My name is Rachael, and I've worked in education and youth empowerment services for over a decade. I hold a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia, and am an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation. I have professional training and experience working with neurodivergent youth, as well as lived experience with disability and neurodevelopmental disorders. My coaching specialization is in working with teens and families with ADHD, with an additional focus of supporting girls, women, and 2e youth.
I respect the challenges faced by young people, by families, and by girls & women with ADHD, and believe that harnessing the inherent inventiveness & creativity of ADHD is the foundation for growth. It's an honor to be part of the journey with people, and to witness and celebrate their effort and successes along the way.
I grew up in the Canadian Pacific Northwest, traveled and moved around a whole lot after university, and then immigrated to the USA with my family to settle in Eugene, Oregon, in 2012. I like chickens, playing Irish folk music, and cracking eye-wateringly bad jokes.
Client Testimonials & Feedback
"Thank you for creating a space where I could be vulnerable and be myself, for making it safe to fall down and get back up again. I feel like you were on my team and not judgmental at all, but also that you would hold me accountable. I’m a guarded person at first, but you made me feel safe enough to open up, and made it so I could trust you. This has been a life-changing experience for me."
"Rachael has been a genuine support for me, during a time when learning about what it means to have ADHD was overwhelming and frustrating. She is an amazing resource, and is so knowledgeable about how ADHD can be something to celebrate, not just overcome. I cannot recommend her experience and coaching enough!"
“You help me not only see what I already know in a better light, but you help me ping-pong ideas to illuminate roads I could not see. You also help me celebrate things that I struggle to celebrate on my own. You’re my own personal cheerleader, which I need! It feels great to come to coaching and get to say, ‘Yay, I did it!’ with you.”
"My coaching with Rachael has been a beacon of light among all the uncertainty that comes after being recently diagnosed with ADHD. I have been able to try, apply, and keep techniques and perspectives that work best for me and my goals. With my sessions with Rachael, I continuously learn how to use resources around me and to navigate with compassion being neurodivergent."
“The biggest thing for me has been that you didn’t just look at my ADHD; you looked at the bigger picture of my life. You have an understanding of chronic pain, and all other things that layer on that make ADHD that much more difficult to deal with. I’ve talked with so many practitioners who only want to look at ADHD but not my chronic pain, or can’t understand that my brain wants to do stuff that my body doesn’t, or vice versa. That’s the number one reason I chose to work with you. I spoke with coaches who just didn’t grasp that piece of my life. I appreciate that you have this lens and experience, and take it into account.”
"An ADHD diagnosis within adulthood can spark an identity crisis, and that is something I was facing. Even though I had been in therapy for over a decade, the support of a therapist could not meet the need I didn't even fully realize I had. A diagnosis later in life is like being reintroduced to yourself as a stranger. Everything you learn makes everything about your life and your struggles make more sense to you, but the people around you don't necessarily understand. No family members, friends, nor medical providers could hear me out, but without experience with ADHD directly, could not understand. It was an incredibly defeating and isolating feeling. As I fought to better understand myself and learn how to thrive - using ADHD traits as super powers instead of hindrances, I had been encouraged to seek out an ADHD Coach. I searched for months to find someone who might be the right fit. When looking for a coach, I didn't want to be put on a wait list, have to wait weeks between sessions, or settle for joining a group session because they didn't have the capacity to spend 1:1 time with me. I didn't want a program for how to cope or a list of things to do, I already have a list (or twenty) to get to. I used CHADD's resource and discovered Rachael Young of Simple Patterns Coaching. Reading through her website, I instantly felt a sense of being understood, and what a sweet relief that was! In my free introductory session with Rachael, I could tell that she was different from all the rest I had seen. Going through an ADHD diagnosis, trying to make sense of it all, and embracing ADHD as a strength instead of a limitation are not things easily done alone, and with Rachael, I was able to process through my challenges successfully. Coaching isn't covered by insurance plans, and that can be intimidating when seeking support you don't necessarily understand, but I can honestly state that my time working with Rachael has benefited me and my quality of life far beyond anything I can put a price tag on. Simple Patterns Coaching is a judgement free zone where you can face your fears, be authentic, easily bring up your obstacles, and leave feeling encouraged with a plan and a shifted perspective. Having lived experience validated and learning from someone who is committed to growing and learning about our shared neurodivergence is healing and empowering."
Professional Certification & Coaching Education
Statement of Ethics
- I commit to maintaining a high standard of ethical behavior in all parts of my coaching. I will do my utmost to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, and without discrimination against any aspect of identity, including race, culture, socio-economic status, gender, sexuality, body, and age.
- I will be mindful of my own identity and how it shapes my experience, and will take accountability for the impact of my words and actions. I will endeavor to uncover and unlearn my biases when I find them, reflect on and learn from my mistakes, and seek out appropriate education that supports my learning.
- I will continue to educate myself and seek out professional development to expand my knowledge and abilities, and to find mentorship and guidance as I am able to better ensure my ethical conduct. I will accurately represent my training, and will be clear with potential clients about the services I am able to provide.
- Prior to the start of coaching, I will ensure that a clear coaching agreement is in place, and will honor this agreement. If at any time a client wishes to stop working with me, I will immediately respect their decision and end the coaching as per the details of that agreement. If I believe I am no longer providing valuable support, or if a client's needs exceed the bounds of my ability and knowledge, I will recommend other professionals and resources that can provide support. When necessary, I will act in the best interest of the client and end the coaching relationship.
- I will be mindful of any potential conflicts of interest that may arise, and will disclose any conflict as soon as I become aware. I will offer to remove myself whenever such a situation arises, and will remove myself if I feel it best serves the client.
- I will maintain the highest levels of confidentiality with client information unless release of that information is required by law. I will maintain, store and dispose of any records, including electronic files and communications, created during my professional interactions in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security and privacy and complies with any applicable laws and agreements.
- Please note: Under Oregon law, I am required to make a report if a minor discloses any of the following: intention to harm self in a life-threatening manner, intention to harm another, known or suspected physical or sexual abuse or neglect.