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Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

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Re: Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

#181

Post by christalwang »

geekodour wrote: post #177

> What are the biggest challenge areas you experience with your ADHD? Select up to 3. why stop at 3?

We thought about this a lot and asked many potential members and members. The purpose of this question is to get a sense of the most pressing challenges (such that if they begin, the coach knows them) so we don't want folks to answer "all of the above". Also, in coaching often only a few can be tackled at the same time. It also forces some reflection of prioritization (which in itself can be super hard for people with ADHD, we acknowledge) which hopefully is helpful to folks. There's some tradeoffs here, we acknowledge. We try to balance the purpose (for us, Shimmer, and for the member) and the logistics of it, but are always open to suggestions!

Re: Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

#182

Post by christalwang »

ModernMech wrote: post #180
com2kid wrote: post #146

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Is this a better price than a licensed therapist? Yes Good luck finding a licensed therapist who has bookings or availability. In Seattle I have had almost 0 luck over multiple years, and I have talked to many other people who have had the exact same amount of luck. The very few therapists around here who do specialize in ADHD either specialize in children, or they are so booked up they don't even bother with a wai…

Yup, all we hear about constantly from politicians is that there’s a mental health crisis. Every time there’s a mass shooting, they blame mental health. Okay, fine, we all agree this is a problem, so why can’t I find a therapist? Why can’t my bipolar 1 ex wife find a psychiatrist? She’s batshit manic right now telling the cops I’m breaking into her apartment stealing antique doll dresses for crying out loud. How does…

I'm super sorry to hear about your ex wife. I have someone close to me in the same situation and we've also been battling it for our whole lives. No need to apologize for the rant, I'm also here being mad for you (for us)!!

Re: Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

#183

Post by christalwang »

bitwrangler wrote: post #89
ranting-moth wrote: post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Shimmer is NOT clinical and we do NOT provide licensed medical services In which case I personally find the phrase "All of our Shimmer ADHD Coaches are licensed or certified mental health professionals" to be quite deceptive.

please elaborate on which licenses and certifications they have. Can I confirm those credentials, how will I know if they are industry recognized and respected instead of your own in-house certification.

None of them are our own in-house certifications. We haven't designed that yet, however we are considering it. Not meant to replace incoming certifications in the short- or medium-term, but to reward coaches for their learning and work and for common language. Example credentials of our coaches are: ICF, NB-HWC, MSW, PhD, EMCC, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT. Not all coaches have all of those credentials—it'll differ by coach.

Re: Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

#184

Post by SkyPuncher »

thenerdhead wrote: post #138

I see a hundred of these companies that apparently "specialize in ADHD". I see them all in the same light unfortunately of profiteering in various ways around the incompetent medical system the US has. Is this a better price than a licensed therapist? Yes Is this a more practical solution than what you might get? Yes But it just feels ethically wrong to promote your services to people who are "undiagnosed" or "think…

What's wrong with any of the eligibility?

Re: Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

#185

Post by SkyPuncher »

alfanick wrote: post #7

"All of our Shimmer ADHD Coaches are licensed or certified mental health professionals or have extensive experience with ADHD & undergo our Shimmer Coach Training program developed alongside our clinical advisors Dr. Amin Azzam (MD, MA), Dr. Anil Chacko (PhD), and our Head ADHD Coaching Psychologist Xenia Angevin." What is "undergo our Shimmer Coach Training program developed alongside our clinical advisors Dr. Amin…

What I've seen from most of these services is they essentially hire independent contractors with experience in a related field. They "train" them with a series of required videos then send them on their way.

Not saying that's what this is doing, but that's what this whole industry does. Unfortunately, there simply aren't enough health care providers.

Re: Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

#186

Post by wolfgang42 »

lukko wrote: post #140
aaaaaaa9000 wrote: post #135

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That was my initial question as well. What are their qualifications for calling themselves ADHD coaches? I'm bombarded with ads from ADHD apps since my diagnosis and I have tried many. None, none at all, have helped me. It's praying on the weak.

Exactly. Also, what is the intervention if the coaches cannot provide any advice or guidance[1] or manage the condition. I really think services like this should be regulated - I'm not sure why ADHD seems like a soft diagnosis and always slips through the net. [1] (a) you acknowledge and understand that Coaches are not trained or licensed as medical professionals, and you agree to not request that Coaches provide you…

“Cannot provide any advice or guidance” is an exaggeration; that quote excludes (a) medical advice and (b) important decisions. It does not, for example, exclude advice on making unimportant decisions, which is a skill that a lot of people with ADHD could use help improving!

