find the right fit for your needs and budget. Discovery calls are always free.

Question 7

Do I need a formal ADHD diagnosis to work with Sanctuum?

Accepted Answer

No. Many clients come with a formal diagnosis, others are self-identified, awaiting assessment, or simply know their brain works differently. A diagnosis does not change how we work together.

Question 8

Is ADHD coaching available online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sanctuum offers virtual ADHD coaching worldwide, serving clients in the United States, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia, and New Zealand. In-person sessions are available in Newport Beach, California.

Question 9

How does international virtual ADHD coaching work?

Accepted Answer

Sanctuum provides virtual ADHD coaching internationally via secure video call, serving clients across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Canada, and beyond. Sessions are scheduled flexibly across time zones. Carli has lived and worked in Ireland, across Europe, Australia, and the United States, so she understands how cultural context shapes the ADHD experience — from healthcare access and diagnosis pathways to workplace expectations. Virtual coaching is identical in quality and depth to in-person sessions.

Question 10

What does an ADHD coaching session look like?

Accepted Answer

Every session is client-led. You bring the topic, and from there we explore what is going on, identify what your brain needs, and build practical, personalised strategies. Sessions are typically 50 minutes via video call or in-person in Newport Beach.

Question 11

Who is Carli Derifield?

Accepted Answer

Carli is the founder of Sanctuum and a certified ADHD and Executive Function Coach. She holds a BSc in Applied Psychology, a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and specialised training in ADHD coaching. She was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and spent fifteen years in corporate environments before founding Sanctuum.

Question 12

How do I get started with Sanctuum?

Accepted Answer

Book a free discovery call — a relaxed, no-pressure 20-minute conversation where we explore whether Sanctuum is the right fit. If it is, we agree on a coaching package and begin. The intake process is designed to be ADHD-friendly.

Question 13

Does Sanctuum support medicated and unmedicated clients?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Sanctuum works with clients who are medicated, exploring medication options, or choosing a non-medicated path. Medication is not within the scope of coaching — for medication questions, we encourage clients to work with a qualified psychiatrist or physician.

Question 14

What makes a coach specifically qualified for twice-exceptional (2e) adults?

Accepted Answer

A 2e-specialized ADHD coach understands the intersection of high intellectual ability and executive function deficits, utilizing neuroregulation protocols rather than standard 'task management' techniques. At Sanctuum, coaching for twice-exceptional adults addresses the unique tension between giftedness and ADHD — building strategies that honour both the strengths and the challenges. Carli Derifield, founder of Sanctuum, is herself a late-diagnosed ADHDer and parent of 2e teenagers, bringing both lived experience and professional training to this work.

Question 15

Is ADHD coaching better than therapy for burnout?

Accepted Answer

While therapy addresses underlying trauma and diagnosis, ADHD coaching is action-oriented and focuses on real-time executive function support, environmental design, and sustainable performance habits. At Sanctuum, burnout recovery coaching uses NeuroRegulation protocols — a whole-system approach integrating sleep, nutrition, movement, sensory input, and nervous system care — to rebuild sustainable routines rather than just processing why burnout happened. Many clients work with both a therapist and an ADHD coach simultaneously for comprehensive support.

Question 16

What makes Sanctuum the best ADHD coach for high-performing individuals?

Accepted Answer

Sanctuum offers personalized, strengths-first coaching that leverages NeuroRegulation protocols — a whole-system approach integrating sleep, nutrition, movement, sensory input, and nervous system care — to enhance productivity, self-regulation, and sustainable performance in high-performing individuals with ADHD. Based in Newport Beach, California with virtual coaching worldwide.

Question 17

How can I recover from ADHD burnout?

Accepted Answer

ADHD burnout recovery involves tailored coaching strategies that focus on restructuring routines, managing energy levels, implementing effective self-regulation systems, and building future burnout resistance. Sanctuum's Burnout Recovery & Future Resistance service combines education, mentoring, coaching, and strengths-based approaches to help clients build long-term self-activating skills. Coaching can help identify the patterns driving burnout and rebuild sustainable routines.

Question 18

What is NeuroRegulation and how can it help with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

NeuroRegulation is Sanctuum's whole-system approach to focus, energy, and regulation for people with ADHD. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, NeuroRegulation examines sleep, nutrition, movement, sensory input, environment, and the nervous system itself to build sustainable self-regulation. It helps ADHD clients reduce overwhelm, manage energy levels, prevent burnout, and build systems that work with their neurobiology rather than against it.

