I am the coach for people with ADHD
seeking career advancement.
with Amy Stewart-Cooper
Certified Professional Coach
Helping ADHD leaders unlock
their creativity and resilience
to make the world a better place.
My website will always be a work in progress.
Please enjoy exploring it,
and come back to see what's new!
Sessions are tailored to your needs, in any aspect of your life in which you wish to receive support.
My Specialties
Career Coaching
My absolute favorite thing about restaurant ownership with my husband was developing people. Our leadership philosophy was to hire the best people, give them everything they need to be successful, and then get out of their way so they can be awesome and exceed our expectations.
In my career coaching, I have a large tool-kit for reining in ADHD distractibility and igniting laser-like focus. My tools are good only if they work for YOU, so I will offer the things you need to succeed, and then get out of your way so you can be awesome.
Martial Arts
In my experience, a huge number of martial artists have ADHD. Some start training to help them learn how to focus, others because the martial arts training suits ADHD personalities very well.
With a deep understanding of the martial arts journey, including my own struggles and triumphs, I provide coaching to help you overcome obstacles, reignite your passion, achieve your goals, and become even more awesome both on and off the mat.
They say a black belt is a white belt who never quit—I did quit, several times, and I came back to earn my black belt. I'm still training today, continuing to learn and grow in my practice. Read about my journey here.
Relationship Coaching
I coach the whole person. While my niche is ADHD Career Advancement, relationships frequently come up. My relationship coaching is grounded in real-life experience from my 30+ year marriage with my husband.
Additionally, my experience owning and operating a restaurant, where I developed my employees, has given me valuable insights into workplace dynamics. I provide strategies for developing positive relationships and managing challenges, which are important for success. With my self-defense background, I bring a unique perspective on boundary management, supporting my clients in feeling confident in all areas of their lives.
Custom Stress Management and Wellness
Stress management is personal, so we will tailor a toolkit that fits your unique needs. My self-de-escalation techniques are rooted in self-defense training games because they're more fun and effective. For example, Mindfulness (which is completely optional) and Situational Awareness are the same skill. I can explain mindfulness or teach you a fun game that achieves the same goal. Do you want an explanation or fun? I want fun!
I support meditation and spirituality in your tradition, even if it's different than my own.
I also encourage dynamic movement and healthy eating--my husband and I are on the Keto Diet, our son is Paleo, and my sister is vegan so I have lots of resources for supporting you.
Plus
Group Coaching
I am leading in-person workshops in Boise, Idaho, with more to come. Retreats will be available as well.
I also plan to offer Group Coaching via Zoom in the near future for those who prefer it to one-on-one coaching.
One of the benefits of working with me early in my career is that I’m open to feedback and customization. If you have specific needs or ideas, I’m happy to tailor things to fit you.
My Coaching Philosophy
The Importance of Career Advancement for People with ADHD
Career advancement plays a crucial role in our lives because work forms a significant part of our identity. For people with ADHD, finding a career and workplace that suits our neurodivergency is vital. While staying on task can be challenging, we unlock our superpowers when we're engaged in activities that resonate deeply with our values and contribute to a greater cause. This meaningful work provides fulfillment, boosts self-esteem, and enhances our overall life satisfaction.
My Coaching Approach
I believe in the potential for individuals to connect with their highest selves. Many people with ADHD have been made to feel "broken" due to societal biases. My approach helps you reclaim your personal agency by creating a compassionate and supportive environment. Together, we explore thoughts and emotions, lean into discomfort, and develop strategies to manage challenging thoughts and behaviors while identifying what engages your talents. This process builds confidence, enhances intuition, and empowers you to embrace your strengths and become your favorite self.
Fun and Games
I like to bring fun and games into my coaching sessions. Gamification can make mundane tasks enjoyable, and Hero’s Journey metaphors can put struggles into perspective. For example, you’re not just seeking a promotion, you’re on a Heroic Quest. Learning new skills is leveling-up, and obstacles can be “the dark night of the soul” or “the high tower surprise,” depending on how close you are to your goal. How will you defeat that dragon? Or maybe you’ll befriend it? You choose your own adventure. Together, we will create a personalized toolkit that works for you.
Self-Defense Soft Skills as Gamification
I also have gamification tools from my self-defense soft skills training and teaching. Mindfulness is the same skill as really good situational awareness but used in a different way. I can tell you how to do mindfulness, or I can teach you fun games that develop the same skill. Do you want an explanation, or do you want to play fun games? I want to have fun!
