So how can nature based coaching support ADHD, I hear you ask? If you’re curious, keep reading – and there’s a free session or two for you to join, and find out more.
ADHD and nature
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder (some people prefer ‘condition’, or ‘trait’), in which the brain develops differently from typical brains. It is thought to affect 3.1% of adults and 5.9% of young people globally. It is associated with symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or a combination of these. Common challenges are with executive function including organisation, focus and follow through; emotional regulation; forgetfulness and restlessness.
It is commonly agreed that there are three pillars to successfully managing ADHD. First, medication – which is found to work for around 80% of ADHD adults. Second, psychoeducation – learning about ADHD in general and an individual’s ADHD specifically. Third, coaching and/or counselling.
Whether part of the third pillar, or separately, time connecting with nature can also benefit ADHD adults. These benefits come through an increase in physical activity, social cohesion, attention restoration and a decrease in stress. Self-determination theory suggests that time in nature is intrinsically motivating as it supports autonomy, belonging and competence – and supports basic psychological needs. Greenspace could also exert its benefits for ADHD adults through environmental pathways, including mitigating the exposure to urban-related environmental hazards such as air pollution, noise, and heat and enriching microbiota diversity.
These benefits may also be felt by ‘neurotypical’ adults, and people with a range of intersecting or co-occurring conditions such as Autism.
What the science says
Numerous studies show significant benefits for both contact time (exposure) and nature connection (engagement) amongst adult populations. Of particular relevance to ADHD are findings including:
- Attention Restoration: Time in nature reduces mental fatigue and recharges cognitive reserves, with benefits for concentration and focus (Atchley et al., 2012).
- Calming Effect: Lowers anxiety and supports emotional regulation (Quinn, 2023). Gets us into our parasympathetic ‘rest and digest’ state (Mygrind et al, 2019).
- Happiness and mood: Exposure to greenery, and physical activity, is linked to higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with happiness and relaxation. (Berman, Jonides & Kaplan, 2008).
- Motivation: Improved dopamine regulation may support motivation in ADHD. (Basu, Nishi, & Rastogi, 2024).
- Creativity: Nature connection encourages divergent thinking and creativity – especially in the early stages of a creative process (Plambech & Konijnendijk, 2015).
- Encourages Prosocial & Environmental Action: Builds a sense of purpose and connection (Castelo et al., 2021).
- We can find deeper nature connection via 5 key pathways: senses, emotion, beauty, meaning and compassion. (Lumber, Richardson & Sheffield, 2017).
The PEACE model
I have developed the PEACE Model for coaching ADHD adults as a means of guiding coaches working with clients outdoors. It’s a work in progress, and I need coaches to help me test it.
The model is also intended to provide a framework, and set of practices, that may be used by ADHD adults themselves in ‘self-coaching’ or ‘nature noticing’ activity.
The model was developed through a blend of three lenses:
- First, the five pathways to nature connectedness, set out principally by Lumber, Richardson & Sheffield (2017), which have been shown to lead to a number of outcomes including greater life satisfaction, self esteem, pro-social and pro-environmental behaviour.
- Second, the coaching competencies defined by the International Coaching Federation that best fit with these pathways (Farrell & Tedoldi, 2021). Whilst evidence is limited, it is felt by many support providers that coaching is a valuable tool for managing ADHD.
- Third, the positive attributes of adult ADHD as defined in positive psychology (Sedgwick, Merwood and Asherson, 2018). These work to identify and harness an individual’s strengths, rather than focus on their perceived weaknesses.
PEACE stands for:
- Presence – being grounded in the moment, fostering trust and creating a secure environment for the work.
- Emotion – acknowledging and responding to emotional content, allowing for greater calm, self-regulation, exploration and discovery.
- Appreciation – attending to natural and inner beauty without judgement, and noticing ‘what is special and unique about the client and their environment’.
- Creativity – Thinking and feeling beyond conventional solutions, in partnership with nature. Bringing new perspectives, meaning and learning.
- Enrichment – facilitating clients to be accountable for compassionate, enriching actions in their journey toward meaningful change.
How to use the model
This isn’t a linear step-wise model to follow, rather a guide to key elements of focus with ADHD clients. It should follow careful contracting for working outdoors – including physical and psychological safety – in line with relevant ethical guidelines, e.g. those from the International Coaching Federation.
Here are some suggestions for using the model. To understand and discuss this further, please join our webinar on 22 July, details below.
Presence
Coaching Focus: Be fully grounded and attentive with your client.
Nature Connection: Engage the senses to anchor in the moment — smell, touch, sound, sight. Natural environments enhance trust, safety, and depth.
Why It Matters: Nature reduces ADHD symptoms and supports attention restoration. Disconnecting from devices outdoors helps both coach and client stay present.
Competencies in Action:
- Listening Actively – tune into subtle shifts in energy, tone, and body language.
- Ethical Practice – choose environments that respect clients’ psychological and physical safety, cultural preferences, and access needs.
- Maintain Presence – ground the coaching space with shared stillness or sensory awareness.
Emotion
Coaching Focus: Help clients identify and work with emotions to deepen awareness and regulation.
Nature Connection: Nature promotes calm through parasympathetic activation, supporting emotional regulation and self-acceptance.
Why It Matters: Outdoor movement or stillness can shift ADHD clients out of hyperfocus and into reflective states.
Competencies in Action:
- Active Listening – pick up on emotional cues and invite deeper exploration.
- Coach Mindset – manage your own emotional state to remain attuned and responsive.
- Evoke Awareness – support insight through gentle inquiry into emotional experiences.
Appreciation
Coaching Focus: See and reflect your client’s unique qualities, potential, and growth.
Nature Connection: Focus on beauty — in your client, and in the natural world.
Why It Matters: Quiet appreciation restores depleted attention and encourages self-compassion and acceptance.
Competencies in Action:
- Maintaining Presence – focus attention through appreciative noticing.
- Powerful Questioning – draw attention to the client’s strengths and positive qualities.
- Direct Communication – reflect clearly and with warmth on what you observe in your client.
- Facilitate Self-Discovery – help clients witness their own beauty and value.
Creativity
Coaching Focus: Open up new perspectives, using metaphor, play and experimentation.
Nature Connection: The natural world is a rich palette for metaphor and divergent thinking.
Why It Matters: Many ADHD adults have creative strengths — outdoors, these can flourish without the ‘masks’ of conformity.
Competencies in Action:
- Evoke Awareness – use metaphor or story to shift perspectives and unlock insight.
- Co-create Action – help clients explore playful, practical next steps that feel true to them.
- Hold Client Context – validate non-conformism and support alignment with identity and values.
Enrichment
Coaching Focus: Support growth through values-led, compassionate action.
Nature Connection: Foster a connection to place, purpose, and community.
Why It Matters: Nature connection strengthens pro-social and pro-environmental behaviours, self-worth, and accountability.
Competencies in Action:
- Facilitate Client Growth – guide clients to embed insights in meaningful action.
- Support Accountability – use nature as a ‘buddy’ or anchor for commitment.
- Compassionate Challenge – help clients channel strong values into purposeful, aligned steps.
Find out more
I am looking for coaches who would like to try this model out with clients.
You may download the attached paper, and let me have feedback. You may also join our free (with charitable donation) webinar on 22 July, booking link below.