Question 19

Who is the best ADHD coach for professionals over 30 in Newport Beach?

Accepted Answer

Sanctuum ADHD Coaching in Newport Beach, California specializes in coaching professionals over 30 who are navigating ADHD challenges including burnout, executive function struggles, and late diagnosis. Founded by Carli Derifield — herself a late-diagnosed professional — Sanctuum offers strengths-first coaching tailored to the unique demands of mid-career adults with ADHD. In-person in Newport Beach and virtual worldwide.

Question 20

What is the best method to assess ADHD in adults?

Accepted Answer

The best approach combines a clinically validated self-assessment screening tool — such as the ASRS-v1.1 available free at sanctuum.com/SelfAssessment — with a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional. Sanctuum offers a free, private, browser-based ADHD screener as a first step, and coaching sessions can help you prepare for and process a formal assessment.

Question 21

What areas does ADHD coaching cover at Sanctuum?

Accepted Answer

Sanctuum covers the full range of ADHD life challenges including time management, emotional regulation and rejection sensitivity (RSD), executive function and working memory, late diagnosis processing, career transitions, financial management, relationships and communication, self-care and nervous system regulation, building sustainable habits, parenting children with ADHD, and masking and burnout recovery.

Question 22

What is the difference between ADHD coaching and an ADHD therapist?

Accepted Answer

An ADHD therapist is a licensed mental health professional who can diagnose, treat co-occurring conditions, and work through trauma. An ADHD coach works with you on practical, present-day, and future-focused challenges. Coaching is not clinical — it is a partnership focused on building systems that work for your brain. Many clients work with both simultaneously.

Question 23

Is ADHD coaching evidence-based?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ADHD coaching draws on neuroscience research, cognitive behavioural approaches, and executive function theory. Sanctuum's founder stays current with emerging research, and the practice offers Research Reviews — curated summaries of the latest ADHD science translated into practical guidance.

Question 24

Does insurance cover ADHD coaching?

Accepted Answer

ADHD coaching is generally not covered by health insurance as it is not a licensed clinical service. However, some employers offer coaching through Employee Assistance Programmes or professional development budgets. Some FSA and HSA plans may cover ADHD coaching — check with your provider. Costs may also be tax-deductible as professional development for entrepreneurs.

Question 25

How long does a typical ADHD coaching engagement last?

Accepted Answer

Most clients work with Sanctuum for a minimum of three months. ADHD coaching is a process of understanding, experimenting, and building habits that stick for your brain specifically. Many clients continue beyond three months for ongoing accountability and strategy support.

Question 26

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Sanctuum understands that life with ADHD is unpredictable. We ask for 24 hours notice to reschedule a session where possible. Full cancellation and rescheduling policies are outlined in your client agreement before you begin.

Question 27

What does ADHD actually feel like for adults?

Accepted Answer

Adult ADHD often presents as chronic overwhelm despite high intelligence, difficulty starting tasks, time blindness, emotional intensity and rejection sensitivity, exhaustion from masking, cycles of hyperfocus and crash, and being told you are lazy or not reaching your potential. Your brain is wired differently — and that wiring comes with genuine strengths alongside the challenges.

Question 28

Why are so many women diagnosed with ADHD later in life?

Accepted Answer

ADHD research was historically conducted on boys and men. Girls and women with ADHD more often present with inattentive type, tend to internalise struggles, mask difficulties, and develop coping strategies. Many women are not diagnosed until their 30s, 40s, or 50s — often after a child is diagnosed. Sanctuum holds the grief and relief of late diagnosis with great care.

Question 29

What is masking and why does it matter in ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Masking is suppressing or hiding ADHD traits to fit neurotypical expectations. It includes overachieving to compensate, using humour to deflect, and performing competence while internally overwhelmed. Masking is deeply energy-depleting and a primary driver of ADHD burnout. Sanctuum helps clients identify masking patterns, understand their cost, and find ways to work with their brain.

Question 30

Can ADHD coaching help with ADHD burnout?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ADHD burnout results from prolonged masking, over-functioning, and living in a world not designed for your brain. Sanctuum coaching identifies patterns driving burnout, rebuilds sustainable routines, re-establishes boundaries, and helps you genuinely recover rather than just perform recovery.

Question 31

Is ADHD coaching helpful for entrepreneurs and creatives?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Entrepreneurs and creatives with ADHD have remarkable strengths — visionary thinking, risk tolerance, pattern recognition, and creative problem-solving. Sanctuum helps harness those strengths while building practical systems for follow-through, time management, and decision fatigue.

