How ADHD Therapy Can Help with ADHD
Written by: Melissa Light, LPC, NCC, PMH-C
Understanding ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) isn’t a matter of being unable to sit still or pay attention. It’s a complex neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how the brain functions, particularly in areas of attention, impulse control, and executive function (like planning and organizing). This can lead to difficulties in school, work, and social settings, sometimes leaving individuals feeling frustrated and misunderstood, and even resulting in depression and anxiety. Each person with ADHD experiences the world uniquely, so what works for one person may not be helpful to another. While medication is commonly prescribed to manage symptoms, therapy offers another crucial avenue of support that can be helpful in conjunction with medication.
How Can ADHD Therapy Help?
ADHD therapy can provide a supportive space tailored to you. Where your personal strengths are celebrated and your individual concerns are addressed. Therapy at Informed Therapy Group can provide support in a variety of areas:
Address stigma and guilt/shame
Research on neurodiversity has come a long way. However, there are still so many misconceptions about what ADHD looks like. Especially in females and AFAB (assigned female at birth) individuals. Understanding more about what ADHD is and is not can help self-acceptance.
Neurotypical and neurodivergent brains each have their strengths and challenges, and one is not better than the other. However, because systems in society, like school, have traditionally been set up for neurotypical brains, some of the work involves recognizing the dynamics of power and the harmful impact of ableism, possibly unlearning some of what you were taught, and considering what will work best for you.
Address Co-Occurring Conditions Like Depression & Anxiety
Living with ADHD in a society that is not often accommodating of neurodiversity is hard. Conditions such as depression and/or anxiety can often co-exist with ADHD. Therapy can address the symptoms of anxiety and depression, providing comprehensive support for overall well-being.
Gain a Greater Understanding of Yourself
Managing emotions can be more difficult for someone who is neurodivergent. People with ADHD can be deeply empathetic and feel others’ emotions or their own emotions intensely, and stronger feelings are harder to manage than mild ones. Another difference in a neurodivergent brain often involves sensory processing, or how your brain understands and uses the information it gets from one of the 5 senses. These differences can mean getting more easily overwhelmed. Thus, leading to frustration, anger, or shutting down completely. ADHD therapy can help you to figure out your triggers, create a plan to protect your sense of calm, and become better at preventing overwhelm.
Learn Strategies to Help You Optimize Your Life
A lot of information on organizing, time management, and coping skills was created by and for people who are neurotypical. If you have ADHD, these skills may not only be ineffective but may lead to a sense of shame when you try to apply them and find they do not work for you. By learning about yourself, you can better set up your routines and organization systems and other areas of your life to use what works best for you.
Improve Relationships
ADHD therapy can help you better understand the types of relationships you want in your life and how to nurture them. Each person has their own style of communication, and knowing how you prefer to give and receive information will help you to advocate for your needs and feel cared for in ways that are important to you.
Therapy can help individuals develop strategies for better communication, conflict resolution, and building supportive relationships. Improving communication can help you to feel more present and more connected with others. As well as enhance both personal and professional interactions.
Choosing an ADHD Therapist
When looking for an ADHD therapist, find someone who is experienced. A therapist who uses evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and is neurodivergent-affirming is important. However, the relationship between the therapist and client is essential to the therapeutic journey. Look for a therapist you feel comfortable sharing with and who will listen to your individual needs and concerns. It can be intimidating to get started. However, support is available and can put you on the path to living your most authentic, joyful life.
Find Support With ADHD Therapy in Atlanta, GA
Take the first step towards managing your ADHD symptoms and unlocking your full potential with professional ADHD therapy. Our experienced therapists at Informed Therapy Group are here to provide personalized support and effective strategies tailored to your unique needs. Don’t let ADHD hold you back any longer follow these three simple steps to get started:
- Reach out to us at Informed Therapy Group at 404-444-8974.
- Meet with a caring ADHD therapist.
- Start managing your ADHD symptoms!
Other Services Offered at Informed Therapy Group
ADHD therapy isn’t the only service offered by Informed Therapy Group. We know you may be struggling with more than one mental health concern. This is why we are also happy to offer anxiety therapy, therapy for depression, therapy for stress management, postpartum therapy, and therapy for grief and loss. We also specialize in couples therapy and pregnancy counseling. To learn more about Informed Therapy read About Us, FAQs, and our blog!