ADHD Therapy and Coaching

Many of my clients come to therapy seeking relief from long term anxiety and/or depression.  For some adults these symptoms have endured and caused anguish that requires immediate attention.  I guide clients toward a better understanding of their behaviors that may have impacted work and home such as regulating emotions, managing impulsivity, minimizing distractions, procrastination and self-esteem. 

As we dig deeper and clients gain a better understanding of their root issue– adult ADHD– we focus on the secondary issues, which for some clients present as primary issues: shame, anxiety, low self-image, relationship issues, depression, and substance abuse. I strongly believe that ADHD is best approached from a strength-based model, where clients learn to accept ADHD symptoms and themselves, building on strengths and communicating with self-advocacy.  

I work with clients from a place of support, empathy, and understanding, utilizing individualized treatment plans and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and/or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).  Some adults with ADHD wish to address the impact their disorder has had on their relationships. I work with individual clients, couples, and families to increase understanding, strengthen bonds and build support.  

Additionally, I can work collaboratively with your psychiatrist or other medical provider to provide feedback and assist them in medication management.

Perfectionism/Imposter Syndrome:

Perfectionism leads many people to “all or nothing” thinking.  Each life experience is either all good or all bad with no room for middle ground.  Since this can lead to painful outcomes this sort of thinking tends to lead to procrastination.  This can lead to even the smallest of task becoming painfully overwhelming.  Perfectionist hold the beliefs that if it cannot be done perfectly, it should not be done.  To this I say, find me a perfect human and I will show you a unicorn, it can only be found in mythology.  

Who is “at risk” of developing perfectionist traits?  Anyone can fall prey but people who have a learning disability (known or not) such as dyslexia or ADHD (again known or not) and those in codependent relationships tend to experience perfectionism at a higher rate than other members of society.  Which is not to say it cannot impact anyone – it can.

Being able to find balance between work/school and your personal life can be a challenge.  This is increasingly true for those who are juggling school, work, relationships and the overarching pressures placed on us by society (social media).  There is a lot of pressure to succeed, but just what is success for you?  Who determines this?  Is it challenging to separate out what you do or what you achieve from who you are or what you’re worth?  Therapy can offer support as you navigate these big questions and seek clarity on what YOU want out of YOUR life.

ADHD/Executive Function Coaching

I recognize that indefinite therapy for some clients ADHD may be unnecessary.  I created the second phase of my approach to focus on cognitive coaching so that we can focus on organizational and motivational goals. Remove the burden from your spouse or parent by using ADHD coaching to focus on non-therapeutic issues like task management, organization and follow through. 

Executive function refers to a set of cognitive skills that allow you to focus your attention and remember instructions. Your executive functioning links your past experiences with your present action, allowing you to learn from past events and adjust your current behaviors and emotions accordingly.

Executive function skills give you the ability to succeed in school and work by helping you keep track of time on your assignments and sustain your attention long enough to complete your homework or work project. Executive function coaching helps you understand the importance of executive function for achieving your personal goals.