Ollie’s Story

When Ollie*, an 11-year-old neurodivergent boy with ADHD and Autism, began online coaching, he was facing many challenges. He felt alone, unable to express himself, and the target of some bullying at school. Traditional therapy had failed to connect with him, prompting his family to seek a new approach.

Through personalized, neurodivergent-affirming online 1 on 1 coaching, Ollie began a powerful transformation. Over the course of six months, he developed self-advocacy skills, made new friends, built emotional resilience, and experienced a boost in self-worth that enabled him to thrive socially and academically. His newly acquired tools led to a drastic improvement in his social life.

Ollie’s story is yet another proof of how a strengths-based, emotionally attuned coaching relationship can take a struggling child from isolation to empowerment.

Initial challenges with mental health

Ollie is bright, sensitive, and perceptive, but he had a hard time carving out a space at school where he could feel connected, safe and understood.
Ollie’s social world at school had become a source of stress. He often sat alone during lunch, enduring the pain of feeling isolated. Other students would sometimes tease him, try to provoke him, or put him in uncomfortable situations just to get a negative reaction. With no tools to navigate these experiences, Ollie would either shut down or struggle to remove himself from the situation.
While Ollie had attended therapy before, the traditional approach did not resonate with him. He often felt unheard, like he was being talked at rather than engaged with. He couldn't connect with his therapist, and sessions left him feeling more misunderstood..

Teen Coaching Discovery & Initial Contact

Ollie’s mother had been following Rachel Weinstock on social media for several years, drawn to her neurodivergent-affirming approach. She had even reached out years prior, but at the time, Ollie wasn’t open to receiving support. Years later, in the wake of mounting emotional distress, the family reached out again—this time, with Ollie ready to try something new.

After the failed attempt with traditional therapy, Ollie’s family was looking for someone who truly understood the neurodivergent experience. They wanted a specialist who could meet Ollie where he was and help him build real-life tools through relationship-based support. Coaching offered that possibility.

From the very first intake call, the connection was immediate. Ollie opened up in ways he never had before. In that call, deeply personal stories surfaced, and for the first time, his family heard things Ollie had never been able to articulate. Everyone cried—not from sadness alone, but from the relief of him finally feeling seen. The emotional safety created in that initial session laid the foundation for what was to come.

Assessment and Coaching Plan

The first session focused on understanding Ollie’s emotional world: What made him anxious? What situations triggered shutdowns or outbursts? What stories was he telling himself about his worth? Through supportive conversation and strengths-based inquiry, Rachel helped Ollie articulate both his challenges and his dreams.

Areas of Focus:

• Emotional regulation strategies for high-stress moments
  
  

• Rebuilding self-worth and embracing his identity as a neurodivergent person
  
  

• Developing social resilience and communication skills
  
  

• Navigating school stress and social pressure
  
  

• Learning to advocate for himself with peers, teachers, and family
  
  

Customized Plan:

Over the next six months of regular sessions, Rachel and Ollie worked on acquiring all of these skills with flexibility for additional support as needed. The approach emphasized relationship-building, skill development, and a gradual shift toward independence and empowerment.

Intervention and Progress

The first few weeks were dedicated to building deep trust. Through mindfulness practices, visual journaling, and guided self-reflection through storytelling, Ollie embarked on a rapid upward progression
Together, Ollie and Rachel created a “toolkit” of calming strategies he could use in the moment—role-playing, sensory support, and scripts for tricky situations. He learned that emotions weren’t dangerous—they were signals he could listen to.

Addressing Root Causes of Teen Mental Health Struggles

Now that trust was built, they began exploring the beliefs Ollie had internalized: that he was “weird,” “not good at making friends,” or “too much.”
Through reframing and compassionate inquiry, Rachel helped Ollie deconstruct some of the stories he was telling himself. Online role-playing scenarios allowed him to practice standing up for himself, setting boundaries, and initiating conversations in safe, manageable ways.

Growth and Empowerment

Empowerment through action. Ollie set tangible goals: talk to someone new at school, ask to join a group activity, use a script to ask for space when overwhelmed. Rachel also worked in parallel with Ollie’s parents, offering language and strategies they could use to support him at home.

Turning Points

Several transformative moments marked Ollie’s journey:

• Self-Advocacy at School: He asked his teachers to allow him to sit with them during lunchtime as he found the cafeteria overly stimulating. 

• Making Friends: By applying social scripts and using his strengths (like deep curiosity and a love of storytelling), Ollie began initiating connections. He expanded his social circle and made lasting connections

• New Confidence: His newfound self-belief helped him apply—and gain admission—to an academic summer program. The experience reinforced his sense of capability and belonging.

Outcome and Full Recovery

By the end of the coaching program, Ollie had undergone a remarkable transformation. He was no longer the quiet, anxious boy trying to disappear into the background. He had become a confident, self-aware young person who knew how to advocate for himself and manage overwhelming emotions.

Outcomes:

• Significant reduction in social isolation
  
  

• Stronger, healthier peer relationships
  
  

• Greater emotional regulation and reduced shutdowns
  
  

• Increased engagement in school and extracurriculars
  
  

• A foundational belief that he deserves to be seen and respected
  
  
  

Reflections from the Teen and Family

Ollie’s story is a beautiful reminder that even in hard moments, change is possible and brighter days lie ahead. Through coaching, he discovered new ways to believe in himself, and with his loving parents by his side, he’s built the confidence and resilience to move forward with hope. We invite you to watch the video below and hear directly from Ollie and his mum as they share their heartfelt reflections on this life-changing experience.

Jillian (Mum) & Ollie’s Testimonial

The family appreciated the flexibility and comfort of remote sessions. Ollie often joined from his favorite space at home, which reduced anxiety and allowed him to show up authentically. The consistency of weekly virtual meetings helped build momentum that traditional therapy had lacked.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Ollie’s journey from isolation to confidence is a testament to the power of personalized, affirming support. With the right tools and a strong relationship, your teen can flourish.

To Parents of Teens:
If your child is struggling and traditional methods haven’t worked, don’t give up. The right support is out there—and it can make all the difference. Book a free consultation to discover if coaching is the right fit for your family.