ADHD Therapy
Do You Struggle To Accomplish Basic Daily Tasks?
Does checking simple items off of your to-do list feel impossible? Do you find it hard to organize your workload or your space at home, leaving you distracted and frazzled? Have you often wondered how other people manage to get things done, even when they don’t necessarily want to, yet you can’t muster up the same motivation?
Many women with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder feel like they can’t tackle a task unless they’re faced with a serious sense of urgency, causing them to procrastinate with chores and obligations for days, weeks, or even months. At the same time, they may feel guilty for being unable to complete the task and engage in negative self-talk that damages their self-worth.
Procrastination And Difficulty Staying Organized Are Hallmarks Of ADHD
Putting tasks on hold due to a lack of motivation can have serious consequences in your personal and professional life. You might be falling behind at work or having trouble holding down a job. Even if you know that you have the knowledge and skills to take care of a task or project, you just can’t seem to follow through.
If you’ve always had a tendency to procrastinate or avoid things you didn’t want to do indefinitely, and you’ve dodged social engagements because you did not want to reveal the disorganization in your home, you might have labeled yourself as “lazy” or “broken.” But ADHD is not a form of laziness. Through therapy, you can learn how to overcome this lack of motivation and build new momentum in your life.
ADHD Frequently Goes Undiagnosed In Women
Overall, about 2.5% to 5% of adults have ADHD (1). While it was once thought that ADHD was primarily a disorder that mostly affects young boys and men, research indicates that while ADHD is slightly more common in men than women, plenty of women do struggle with this disorder (2). However, women’s symptoms often go unnoticed, and they may feel as though they are “falling behind” in adult life compared to their friends simply because they never received the diagnosis, support, and treatment that they needed. But why do so many women deal with ADHD symptoms that go undiagnosed well into adulthood?
ADHD Is Not A Character Flaw
There are two types of ADHD: the hyperactive/impulsive type, which is typically more common amongst young boys. It’s hard for teachers and parents to overlook the symptoms of this type of ADHD, which can cause disruptive behavior. On the other hand, women are typically more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD. The inattentive type of ADHD is characterized by symptoms like daydreaming, executive dysfunction, and procrastination, which are easier to miss.
Additionally, gender stereotypes can cause people to diminish the seriousness of ADHD symptoms in women. Young girls with ADHD might be dismissed as chatty or absentminded. But in reality, these symptoms can be indicative of inattentive ADHD (3).
Because ADHD in women is often overlooked, lots of undiagnosed women feel like they just don’t try hard enough, or that they’re suffering from a moral failing. But ADHD is not a personal shortcoming—it’s a form of neurodiversity. Therapy can help you let go of harsh self-judgment, recognize your personal strengths, and build routines that allow you to thrive with ADHD.
Through ADHD Therapy, You Can Restructure Your Lifestyle For Your Unique Needs
In therapy, you’ll find reassurance that you’re not alone. Maybe you received an ADHD diagnosis as a child and didn’t get the treatment you needed to navigate adulthood, or you never had a diagnosis, yet you’ve lived with these symptoms for years. Regardless, you can find support and guidance through counseling.
As a therapist, I will help you work with your neurodivergent brain rather than criticizing yourself for being unable to tap into motivation the same way your peers do. I’ll assist you in finding ways to apply extrinsic pressure, such as deadlines for tasks and projects, which can encourage you to take action. Overall, we’ll focus on leaving negative labels behind so that you can affect positive change and embrace a liberating future.
What To Expect In ADHD Therapy Sessions
During sessions, we’ll explore how your self-perception may be affecting your mental health. We’ll evaluate your symptoms to identify which behaviors may be holding you back, as well as which tendencies enable you to shine in unique ways. Additionally, I can connect clients interested in combining medication and talk therapy with a psychiatrist or doctor to discuss this option further. My goal is to help you get “unstuck” and practice true self-acceptance so that you can gain control over your own life and accomplish your goals by acquiring tools for organization and productivity.
Treatment Approaches For ADHD Therapy
I apply an eclectic, solution-oriented approach to ADHD treatment. I can draw from a wide range of therapeutic modalities and techniques to develop practical strategies for managing your symptoms, helping you live a full life with ADHD by leveraging your strengths.
Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we’ll dive into your core beliefs about yourself regarding your ADHD symptoms and start rewriting these inner narratives with thought patterns that can boost your motivation for taking on mundane tasks. Furthermore, with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you can process the shame around being labeled “lazy” for having ADHD and determine which behaviors you can reframe.
You’ll also learn about helpful “brain hacks” that are often useful for neurodivergent people so that you can fulfill your commitments. These tactics can lead to behavioral activation: once you get started with a task, you’ll find it easier to keep going. For example, we’ll figure out which times of day you naturally feel more motivated and adjust your schedule so that you can maximize the use of those time blocks. If you have trouble drawing on intrinsic motivation for commitments like exercise, finding an “accountability partner” to work out with or booking a class ahead of time can help.
But You May Still Have Questions About ADHD Therapy…
I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD as a child - should I really ask about a diagnosis or seek treatment?
Because ADHD in girls often presents differently than in boys, many women with this condition do not receive an appropriate diagnosis in childhood. Do not let the lack of a childhood diagnosis hold you back from reaching out to a therapist if you’re struggling with ADHD symptoms. No matter your history, I can help you learn to manage your symptoms. Additionally, if you’re interested in trying medication for ADHD, I can prepare you to talk to your doctor or a psychiatrist about your options.
Is there anything I can do to improve my symptoms without medication?
Some people with ADHD benefit greatly from medication, but not everyone wants to use medication to alleviate their symptoms. With therapy, you can develop new coping strategies and equip yourself with behavioral techniques to find relief from your symptoms. Additionally, therapy can help you recognize your own self-worth and overcome the negative self-perceptions that often stem from untreated ADHD.
Can therapy help me stop procrastinating and stay motivated instead?
Lots of women with ADHD have trouble starting or completing simple tasks and maintaining the motivation needed to focus on long-term goals. This is likely because ADHD influences your dopamine levels, the neurotransmitter that supports executive functioning and your brain’s motivation and rewards center. Although therapy will not increase your brain’s dopamine production, it can help you make environmental and lifestyle changes to boost your intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and adapt new core beliefs that reduce your tendency to procrastinate.
ADHD Therapy Can Help You Find Self Acceptance And Move Forward
Whether you’ve received an ADHD diagnosis in the past but haven’t received adequate treatment as an adult, or you’re tired of dealing with ADHD symptoms and need support, therapy can help. I invite you to contact me to book a free 15-minute consultation or schedule your first session.
Recent Posts
