Embracing Creativity and ADHD: A Journey with Tricia Salt
Welcome back to another insightful episode of the ADHD Goals podcast. In this episode, Laurence sits down with Tricia Salt, an artist, printmaker, performer, and ADHD coach trainee based in Cornwall, UK. Tricia shares her unique journey from discovering her ADHD to embracing her artistic inclinations and transitioning into a coaching career.
Discovering ADHD
Tricia’s journey into understanding her ADHD began in 2020. A conversation with her therapist about her upbringing led to the suggestion of testing for neurodivergent conditions. Upon taking several online tests, Tricia found that while autism wasn’t prominent, the results for ADHD were unmistakably high. This realisation led her to seek a formal diagnosis, which she received at the end of 2020. The diagnosis came at a time of significant upheaval, as she had moved house and lost her job due to the pandemic.
Challenges and Strengths of ADHD
For Tricia, recognising her ADHD allowed her to make sense of many lifelong challenges, especially those related to organisation and emotional regulation. She discussed how she often lost small objects, a trait exacerbated by stress, and how this had been a constant struggle through her life, even affecting her schooling. Emotional dysregulation and motivation were other critical areas impacted by ADHD. Despite these challenges, Tricia noted the unique strengths that come with ADHD, particularly a capacity to thrive in chaotic environments and a penchant for creativity.
Journey into Art and Creativity
Tricia only began considering herself an artist in the past four years, a transformation that coincided with her ADHD diagnosis. Before this, she channelled her creativity into more structured and financially viable careers, such as graphic design. The pandemic, however, became a pivotal point, allowing her to pursue her true passion for art. Despite initial feelings of indulgence, her dedication to art has started to pay off, with people now seeking her out for workshops and creative projects.
Running Workshops and Creative Processes
One of Tricia’s significant contributions is her engaging workshops. These sessions started as personal drawing exercises during the first lockdown and evolved into a popular series called “Drawing Board.” The workshops encourage participants to access their creativity through simple, timed drawing tasks set to music. The core philosophy is to give people permission to be silly, make mistakes, and simply enjoy the creative process without pressure to produce perfect work.
Becoming an ADHD Coach
The positive experience with her own study support during her MA in printmaking inspired Tricia to explore ADHD coaching. She found that having someone to talk through her thought processes and structure her workload was invaluable. Recognizing the importance of such support, she pursued training to become an ADHD coach herself. Tricia hopes to provide the same kind of understanding and guidance to others that she received during her studies.
Balancing Art and Admin
Balancing the creative process with the necessary administrative tasks is a challenge for many artists, including Tricia. She emphasises the importance of collaboration and finding supportive partners to share the workload. Tricia also physically separates her creative studio from her living space to maintain a clear boundary between her artistic projects and administrative duties, helping her manage both more effectively.
Theatre and Sailing Adventures
In addition to her art and coaching work, Tricia shared her adventurous side, including renovating and sailing a concrete sailboat. These diverse experiences reflect the multifaceted life that many individuals with ADHD lead, filled with various interests and activities.
Conclusion
Tricia’s journey is a fascinating exploration of embracing one’s identity and strengths despite the challenges posed by ADHD. Her move from structured careers to a more freeing and creative lifestyle, along with her commitment to helping others through coaching, highlights the significant potential for personal growth and contribution within the ADHD community.
Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes and don’t forget to visit Tricia’s website, trishasalt.com, to learn more about her work and services.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and subscribe on YouTube or your preferred podcast platform. For more updates, follow Laurence on Instagram at ADHD_goals or on Facebook. If you’re seeking help with managing your ADHD and are interested in coaching, reach out via [email protected] Until next time, take care!
Links
Tricia Salt ADHD Coach: https://www.triciasalt.com/
The Good Egg Studio: https://www.thegoodeggstudio.com/
Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:54 Weather and Family Stories
03:48 Discovering ADHD
09:37 Challenges and Strengths of ADHD
13:04 Artistic Journey and Creativity
28:15 Becoming an ADHD Coach
33:04 Art Workshops and Creative Process
39:51 Balancing Art and Admin
44:00 Theatre and Sailing Adventures
47:25 Conclusion and Farewell
48:53 Outro to the ADHD Goals Podcast
Need Help with your ADHD?
Want me to be your ADHD Coach? Visit my website: https://adhdgoals.co/ and Book a FREE call intro call