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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is career coaching for neurodivergent professionals?

  • I help mid-career professionals with ADHD or autism build strategies that work WITH their brains, not against them.

  • Not generic productivity advice.

  • Real, practical systems for YOUR brain, YOUR job, YOUR life.

  • So you can perform well at work without exhausting yourself.

How is this different from therapy?

Therapy focuses on emotions, past trauma, and mental health.

Coaching focuses on present challenges and future goals with practical strategies.

Think of it this way:

  • Therapy helps you process WHY you feel overwhelmed

  • Coaching helps you figure out WHAT to do about it

Many of my clients do both. They complement each other beautifully.

 

How is this different from ADHD medication?

Medication can help with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

But it doesn't:

  • Teach you systems for managing your inbox

  • Show you how to structure your day around energy levels

  • Help you advocate for workplace accommodations

  • Give you strategies for time blindness

Medication + Coaching = most powerful combination.

 

I'm already in therapy. Do I still need coaching?

If your therapist is helping you process emotions but you still don't know HOW to:

  • Manage your workload without drowning

  • Stop bringing work stress home

  • Communicate your needs at work

  • Build systems that actually stick

Then yes, coaching fills that practical gap.

 

How do I know if I'm a good fit for your coaching?

You're a great fit if:

✓ You're 35-50 years old ✓ You're neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, or both) ✓ You're in a career crisis (drowning, performance issues, burnout) ✓ You've tried traditional productivity systems and they failed ✓ You're ready to invest in yourself ✓ You want practical strategies, not just emotional support

Not sure? Book a free 30-minute consultation and we'll figure it out together.

 

What if I'm not officially diagnosed?

That's okay.

Many clients come to me suspecting they're neurodivergent but not yet diagnosed.

If you recognize yourself in my content and my approach resonates, let's talk.

We can work together whether you have a formal diagnosis or not.

 

Do I have to tell my employer I'm working with you?

Absolutely not.

Everything we discuss is 100% confidential.

You decide what (if anything) to share with your employer.

 

Will you contact my employer or manager?

Never without your explicit permission.

This is YOUR coaching. YOUR privacy. YOUR choice.

 

How does coaching actually work?

For "Thrive at Work" (8-week program):

  1. We meet weekly for 75 minutes via Zoom

  2. Each session focuses on a specific area (executive function, energy management, communication, etc.)

  3. You get homework/experiments to try between sessions

  4. You can email me questions between sessions

  5. We build custom systems for YOUR brain and YOUR job

For individual sessions:

Same structure, just session-by-session instead of a full program.

 

What happens in a typical session?

We start with: "What's your biggest challenge right now?"

Then we:

  • Identify what's actually breaking down (usually executive function)

  • Explore what you've already tried (and why it didn't work)

  • Build strategies specifically for your neurodivergent brain

  • Create action steps you can implement immediately

  • Troubleshoot obstacles

No fluff. No theory. Just practical problem-solving.

 

Do you give homework?

Yes, but not the overwhelming kind.

More like: "This week, try [one specific thing] and notice what happens."

Small experiments. Real-world testing. Then we adjust based on what you learn.

 

What if I need help between sessions?

"Thrive at Work" clients: Email me anytime. I respond within 24 hours (usually faster).

Individual session clients: Follow-up questions via email are included.

VIP Intensive clients: You get text access for urgent situations.

 

How long does coaching take?

"Thrive at Work" program: 8 weeks

VIP Intensive: 1 day intensive + 4 follow-ups over 1 month

Individual sessions: As long as you need

Most clients see significant improvement within 2-3 months.

But sustainable change? That's an ongoing practice.

How much does coaching cost?

We have multiple packages depending on your situation and needs. We will discuss this during your free 30 minute introduction call. The different programs are:

"Thrive at Work" which is an 8-week program

Individual sessions (Including packages)

VIP Intensive

Professional Peer Mastermind

See full details on the [Services page].

 

Will my insurance cover this?

Coaching is typically not covered by insurance.

However:

  • You CAN use HSA/FSA funds

  • Some employers cover coaching through wellness programs

  • It's a business expense if you're self-employed

 

This seems expensive. Is it worth it?

Fair question.

Here's how my clients think about it:

If you're burning out:

  • What's the cost of your current trajectory?

  • More hours, less performance, destroyed relationships, health problems

Most clients tell me: "I should have done this years ago."

 

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, for "Thrive at Work" and VIP Intensive.

We can discuss options during your consultation.

 

What's your cancellation/refund policy?

Before we start: Full refund if you cancel before our first session.

After we start: No refunds, but we can pause or adjust the program if life happens.

Individual sessions: 24-hour cancellation notice required.

I'm flexible and reasonable. Life happens. We'll figure it out.

About Me

What are your credentials?

ACC (Associate Certified Coach) - International Coaching Federation

This means I've completed rigorous coach training and adhere to ethical standards.

I also have specialized training in neurodivergent coaching and 20+ years working with neurodivergent individuals.

 

Are you neurodivergent?

I have lived experience with neurodivergence through immediate family and close relationships.

I've spent years listening to, learning from, and supporting neurodivergent individuals.

My approach comes from deep understanding and respect for how neurodivergent brains work.

 

Why do you specialize in neurodivergent professionals?

Because I've watched too many brilliant people believe they're broken when they just need different strategies.

I've seen what happens when someone finally gets coaching designed FOR their brain instead of against it.

Everything changes.

That's why I do this work.

 

Where are you located?

Somerville, New Jersey.

But all sessions are via Zoom, so I work with clients nationwide.

 

What platform do we use for sessions?

Zoom.

It's reliable, easy to use, and you can join from anywhere.

 

What if I need to reschedule?

Just give me 24 hours notice and we'll find another time.

Life happens. I get it.

 

Do you work with people outside the US?

Yes, as long as time zones work for both of us.

 

What's the first step?

Book a free 30-minute consultation.

We'll discuss:

  • Your current situation

  • What you're hoping to achieve

  • Whether my approach is right for you

  • Which service makes the most sense

No pressure. No obligation.

Just an honest conversation about whether we're a good fit.

 

What should I prepare for the consultation?

Nothing formal.

Just come ready to talk about:

  • What's not working right now

  • What you've already tried

  • What you're hoping will change

That's it.

What if I'm not sure which service is right for me?

That's what the free consultation is for.

I'll help you figure out which option makes the most sense for your situation.

How quickly can we get started?

Usually within 1-2 weeks.

Sometimes sooner if you're in crisis.

Book your consultation and we'll get you on the calendar.

Still Have Questions?

Email me: elyserobbins2@gmail.com

Call/Text: (617) 970-5522

I typically respond within 24 hours.

Or just [schedule a free consultation] and we'll talk through everything.

Ready to stop drowning and start thriving?

[Button: Schedule Free Consultation]

Last updated: January 2026

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