ADHD Therapy
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting both children and adults. If you’re reading this, you likely know just how much it can affect every aspect of life. And, contrary to societal stereotypes, ADHD is actually incredibly misunderstood and chronically underdiagnosed. Having ADHD isn't simply about being distracted or fidgety; it's a highly complex condition that affects your executive functions, which are the mental skills we rely on for organizing, planning, problem-solving, and managing time. This results in difficulty sustaining attention, trouble with follow-through and consistency, issues with regulating emotions, and impulsive behavior.
Many folks with ADHD seek therapy with me as a result of feeling chronically overwhelmed, misunderstood, criticized, or even stigmatized. They may be told to "just focus" or "try harder," which overlooks the neurological basis of the disorder and leads to guilt and shame. My clients with this diagnosis often report feeling like failures in life, and their symptoms can contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and frustration. This is where addressing ADHD with specialized counseling becomes a crucial part of my treatment plan with my clients.
Why Seek Therapy for ADHD?
While medication is commonly a part of managing ADHD symptoms, it’s often not enough. Medications such as stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin) or non-stimulants (e.g., Strattera) can help increase focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal challenges associated with the symptoms. ADHD counseling, especially when conducted by a professional familiar with ADHD, fills this gap.
As an ADHD therapist, I help individuals learn practical strategies to cope with their symptoms, build self-awareness, and navigate social, academic, and occupational challenges. This plays a significant role in improving emotional regulation and reducing co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, or harmful behaviors, like impulsive spending or substance use.
Studies show that those with ADHD are at significantly higher risk for financial issues, unemployment, car accidents, substance use problems, and relational distress. These issues create feelings of helplessness and fuel the cycle of self-limiting beliefs. ADHD counseling offers the understanding that these issues are not your fault, and with the right tools, change is possible.
The Role of an ADHD Therapist
As an ADHD therapist who also has personal history with the diagnosis, I am skilled in understanding the unique ways ADHD manifests. I have a deep knowledge of how the condition impacts different areas of life, and I tailor interventions to unique individual struggles.
Working with a therapist who specializes in ADHD offers several distinct advantages:
1. I work to distinguish between ADHD symptoms and other potential co-existing conditions like anxiety or mood disorders, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment.
2. I use evidence-based approaches tailored to the specific needs of people with ADHD. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and executive functioning training are central to my work in ADHD therapy, helping clients change patterns of thought and behavior to improve focus, manage impulsivity, and reduce emotional reactivity.
3. I understand that ADHD affects each person differently, so I work with individuals to develop personalized strategies for time management, organization, and goal-setting, which are crucial for managing day-to-day life with ADHD.
4. Because ADHD is a chronic condition, many individuals require ongoing support. Seeking counseling from an ADHD therapist can offer a consistent guide in helping clients navigate transitions, setbacks, and new challenges that arise throughout their lives.
My Therapy Approach for ADHD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most researched and effective treatments for ADHD, especially for adults. CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which can significantly benefit those with ADHD. For instance, a person with ADHD may struggle with negative self-talk like, "I'm always failing" or "I’ll never be able to focus." CBT helps individuals recognize these thoughts and replace them with more constructive beliefs.
Additionally, CBT can address procrastination, time management, and organizational skills. Through practical techniques like breaking tasks into smaller steps, creating schedules, and setting realistic goals, I help my clients with ADHD learn to live their lives more effectively.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy for ADHD:
Mindfulness practices encourage present-moment awareness, which can help individuals with ADHD learn to focus better and regulate their emotions. Unfortunately, ADHD often comes with a high level of emotional dysregulation, where individuals may feel easily overwhelmed or frustrated. Mindfulness-based therapy teaches folks to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, which can help reduce the intensity of emotional reactions. Practicing mindfulness regularly can improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and enhance self-awareness, all of which are struggles for those with ADHD. Over time, mindfulness can also promote relaxation and decrease stress, which is often heightened in those with this diagnosis.
Executive Function Coaching for ADHD:
I incorporate executive function coaching into my practice, because I know that skills such as planning, prioritization, organization, and impulse control are often a struggle for my clients with ADHD. Over time, the strategies I use in ADHD treatment become ingrained habits that support long-term success for my clients.
Why me?
Therapy works best when you feel comfortable with your therapist. Although the session is never centered on myself, my personal history with ADHD has allowed me to more deeply understand the lived experience of those who struggle with this disorder. I pride myself on not only having the knowledge and expertise needed to offer ADHD therapy, but also the empathy and compassion that is essential when offering a supportive, non-judgmental space for growth.
Please reach out for a free consultation so we can see if I am the right fit for you!
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