Kathleen Helm

Hi, I'm Kathleen (they/them), an AuDHD specialist coach with an ICF-accredited qualification in ADHD coaching. I'm also a neurodiversity trainer, speaker, ADHD UK Lead Ambassador and disability rights activist.

I'm late diagnosed ADHD and Autistic, a member of the LGBTQ+ community and multiply disabled. My experience of living at the intersection of several marginalised identities informs how I coach.

I specialise in AuDHD and late-diagnosed ADHD, and regularly coach LGBTQ+ clients. Late diagnosis and experiences of marginalisation can shape how you see yourself and what you expect of yourself and others. Identity is an important part of my coaching: unpicking shame and internalised ableism, developing a stronger sense of self, and becoming more confident recognising and advocating for your needs.

My coaching is neuroaffirming, trauma-informed and strengths-based. It isn't about fixing you or forcing you to fit somebody else's expectations. Understanding your strengths and building trust in your own judgement are as relevant as finding practical support for executive functioning, emotional regulation and burnout.

Psychoeducation is fundamental to how I coach. I draw on neuroscience to help you understand the connections between your nervous system, executive functioning, emotions and capacity. This includes learning to recognise and support your nervous system's needs, giving you more space to respond rather than react, and finding practical strategies and resources to apply that understanding day to day.

Your health, energy and circumstances matter when deciding what's realistic and what support you need. Disability, chronic illness, discrimination and inaccessible environments can have real effects on your capacity. Through my activism, I campaign for our rights as neurodivergent and disabled people as an ADHD UK Ambassador, UK Parliament Access and Inclusion Champion, and through other national and regional initiatives. I also challenge harmful narratives about ADHD and disability, and have spoken to Sky News, BBC Radio 4 and several national newspapers about late diagnosis and access to support.

My own experience of disability is part of why I'm committed to changing the systems that exclude us. In coaching, that means taking the barriers you face seriously, helping you recognise where you need support or adjustments, and supporting you to become more confident advocating for yourself.

My aim is for you to leave coaching better equipped to understand and support yourself independently.

Testimonials

"My whole approach to work has changed significantly. I've learnt how to approach the work I do in a way that better suits my neurodiversity, rather than forcing myself into systems that were never designed for me. As a result, I'm no longer trapped in the same cycle of burnout that I've found myself in for the better part of twenty years. The coaching gave me practical strategies that I could start using immediately, but just as importantly, it helped me understand why I work the way I do."
— Jess, filmmaker, 34

"If you're looking for a coach who truly understands neurodiversity and can help you navigate your unique path, I wholeheartedly recommend Kathleen. They are a compassionate and skilled guide, and I'm incredibly grateful for their support."
— Kirsty Heywood-MacDonald, Accountant & Director, 56

Visit my website to find out more: www.thinkkinetic.co.uk

Book a discovery call: https://tidycal.com/thinkkinetic/30-minute-coaching-discovery-call

Or check my Linktree to follow me elsewhere: https://linktr.ee/KineticKathleen