ADHD

ADHD, or Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodivergent spectrum of traits which can be considered both positive and negative. Roughly 5-10% of the population has ADHD. ADHD is genetically influenced and tends to run in families. ADHD often occurs alongside conditions such as dyslexia and other learning difficulties, depression, conduct disorder, substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress. ADHD is typically recognizable by difficulties in school/work/home & underachievement.

Characteristics of ADHD might include: talent for creativity, original/divergent thinking, intuitive, persistence and resilience, difficulty turning ideas into actions, difficulty explaining ideas to others, chronic underachievement (i.e. floundering at school/work), difficulty with emotion regulation, difficulty with finances and financial plans/budgeting, impulsivity, inconsistent performance or underperformance despite great effort, difficulty with organization, difficulty with time management/time-blindness, seeking high stimulation, impatience, mind wandering, very high or very low levels of empathy at times, Rejection Sensitivity &/or poor ability to appreciate own strengths, self-medication with alcohol, drugs, or activities, difficulty completing tasks or remaining with an activity for long enough to finish it, difficulty beginning projects or procrastination, changing plans abruptly, forgetful of own failings, difficulty reading social cues and difficulty making/keeping friends, getting lost in thoughts/zoning out. 

Though many people may exhibit the above traits at times, the ADHD person experiences them very intensely and for a longer duration of time than their neurotypical peers might. Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can limit a person from reaching their full potential. Though once believed (and still often incorrectly assumed by many) to be a childhood disorder, ADHD impacts children, adolescents and adults. Many people do not receive their diagnosis until adulthood. And ADHD is one of the most treatable diagnoses. As Edward Hallowell & John Ratey describe, “a person with ADHD has the power of a Ferrari engine, but with bicycle-strength brakes. Strengthening one’s brakes is the name of the game”.

Therapy for ADHD helps clients to harness their ADHD superpowers and to strengthen their brakes so that they can maximize their potential in life. Whether you are a child/youth with ADHD, an adult with ADHD or a curious parent of a child who has ADHD, therapy for ADHD can help. Clients seeking treatment may already have a diagnosis, be in the process of receiving an ADHD diagnosis, or might just be wondering if they may have ADHD. ADHD therapy is strengths-based and allows clients to work with their therapist on both the underlying mental health difficulties that come with ADHD and also to create one-of-a-kind approaches and structures to mange their ADHD symptoms. No two people are alike, and no two ADHD treatment plans should look alike either. Treatment will allow clients to identify their unique struggles, address ways to manage their ADHD and to enhance their strengths so they are no longer surviving with ADHD, but are now thriving. 


ADHD Therapists