Beginning Your Journey
Most of my clients report feeling more satisfied with their lives within the first few weeks of coaching, even before any major changes occur, because they’re being supported and are starting to work on their plans. I have helped clients get promoted, level-up to a new job, move halfway across the US to start a new life, begin achieving their dreams while dealing with major health challenges, discover their life purpose, and more. Schedule a free Exploration Phone Call with me to discover if we’re a good match for working together.
Let's Get Started!
Curious About My Coaching?
FAQS
What is life coaching, and how is it different than therapy?
A few sayings that ring true are, "therapy focuses on the why of a problem, life coaching focuses on the how to get out of the problem." And "therapy gets you from dysfunctional to functional, life coaching gets you from functional to optimal."
That said, you can work with a therapist and with a life coach at the same time, it's an incredibly powerful combination. If you're currently seeing a therapist, please ask them if you're ready for life coaching.
How long does a typical coaching program last, and how often are sessions scheduled?
For best results, my program consists of one session per week for a minimum of three months and I recommend six months. It's one thing to have an amazing breakthrough while in session, but making that breakthrough into long lasting change takes time. Most of my clients say that their quality of life improves very quickly, within just the first few weeks, because they feel supported and they are creating action plans that they know will pay off. However, achieving goals and making lasting change takes time and "life reps" of the new skills.
What does a typical coaching session look like?
I do most of my coaching via Zoom, I have also coached via phone calls and texting through Whatsapp. Sessions last about 45 minutes to an hour. My clients like to begin by recapping their week, things that went well and things that did not. After that we come up for an agenda for the remainder of the session. Most of the time we're working toward a goal, but sometimes, honestly, what the client really needs that day is to be listened to compassionately. By the end of session the client usually comes up with a plan for their week, including strategies to handle anything that might get in their way, and also accountability.
Will I have to do work outside of our sessions?
Yes! In order to achieve your desired results you will need to do work outside of our sessions. The good news here is that you get to decide what sort of work you will do.
Life Coaching is all about what you want and need and desire, I'm just here to support you. I'll make suggestions but you decide whether or not you want to try them. Not everything works for every person. My suggestions are only "good" if they work for you.
Do I need to be a martial artist? Will I be required to take a self-defense class?
No, not all at. My coaching is rooted in the intersection of life coaching and the non-physical skills (also known as soft-skills) used in the martial arts and self-defense. This intersection requires no formal training. However, if you ask me I will absolutely encourage you to get training, but it is not in any way a requirement.
Can you work with people outside of your state? Outside of your country?
Yes! In fact my very first client lives in Europe. I do my coaching via Zoom, phone, and Whatsapp. There are no restrictions on life coaching, we can work with anyone anywhere in the world.
What is gamefication? How will it help me? Am I required to play?
Gamefication is a way of turning every day tasks into fun games to maintain interest throughout your day. The best example I can give is Mindfulness is the same skill as really good Situational Awareness. I can explain to you how to do Mindfulness, or I can teach you Situational Awareness games that will train the same skill plus they will add fun to your every day life. Do you want an explanation? Or you do want to have fun? I want to have fun!
How will it help you? Play is how humans learn best. Also, it's fun!
You are not required to play. Life Coaching is all about your wants and needs and desires, so you get to choose which activities you will participate in. My suggestions are "good" only if they work for you.
What do you mean by self-defense "soft skills?"
Self-defense "soft skills" are the non-physical skills that we use to keep ourselves safer. These skills have both a "life protection" aspect and a "life enhancement" aspect. Some examples are:
Situational Awareness (life protection) is good Mindfulness (life enhancement).
Boundaries (life protection) are good self-care (life enhancement).
Articulation (life enhancement) can improve your creative arts (life enhancement).
What certifications and trainings do you have?
I graduated from Thriving Coach Academy which is an ICF accredited program. Because I'm a new coach, I am currently offering my program at a hugely discounted rate, which I will discuss in the next FAQ.
Most of my self-defense training has been through organizations such as Violence Dynamics, Rory Miller's Chiron Training, and 500 Rising through which I have Endorsed Colleague status. I also have a black belt in Okinawan Kenpo and Kobudo, a black sash with red fringe in Tai Chi, and color belts in numerous other martial art system
I have a BFA in Fine Art Photography from San Jose State University which, believe it or not, significantly improves my Situational Awareness and Mindfulness. Also, all the photos on my website and my social media are mine, these are actual scenes from my real life.