Re: Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

#187

Post by mabcat »

cryophobic wrote: post #174

I've observed some negativity in this discussion, and it appears that many comments might be based on assumptions about Shimmer. While some criticism centers on how the service is worded, I think looking at the bigger picture is essential. How many of these commenters have founded a business that has faced the level of scrutiny they're applying here? Have they taken the time to speak with someone who has worked with…

Agree. Shimmer is currently in the "assume good faith" category and it would help everyone if commenters gave feedback and asked questions from this perspective.

From what I've seen of Shimmer, the rapid-fire negativity in this discussion is not warranted. I have run a mental health startup. Criticism is constant and highly energised, and it really wears you down after a while. I expect they're also copping it from established practitioners, their industry bodies, and various regulators.

I currently use Shimmer, I have used BetterHelp and TalkSpace. These last two are... not in the "assume good faith" category. Perhaps they could show up to HN for some "robust discussion".

The thing I would like from Shimmer is a policy and mechanism where if you stop accessing the app and showing up to coaching, they stop billing you. Of course this would be startup poison, businesses are built on subscription revenue from non-users. But only billing for care you provide is the strongest show of ethics and consumer-centering I can imagine. Especially when your client base is ADHDers! Shimmer, if you currently do this, put it on the front page in bold.

Re: Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

#188

Post by sanderjd »

com2kid wrote: post #146
thenerdhead wrote: post #138

I see a hundred of these companies that apparently "specialize in ADHD". I see them all in the same light unfortunately of profiteering in various ways around the incompetent medical system the US has. Is this a better price than a licensed therapist? Yes Is this a more practical solution than what you might get? Yes But it just feels ethically wrong to promote your services to people who are "undiagnosed" or "think…

> Is this a better price than a licensed therapist? Yes Good luck finding a licensed therapist who has bookings or availability. In Seattle I have had almost 0 luck over multiple years, and I have talked to many other people who have had the exact same amount of luck. The very few therapists around here who do specialize in ADHD either specialize in children, or they are so booked up they don't even bother with a wai…

Yep. I did find a therapist that I really like, but I had to give up on the idea of using insurance.

Re: Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

#189

Post by wolfgang42 »

sureglymop wrote: post #116
Unfrozen0688 wrote: post #26

I feel like I may have it, but I am so down in a hole I just want others to do the boring shit like cooking and cleaning and billing for me and I can just work & play. I have tried for years alredy. Is there a solution for that?

I think you shouldn't even try to self diagnose and get a professional assessment instead. To give my personal anecdote, to me it sounds more like depression. I have ADHD (diagnosed at a very young age) and the thing is I very very much want to do the boring stuff. However the procrastination and forgetfulness is almost unavoidable and much worse is how hard it is to focus. Couldn't read a page of a book if the windo…

I hear that depression is often comorbid with ADHD, since people who struggle with executive function to the point where they’re having trouble keeping their life in order are also likely to get depressed about their inability do do anything about it.

Re: Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD coaching for adults, now on web

#190

Post by ModernMech »

christalwang wrote: post #182
ModernMech wrote: post #180

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yup, all we hear about constantly from politicians is that there’s a mental health crisis. Every time there’s a mass shooting, they blame mental health. Okay, fine, we all agree this is a problem, so why can’t I find a therapist? Why can’t my bipolar 1 ex wife find a psychiatrist? She’s batshit manic right now telling the cops I’m breaking into her apartment stealing antique doll dresses for crying out loud. How does…

I'm super sorry to hear about your ex wife. I have someone close to me in the same situation and we've also been battling it for our whole lives. No need to apologize for the rant, I'm also here being mad for you (for us)!!

Well you’re doing something at least. I’m trying to get my adhd diagnosed after my mom refused when I was a kid, and I’ve been self medicating my whole life with caffeine and weed, unaware I even could have this disorder.

I thought it was just being a hyperactive kid — that wasn’t me. But then I learned about all the symptoms as an adult. Yup, I’ve got ‘em all, like friggen ash catchem. I feel like a lot of adults failed me here but I’m not blaming anyone, even my mom. She had the best intentions but didn’t trust the “medical industrial complex” as she called it.

Somehow I’ve managed all this time by placing myself in environments where my executive function isn’t impaired (I dunno if that’s even the correct terminology), but now I’m in a job where I can barely function leading people to get upset with me, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve been trying to get a diagnosis for over a year, and fiiiiiinally I have something on the books for November. It’ll be over $1000 out of pocket and I have excellent insurance. Top notch.

Anyway, this is just to say keep fighting the good fight. Don’t know if I’ll use your service but I’ll consider it after I get my diagnosis.

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