Gillian Johnson Shakespeare
Dip Ed, MA, MFA
ADHD Coach
Testimonials
"Gillian is a dynamic, caring, and encouraging coach. She is deeply sympathetic and knows how to cut to the chase and get things done."
Zuri B., 37, PhD candidate, University of Cambridge
"Having struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for many years, I always felt as if I had put in more effort than my peers. My struggles with time management, priorities, and procrastination started to make sense when Gillian became my coach. It was comforting to learn that many of my symptoms were shared by other people who have ADHD. When beginning my session with Gillian, I felt a huge weight lifted off me. For the first time, I could discuss my experiences with someone who knew exactly what I was talking about. I felt listened to, understood, and completely unjudged."
Lucia S., 21, Sociology graduate, Oxford Brookes University
"I found it helpful to talk through my issues related to ADHD with someone who understands the challenges it brings, as I am the only person in my family who has ADHD. I also found it invaluable planning out a day together (for de-cluttering), as my plans often aren’t realistic, don’t include enough breaks, and I never end up sticking to them."
Poppy C., 22
Coaching Approach: A Multimodal Strategy
Gillian’s coaching is practical, research-driven, and tailored to the individual. She integrates:
Strengths-based coaching – focusing on what works, without toxic positivity.
Executive functioning support – strategies for managing time, focus, procrastination, and overwhelm.
Emotional regulation tools – helping clients manage rejection sensitivity, mood swings, and motivation.
Psychoeducation, CBT, and DBT-informed strategies – evidence-based techniques for habit change.
Writing for self-awareness – journaling as a tool for emotional processing and clarity.
Without self-scaffolding, the ADHD brain can feel overloaded.
Small, consistent habits help lighten the load.
She also encourages clients to develop self-scaffolding through five non-negotiables for ADHD wellbeing:
- Sleep – Sleep deprivation mimics ADHD symptoms and destroys emotional resilience.
- Food & Hydration – Affects neurotransmitters, blood sugar, and cognitive function.
- Time Outdoors (Ideally in Nature) – Lowers cortisol and regulates the nervous system.
- Movement – 5,000+ steps a day supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
- Social Connection – Stronger human connections are linked to greater happiness and resilience.
Background & Professional Experience
Gillian’s personal experience with ADHD, combined with raising two neurodivergent children, gives her a deep understanding of the challenges ADHD presents across life stages. She has coached clients across five countries, including students, professionals, parents, and retirees.
She holds advanced coaching qualifications from:
University of Oxford (Continuing Education)
ADHD Works
She also holds:
MA in English Literature – McGill University
MFA in Creative Writing – University of California, Irvine
Gillian continues to expand her knowledge of neurodiversity through ongoing professional development.
Books, Writing for ADHD Awareness
Gillian is the author and illustrator of over 35 books, translated into ten languages. She is a strong advocate for writing as a tool for ADHD self-awareness, drawing on the research of Dr. James Pennebaker, who found that expressive writing can reduce stress, improve working memory, and increase emotional resilience.
Browse books on Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B008DI7BFS
Random Facts
Former Speed Skater
12-time National Speed Skating Champion and former Canadian National Team member.
Best dopamine hack?
Running up the hill behind her house with her golden retriever.
Worst 3 ADHD symptoms this week?
Procrastinating bedtime, decision fatigue.
Most Useless Skill
Can sharpen speed skates with a whetstone and jig.