I think it's significant for me to mention that I used to own and operate a popular restaurant, Bella Aquila Restaurant, with my husband, Chad, even though there are no specific trainings or certifications associated with it.
I also used to work with developmentally disabled adults as a Behavior Specialist and Recreation Coordinator.
How much does your program cost? How can I sign up!
You are in luck! As a new coach I am looking for five clients to help me test drive my coaching program at a significantly discounted rate. I ask that you take the coaching seriously as if you were a fully paying client, and then when you get your desired results you write a testimonial for me.
My coaching program is going to cost $3k for three months or $6k for six months. My five clients will get 50% off that rate, 20% off for the following five, and then with lots of experience and testimonials my program will be at the full price.
How can you sign up? Please go to my Calendar Page to book a free Exploration Phone Call.
Testimonials
"Then phone rang and suddenly I had the contract for the interesting job with long term prospects in a town nearby with a short commute, in a field that I am familiar with, with very good working conditions. While already working in a good job with a good employer, but one with a longer commute.
Flashback, only a year ago, I was going down the dark path again, about to lose a very good job again despite the support of my employer, as my neurodivergency got out of control, again.
So, I enrolled in a weekly online coaching session process and fast forward twelve months later, it worked.
Thanks to the pragmatic approach of Amy Cooper’s coaching I could not only preserve the job that I had and by that securing my income and my housing, but I even succeeded at finding an even better job with a much shorter commute.
Most of the work in this coaching process is in between the sessions, so this coaching process is not for the fainthearted. It's tough and you will get asked the hard questions.
But seeing the massive difference now, between a year ago almost facing food banks and homelessness due to getting in my own way again, to now foster the same properties that I have as a force for better interdependence, by that rescuing myself from the pit to become a better friend, family member, partner, a happier person, in one go.
All that in itself, made my investment in this weekly coaching process well worth it and in the end having massive returns on it too.
Highly recommended."
W.L.
“Working with Amy to overcome my mental blocks was transformative. Normally, I find myself standing in the way of my own progress, often struggling with distractions or other obstacles.
However, Amy's coaching gave me the motivation I needed. Through our sessions, she skillfully uncovered that barrier holding me back from reaching my goals.
What truly set Amy apart was her ability to connect with me on a personal level, given our shared backgrounds. This connection made me feel understood and supported throughout our journey together.
Amy's genuine passion for helping others shone through within our interaction. She isn’t just going through the motions; Amy shows dedication and passion during her sessions. I always felt comfortable and heard during our sessions. Thank you, Amy! I still am working off the momentum from our previous sessions.”
Brandon B.
“Amy helped me stay focused and excited during an isolated time where the actions I could take were minimal for medical reasons. I was not lost in life but I was very tired and she helped me focus, brainstorm, and remember what I already had that was valuable to my future endeavors.
I was drawn to her because I related to much of her story and found her successes inspiring as she was familiar with setbacks, regrouping, and restarting.
Working with Amy helped me feel productive during a time that otherwise would have felt stagnant and was wonderful for helping to clarify partially formed ideas.
Many of the exercises she recommended were fun as well as helpful. Some helped me pull out of thought patterns I had a tendency to get stuck in. Others gave me new angles to look at things and turned memories and feelings I previously wanted to suppress or avoid into opportunities to mine for new insights like gems.
She was realistic about the limitations and unpredictability of my situation while still being positive.
I enjoyed the time I spent with her and continue to reference the notes I’ve taken from our sessions as things come up.”
H.A.
I came to Amy with a grieving heart and a depleted spirit. I was a hollow shell of the person I used to be.
Amy had me go through the Wheel of Life to get a baseline satisfaction score. It was very low. She began coaching me in mindfulness exercises and it was through those early exercises that I found a glimmer of hope that I was so desperately looking for.
As I practiced mindfulness, I began to realize I was not only still capable of success, I was also excelling in several areas. That was a much-needed realization. As I began to feel stronger, Amy introduced more techniques, from Self-Care to Focus Days.
In recent weeks, I have experienced a few set backs, but Amy has helped me regain my footing, through her compassionate guidance, encouragement and calm demeanor. I still have a lot of work to do in order to improve my current situation as well as my overall satisfaction with life, but I'm finally moving in the right direction, with Amy's help.
~Kim in WY