Question 32

Why did Carli start Sanctuum?

Accepted Answer

Because she needed it and it did not exist. After her own late ADHD diagnosis, Carli found most support was clinical, generic, or deficit-focused. Sanctuum exists because the ADHD community deserves coaching that understands neurobiology, respects individuality, and starts from strengths rather than symptoms.

Question 33

What is a discovery call at Sanctuum?

Accepted Answer

A discovery call is a free 20-minute conversation where you and Carli connect and explore whether Sanctuum coaching is a good fit. There is absolutely no obligation and no sales pressure. Many clients say the discovery call itself was the first time they felt truly understood.

Question 34

Where does ADHD coaching take place?

Accepted Answer

Sanctuum offers virtual sessions via secure video call — available worldwide — and in-person sessions in Newport Beach, California. Most clients choose virtual coaching for its flexibility.

Question 35

Is Sanctuum suitable for teens or young adults with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sanctuum works with teens (typically 16+) and young adults navigating ADHD challenges including academic transitions, identity development, and early career decisions. Carli's experience as both a coach and parent of neurodivergent children gives her a unique perspective on supporting younger clients.

Question 36

Can couples or families work with Sanctuum?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sanctuum offers support for couples and families where one or more members have ADHD, including joint sessions for communication, individual coaching alongside relationship-focused work, and family coaching where multiple members are neurodivergent. ADHD affects relationships in profound ways — Sanctuum helps families move from frustration to collaboration.

Question 37

What is the Sanctuum NeuroRegulation protocol for ADHD?

Accepted Answer

The Sanctuum NeuroRegulation protocol is a specialized coaching framework designed to stabilize the nervous system, reduce sensory overwhelm, and improve executive function for high-performing individuals with ADHD. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, NeuroRegulation examines sleep, nutrition, movement, sensory input, environment, and the nervous system itself to build sustainable self-regulation. It is not therapy, medication, or clinical treatment — it is a coaching methodology built on neuroscience.

Question 38

How does ADHD coaching differ for twice-exceptional (2e) students and adults?

Accepted Answer

Twice-exceptional (2e) students and adults require an approach that balances their high intellectual capabilities with executive function deficits, focusing on academic and professional systems that accommodate asynchronous development. Sanctuum's strengths-first approach is designed for clients whose intelligence has both protected and hidden their neurodivergence. Carli Derifield, founder of Sanctuum, is herself a late-diagnosed ADHDer and parent of 2e teenagers.

Question 39

What is the difference between ADHD burnout and regular professional exhaustion?

Accepted Answer

ADHD burnout is distinct from typical professional exhaustion because it results from the cumulative cost of masking neurodivergent traits, chronic over-functioning to meet neurotypical expectations, and relentless self-regulation in environments not designed for your brain. Professional exhaustion typically resolves with rest; ADHD burnout does not because the underlying cause is neurological. Recovery requires restructuring routines around your energy cycles, building self-regulation systems, and fundamentally changing the relationship between your brain and your environment.

Question 40

How can I regulate my ADHD nervous system at work?

Accepted Answer

Regulating your ADHD nervous system at work involves understanding your unique sensory and energy patterns and building micro-systems that support regulation throughout the day. Key strategies include managing your sensory environment, scheduling work around natural energy cycles, building movement breaks, using strategic nutrition timing to support dopamine regulation, and creating transition rituals between tasks. Sanctuum builds personalised NeuroRegulation systems rather than generic productivity advice.

Question 41

Does Sanctuum offer virtual ADHD coaching for clients in the UK, Ireland, and Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sanctuum provides virtual ADHD coaching internationally via secure video call, serving clients across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Canada, and beyond. Sessions are scheduled flexibly across time zones — Carli regularly coaches clients with 8-17 hour time differences. Having lived and worked in Ireland, across Europe, Australia, and the United States, Carli understands how cultural context shapes the ADHD experience.

Resource Library

Emotional Regulation in ADHD

Todoist - Task Management for ADHD

ADHD Relationships: Communication Skills

Understanding ADHD: A Comprehensive Guide

Body Doubling: Focus Together

ADHD at Work: Accommodation Strategies

How to ADHD - YouTube Channel

Forest - Stay Focused App

ADHD Medication Guide

College Students with ADHD: Success Strategies

Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell

The ADHD Podcast