Therapy for ADHD
What is ADHD, Really?
There is so much more information available on ADHD today than there was a decade ago. Increased awareness of concepts such as Executive Functioning has significantly shaped the fields of mental health, education, and psychiatry. Despite this progress, ADHD remains widely misunderstood, and the full complexity of its symptoms—and their impact—is often overlooked. ADHD isn’t just about difficulties with attention; at its core, it is a Disorder of Self-Regulation. The neurobiological underpinnings of ADHD can affect how one manages their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
For people with ADHD, symptoms like impulsivity, distractibility, and chronic overwhelm can create a ripple effect that disrupts many areas of life, from organizing daily tasks to sustaining healthy relationships. The struggle to manage internal and external chaos can lead to persistent frustration, self-doubt, and a cycle of self-blame that colors everyday experiences. ADHD isn’t a reflection of one’s intellect or character—it’s a complex condition with a strong genetic component that affects how the brain processes and prioritizes information.
Understanding ADHD means recognizing the real, lived experiences of those navigating its challenges. It’s about seeing beyond stereotypes and appreciating that ADHD is not a lack of effort or willpower but a deeply nuanced condition that can profoundly impact one’s sense of self and well-being. My goal is to help individuals with ADHD find compassion for themselves, develop effective strategies, and ultimately transform their relationship with their symptoms.
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ADHD is a Neurodevelopmental Disorder, which means that symptoms change and evolve throughout a person’s life. As individuals with ADHD grow older, many find ways to "mask" their differences or develop strategies to improve their functionality, causing some to question or downplay the significance of ADHD in adulthood. While it can be tempting to distance oneself from the ADHD label, this often makes it difficult for individuals to recognize and validate their struggles as they arise later in life. While ADHD is often a lifelong condition, I believe that a negative view of oneself and one’s abilities doesn’t have to be.
ADHD & Self-Esteem
Did you know that many experts estimate that children with ADHD receive up to 20,000 more negative messages about themselves than their neurotypical peers by the age of 12? This constant stream of criticism can profoundly impact a child's development, shaping how they see themselves compared to others and often leading to challenges with self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-worth. That’s why it’s crucial to understand individuals with ADHD within the context of their past experiences and to recognize what they have already achieved and overcome.
Even if you feel like you’re holding yourself back from success, your struggles are valid, and they are real. If you’ve internalized messages that you are “lazy” or “unmotivated,” I want to help you see beyond those judgments and discover your strengths. Together, we can use those strengths to drive progress—whatever “progress” means to you.
ADHD & Relationships
In my experience, it’s not uncommon for those with ADHD to both highly value interpersonal relationships and find them particularly challenging. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is a term used to describe the intense emotional pain that people with ADHD can feel in response to perceived failure or rejection. While no one likes feeling rejected, those with ADHD may struggle more with regulating these emotions and are often more likely to misinterpret neutral or ambiguous interactions as negative or hostile. This can make it difficult to form and maintain secure, healthy relationships, even when the desire for connection is strong.
If relationships feel hard for you, I offer compassionate, trauma-informed support to help you navigate these challenges. Together, we can explore and address the patterns that may be keeping you from experiencing the meaningful connections you seek.
How Can I Help?
ADHD is one of the most researched and treatable health conditions today, yet stigma and misinformation continue to create barriers for those who live with it. As a therapist who is deeply familiar with both the scientific literature and the lived experiences of people with ADHD, I am passionate about helping individuals find meaning in their struggles and build confidence, competence, and a sense of control over their lives.
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I utilize a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy, tailoring these evidence-based approaches to each client’s unique needs and experiences. While every person’s journey with ADHD is different, therapy might involve:
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Exploring the impact of ADHD symptoms on your sense of self and identity
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Understanding how ADHD affects your relationships and patterns of interaction
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Connecting past experiences to present patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
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Increasing self-awareness and self-compassion around your symptoms and challenges
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Developing practical strategies to improve executive functioning
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Identifying and challenging self-limiting beliefs
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Strengthening self-esteem and self-efficacy
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Learning and practicing interpersonal skills
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Building tools for self-regulation and emotional balance
*While I do not prescribe medication, I am happy to provide referrals to psychiatrists or collaborate with your current prescriber if medication is something you are considering.
