about Janine

Coaching for sustainable life and work with ADHD & AuDHD

Hi, I’m Janine

I work with late-diagnosed ADHD and AuDHD adults who are capable, thoughtful, and quietly exhausted.

People who have spent years pushing through, adapting, holding things together, and burning out, and are now looking for a more sustainable and different way to live and work.

My approach to coaching is grounded, practical, neuro-affirming, trauma-informed and nervous system aware.

I believe in doing things differently — with laughter, self-kindness, and a focus on what actually works for you, not what you’re told should work.

It’s not about fixing you, optimising you, or pushing you to do more. It’s about understanding how you operate — and building ways of living and working that fit you.

That means:

  • prioritising capacity over constantly pushing
  • respecting your nervous system needs
  • keeping things practical and human

Support doesn’t need to add to your load. It needs to be tailored to where you are right now.

Janine Defontaine AuDHD & ADHD Coach Perth Western Australia

A little About Me

That diagnosis didn’t magically solve anything. What it did provide was context. Understanding. Permission to stop treating exhaustion as a personal failure and working so hard at ‘fixing’ myself. Acceptance. And more permission to start doing things differently.

That lived experience now shapes how I work — with honesty, compassion, and a strong focus on sustainability.

When I’m not coaching, you’ll usually find me reading (I have too many books), tackling a jigsaw puzzle, or wandering outdoors with my rescue Doberman, Freya. I believe in practical support, real conversations, and finding moments of joy in the everyday.

Janine Defontaine and her dog aka assistant Freya the Doberman

Meet Freya – the best furry assistant a coach could ask for

She’s my accountability buddy — getting me up and moving, providing cuddles, and helping me stay grounded.

Freya is a 6½-year-old rescue Doberman (with a little ADHD, anxiety and trauma herself).

She loves soft, fluffy blankets, nature walks, and her favourite toy, “orange” (a ball, of course).

Meet Freya - the best furry assistant a coach could ask for.
Trusted assistant and goodest girl, Freya

What coaching With Me Looks Like

  • capacity, not just capability
  • strategies, structure and supports (with flexibility)
  • nervous system needs, not more productivity hacks
  • clarity over complexity

My Experience & training

  • Advanced ADHD Coach

Ready to Connect?