Invisible ADHD, Women, and Directive Coaching with Shanna Pearson

In this guest episode, Erin Power sits down with Shanna, founder of ADHD Coaching and author of Invisible ADHD, to unpack why ADHD in women is often missed, what it feels like to live undiagnosed, and what support can look like when coaching is built specifically for ADHD brains. They talk about the emotional side of ADHD, decision paralysis, misdiagnosis, and why Shanna's coaching model is intentionally high-touch and directive: doing tasks together, practicing skills in real time, and using accountability to create momentum. Episode Overview 0:00 Erin welcomes Shanna (ADHD Coaching) 0:16 Why Shanna was asked to write a book specifically for women 4:08 What it feels like to live with undiagnosed ADHD 6:47 Shanna's book title: Invisible ADHD 8:04 What "Invisible ADHD" means (symptoms + women going unnoticed) 9:28 Why assessments often miss women (male-centric traits) 9:52 Signs of ADHD in women: emotional overwhelm, paralysis, catastrophe thinking 10:19 The core concept: ADHD brains struggle to compartmentalize 13:02 The nuance: lifestyle distraction vs ADHD, and the "entire life" question 17:37 Decision-making struggles and second-guessing 18:54 Why Shanna rejects the "ADHD is a superpower" narrative 22:50 Why traditional client-led coaching models can fail ADHD clients 30:11 Hiring coaches: Shanna's company is always looking for great coaches 31:29 Directive coaching: "Sometimes people need to be told what to do" 38:57 Accountability as a non-negotiable support tool 50:11 To-do lists and overwhelm: "Keep it to 3 and you're free" 53:55 A transformation story: hosting family holidays after years of avoidance 1:01:36 Where to find Shanna + how coaches can apply 1:02:48 Closing (episode ends ~1:02:48) Key Concepts in This Episode Invisible ADHD in Women Shanna explains that many women's ADHD symptoms are internal and emotional, which can keep them under the radar and lead to mislabeling as anxiety or depression. Compartmentalization and Emotional Flooding A key framework in the episode is the inability to compartmentalize, which can make emotions, tasks, and decisions feel like they all hit at once. Decision Paralysis Shanna describes how too many open "paths" in the mind can make it hard to choose, follow through, and feel settled after decisions. Why ADHD Is Not a Superpower Shanna challenges the trend of calling ADHD a superpower, arguing it can make people feel worse or delay them from learning practical management skills. Directive, High-Touch Coaching Instead of only asking insight-based questions, Shanna's coaching model focuses on real-time action: doing tasks together, role-playing conversations, and making plans that are individualized and highly supported. Accountability and Skill Practice Progress is built through repetition and simple weekly practice. Accountability is positioned as essential, not optional. Keep It Simple Tools like short to-do lists and habit "piggybacking" are discussed as practical ways to reduce overwhelm and increase follow-through. Connect with Shanna • Website: adhdcoaching.com • Book: Invisible ADHD (Amazon & Audible) Connect with Erin • Submit your questions: [email protected] • Website: primalhealthcoach.com • Instagram: @primalhealthcoach Ready to turn your passion for health into lasting impact? Health Coach Radio delivers honest conversations, expert insight, and practical guidance to help health coaches support clients ethically, effectively, and with confidence.