ADHD Therapy
What ADHD is like…
Your mind may feel like it’s constantly tuned to a thousand different radio stations, each broadcasting its own thoughts and distractions, making it nearly impossible to focus on just one. Time slips through your fingers as you juggle tasks and responsibilities, with even the simplest tasks feeling like monumental challenges—like trudging through quicksand. It’s not that you lack intelligence or ability; rather, your thoughts dart in every direction, and keeping them on track can feel like trying to herd cats. The world may interpret your fidgeting as restlessness, but in reality, it’s your brain’s way of seeking stimulation.
Yet, within this chaos lies a unique creativity and potential for hyperfocus that can be harnessed. With the right support and strategies, you can transform your ADHD into a superpower, channeling your boundless energy and imagination to excel in your own remarkable way. Therapy can be your guiding light in this process, helping you understand, manage, and thrive with ADHD.
THe types of ADHD
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – 5 (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for the diagnosis and treatment of mental healthdisorders Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be classified into three types: Inattentive Type, Hyperactive/Impulsive Type, and Combined type.
Inattentive Type
Inattentive type ADHD may cause:
Impaired listening skills
Frequently losing/misplacing items
Easily distracted by things in your environment
Easily forget daily activities
Difficulty keeping your attention on one task at a time
Difficulty completing tasks e.g. schoolwork/work assignments
Difficulty following instructions
Difficulty initiating tasks that require concentration e.g. schoolwork/work assignments
Difficulty giving attention to details
Often makes mistakes due to lack of attention
Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
Hyperactive/Impulsive Type ADHD may cause:
Frequently squirming/fidgeting/twitching when seated
Difficulty controlling restlessness
Often being “on the go” or appearing driven by “a motor”
Difficulty engaging in leisure activities in a quiet manner
Difficulty staying seated in appropriate settings
Difficulty waiting your turn
Interrupting or intruding on conversations/activities of others
Frequently impulsively blurting out answers to questions before the question can be completed.
Combined Type
Combined type may include symptoms from both lists.
You are not the only one…
If you struggle with the above issues you are not alone. According to a study by Kessler et. al. “The overall prevalence of current adult ADHD is 4.4%”. That means that means that millions of other people are also struggling with hyperactivity and maintaining attention.
Other stats
ADHD is diagnosed more often in males (5.4%) than females (3.2%).
8.1% of U.S. adults aged 18-44 years will be diagnosed with ADHD in their lifetime.
The impact…
ADHD can make it difficult to complete tasks at work, school, and at home, leading to challenges in earning degrees, maintaining employment, and managing daily responsibilities. These struggles can have lasting consequences on your career, relationships, and self-esteem. The impact of ADHD can also contribute to other mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and distorted thinking patterns. If you’re interested in learning more about these related concerns, feel free to click the associated link for more information.
Stigma
Unfortunately, mental health issues, including ADHD, are often clouded by stigma. You may have been labeled as lazy for struggling to complete tasks or scatterbrained for being late or forgetful. This can lead to frustration, as you might feel like you "should just be able to do it." You may even feel broken or less capable than others because of these challenges, leading you to withdraw from friends, family, and social commitments.
With the support of a therapist, you can gain a deeper understanding of how your brain works and begin to let go of the stigma surrounding ADHD. Therapy can help you learn how to work with your unique cognitive style, break free from self-blame, and develop strategies to navigate life more confidently and effectively.
ADHD VS FORGETFULNESS/HIGH ENERGY
Everyone experiences forgetfulness or struggles with motivation from time to time, and occasional bursts of high energy are normal as well. Having some of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have ADHD, but if they are affecting multiple areas of your life, relationships, or causing significant emotional distress, it might be worth having a conversation with a mental health professional. A thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment can help you better understand what’s going on and explore strategies for improving your well-being. If these symptoms are impacting your daily functioning, seeking help could be an important step toward finding balance and support.
Strengths Based therapy for adhd…
ADHD doesn’t have to be an obstacle, and you don’t have to feel like you're constantly at war with your own brain. According to a 2016 study by Newark et al., titled Self-esteem, Self-efficacy, and Resources in Adults with ADHD, effective therapy programs should include resources-oriented modules that enhance self-esteem, self-efficacy, and focus on fostering strengths.
Taking a strengths-based approach to ADHD treatment can help you identify your brain’s natural strengths and leverage them to overcome daily challenges. By learning to harness these inherent abilities, you can move toward your goals with greater focus and build confidence in your resourcefulness and resilience. Rather than feeling hindered by ADHD, you can start to see it as a unique asset that, when understood and channeled, helps you thrive in your personal and professional life.
ADHD Therapy Surprise Location:
18789 N Reems Rd., Suite 260, Surprise, AZ 85374
Offering in person therapy for the greater phoenix area. Phone and online appointments for individuals across the state of Arizona and Washington.
Virtual and In person Appointments Available
Appointment Hours
Sundays: 12:00pm-8:30pm
Tuesdays: 12:00pm-8:30pm
Wednesdays: 12:00pm-8:30pm
Phone
(602)-633-5712
Take the Courageous Next Step
Interested in working together? Let’s talk! Book a consultation today.