Meet Don Baker

I’d like to introduce myself to you if we haven’t met.

I’ve been working as a therapist/ workshop leader for about 20 years with a focus on ADD/ ADHD for the past 15. This is my second career, and I have to say, it suits me so much better than my first.

I discovered, retrospectively, that in my previous “life” prior to age 40, I was bored. The focus / zen/ highs I did achieve to modulate the boredom were acquired taking physical risks: climbing, skiing off summit’s of mountains, long bicycle adventures, and lots of visits to third world countries. This is how I got to calm, how I had a sense of who I really was, etc.

So, to have asked me then if I’d be sitting in an office in Seattle working with clients 4 days a week, I would have said “there’s no way! I’d be a crazy man if I did.”

Things change, right? ADHD has become a central theme in my life. I received my own ADHD diagnosis in 1997, became a licensed counselor in the state of Washington in 1998, and have spent thousands of hours over the past 16 years listening to and learning from others who live with ADHD. It’s been a fascinating journey, and I’m still learning, but one thing I know for certain is that there is hope.

Once I had an explanation for the way I felt, I was relieved. Neurobiological, huh? You mean, I’m not lazy, crazy, or stupid? And in true ADHD form, I embarked on a journey to discover what ADHD was, how to “live” with it, and how I could begin to leverage it. This was a DEEP dive, mind you, one in which I’m still embedded. As a result, I have accumulated an abundance of personal and professional knowledge of the wiring and related traits we’re exploring in your Life Strategies group. The material I’ve included in your Life Strategies course is very personal and I’m looking forward to connecting you with it and with each other.

No matter how discouraged, confused, or frustrated you feel, I firmly believe that you already have everything you need within you. You’re not starting at square one. The journey to a more fulfilling life is a process of discovery. It’s about unpacking your truth,uncovering your strengths, and learning to be more conscious of the moment-tomoment choices that shape your experience.

I’m a huge fan of Simon Sinek, and I think everyone on the planet should watch his “Start With Why” TED Talk. The core “why” of my career is to connect others with the facts about ADHD wiring and bring members of this amazing tribe together.

All of us crave spaces where we feel safe enough to be who we really are. Too often the walls and defenses that we build to protect ourselves can also isolate us. My deepest hope for ito build a global, welcoming community for adults living with ADHD, as well as the professionals, partners, parents, friends, teachers and others who care about them.

Together, we can put an end to harmful myths and labels. We can learn to advocate for ourselves and one another. And we can build a community where many perspectives are not only considered, but also included in our growing awareness.

I look forward to getting to know you!

Let the Journey begin!
Don