Therapy that responds to your kid’s unique needs with a neuro-affirming therapist for ADHD

As a client in therapy for ADHD, we’ll start by exploring what you’d like to get out of therapy because it’s important that you feel like our time together is meeting your needs.

Therapy consists of a combination of talk and art therapy. Specifically, my approach to art therapy is intended to help you develop an appreciation for your unique style, and equally important, let go of preconceived ideas about what art “should” be. The goal is to build confidence, enhance self-compassion, and better understand your unique needs and strengths.

An important aspect of therapy is building the therapy relationship so you feel comfortable sharing your experiences with and feelings about ADHD. A judgment-free therapy experience is a step towards learning to be kinder and gentler towards yourself and your ADHD brain.

Therapy for ADHD can be useful for people who suspect they have ADHD, are recently diagnosed, or have known they have ADHD, but are struggling to manage it.

If you’re also dealing with anxiety, depression, an eating disorder or other mental health challenges, then you’ll certainly want to think about what support will best meet your needs. There’s a connection between ADHD and other mental health struggles, so addressing them together offers therapeutic benefits.

It’s not unusual for girls and women to develop mental health issues as a result of undiagnosed or late-diagnosed ADHD. Often, girls and women only suspect ADHD after they’ve already spent time, sometimes years, trying to address other mental health issues. It’s important to work with healthcare providers who understand the complexity of this experience.

Lastly, some people find it helpful to explore the more existential questions of life with ADHD. What does it mean to be neurodivergent? How do you find your place in the world and live authentically with ADHD? How do you make sense of a late diagnosis? Questions without easy answers that tend to bring up complicated emotions are worth exploring, especially when they can improve self-compassion and understanding.

A 45-50 minute intake session is $200. After intake, the fee for a 45-50 minute regular sessions as an established client is $175. 

As long as long as therapy seems helpful. It might not be a satisfying answer, but there isn’t a one-size-fits most amount of time.

Factors to consider include your child’s age, specific difficulties, personality, life circumstances, and whether or not your child has depression, anxiety, disordered eating, or other mental health struggles common to ADHDers.

I want you and your child to have a sense that therapy is a good use of time. Also, we need to make sure we’re on the same page with expectations and goals, so it’s important for us to regularly check on how it’s going. 

Young people with ADHD benefit from an affirming, strengths-based approach that emphasizes practical skills and developing a positive sense of self as an ADHDer.

Therapy for ADHD might be right for your child if it’s interfering in their life and causing chaos at home. This could include:

• incomplete and forgotten school assignments
• unexpected and worrying grade changes
• late nights completing school work at the last minute
• expectations that you drop everything to help your child with projects and assignments they should have been working on for days or weeks
• anger and arguments about forgetfulness, inattention and impulsivity
• low self-esteem and harsh comments about themselves, saying they’re a “failure” and “can’t do anything right”

Kids with ADHD can aso benefit from therapy if there are other mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, or eating behavior concerns.

You might also want your child to start therapy if they’re newly diagnosed or you strongly suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD.

While not everyone with ADHD requires therapy, many can benefit significantly from it. Therapy provides tools to manage symptoms, improve relationships, and enhance overall functioning. It can be particularly helpful during transitions or when facing challenges like work stress or personal relationships.

Often, a combination of both is the most effective approach, as medication can help manage symptoms while therapy addresses behavioral and emotional aspects.

Group therapy can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD. It provides a supportive environment where participants can share experiences, learn from others, and practice social skills. This setting can also foster accountability and motivation, making it easier to implement strategies learned in therapy.

The most effective treatment for ADHD typically combines medication and behavioral therapy. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are commonly prescribed and have shown significant efficacy. However, integrating behavioral strategies through therapy enhances self-management and coping skills, leading to better overall outcomes.

Look for professionals who have experience specifically with ADHD assessments and treatments, as they will be more equipped to provide tailored support.

ADHD is recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when it significantly impairs major life activities. This designation can provide individuals with certain protections and accommodations in educational and workplace settings.

ADHD symptoms can change over time, and while some individuals may find their symptoms diminish with age, others may experience increased difficulties, particularly with organization and time management. Stressors related to adult responsibilities can exacerbate symptoms, making effective management crucial.

ADHD often presents significant challenges during adolescence, around ages 12 to 18, when social dynamics, academic pressures, and self-identity issues intensify. This age group may struggle more with impulsivity and emotional regulation, making it a particularly difficult time.

No. ADHD does not directly affect IQ; individuals with ADHD can have a range of intellectual abilities. However, the symptoms of ADHD can impact academic performance and learning, leading to misconceptions about intelligence.

ADHD is believed to have a strong genetic component, suggesting that individuals are born with a predisposition to the condition. Environmental factors may also play a role in its expression, but the core traits often appear in early childhood.

ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder rather than a mental illness. It involves differences in brain development and function that affect attention, impulse control, and activity levels.

A lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, structured routines, and adequate sleep is beneficial for individuals with ADHD. Mindfulness practices and time management strategies can also enhance focus and reduce stress, creating a supportive environment for managing symptoms.