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counselling

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mental health

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ADHD | Therapy Treatment Options

July 8, 2024

Liddy

Carver

Category:

Mental Health

Counselling

ADHD | Therapy Treatment Options

Have you been recently diagnosed with ADHD? Or, have you known about your ADHD since childhood, but you’re looking for treatment options to help improve your mental health and manage your symptoms? 

I am here to help you discover how different therapy types can help adults and young adults manage their ADHD.

What is ADHD? 

Firstly, what is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, more commonly referred to as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with daily functioning and development

ADHD is commonly associated with children, but it also affects adults, with many individuals not actually being diagnosed until well into adulthood. 

ADHD may present itself differently in adults compared to children. Rather than hyperactivity, adults with ADHD might experience restlessness and difficulty staying focused on tasks, which, when untreated, can lead to issues with work or studies. 

They might struggle with organisation, time management and maintaining attention in conversations or meetings. 

If you have untreated ADHD you may have difficulties completing tasks, managing emotions and controlling impulsive behaviours. 

These symptoms can significantly impact various aspects of an adult's life, including their self esteem, relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.

To manage ADHD as an adult, therapy is recommended as an effective treatment option. I offer EMDR and talking therapy, both of which can be helpful for those with ADHD. 

If you’re looking for individual therapy to help manage your ADHD symptoms, my Person-Centred Approach may be the answer for you. 

Based in acceptance and understanding, my approach can help individuals to develop healthy approaches to deal with the challenges of their symptoms, reduce feelings of anxiety and improve their self-esteem, as I work to help individuals be more accepting and empathetic towards themselves and others.

How the right treatment can help ADHD

Finding the right treatment to help with ADHD can be life-changing for those struggling with their symptoms. 

ADHD adult therapy, such as my individual therapy sessions, can encourage individuals struggling with the disorder to be more accepting of themselves and their condition, and help them to manage their symptoms. 

This can then have a positive impact on the areas of their lives that were previously negatively impacted, such as work, university or relationships. 

If you’re struggling to find the right treatment, or you’re having doubts about whether adult ADHD therapy can help you, please remember that taking the first step can help you on your way to leading a fulfilling and productive life.

What are some effective treatment types for ADHD?

To help treat ADHD symptoms in adults, there are a few different effective treatment types available. The two approaches that I offer include Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Person-Centred individual therapy.

EMDR is a form of therapy that has been found to be beneficial for individuals with ADHD. It involves the use of rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation - for example, tapping and the ‘butterfly hug’ method - to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences. 

EMDR can help address underlying emotional issues that may be contributing to or worsening ADHD symptoms, such as low self-esteem or trauma. By resolving these issues, individuals may experience a reduction in ADHD symptoms and an improvement in overall well-being.

Person-Centred individual therapy is another effective treatment approach for adults with ADHD. This therapy approach, which is the foundation of my work with individuals with a wide range of different issues, focuses on the individual's unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives

In these sessions, I highlight acceptance and empathetic understanding in a supportive and non-judgemental environment where individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings related to ADHD. Through this process, individuals can gain insight into their condition and build self-acceptance.

What kind of therapy is best for ADHD?

Both EMDR and Person-Centred therapy can be valuable treatment options for adults with ADHD. While EMDR specifically targets underlying emotional issues, Person-Centred therapy provides a holistic approach by addressing the individual's overall well-being and self-acceptance. 

It is important to note that treatment for ADHD may vary depending on the individual's needs and preferences. 

It’s for this reason that I always have assessment sessions with any new clients, to help them find the most appropriate treatment type. This also allows me to work with the individuals to tailor a unique treatment plan that will work best and help them to achieve their goals. After this initial session, most clients will then have weekly sessions so that we can work through the plan together. 

What is the best lifestyle to help individuals with ADHD manage their symptoms? 

Those with ADHD can benefit greatly from adopting a lifestyle that helps them to manage their symptoms effectively. Whilst there is no one-size-fits-all approach, I believe that acceptance of the condition is an important starting point. 

Many individuals with ADHD may have been previously incorrectly labelled as lazy, hyperactive or misbehaving - which can lead to poor self esteem and low mood. 

Treating yourself with understanding and compassion, as well as acknowledging your ADHD, can give you an inner strength that will help you to overcome challenges and seek the appropriate support. 

Finding the right treatment is a great place for those with ADHD to start, though, in addition to therapy, making certain lifestyle changes can also be incredibly beneficial. For example, getting regular exercise has been found to improve attention, reduce impulsivity and enhance overall well-being. Having a healthy diet that includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins can also support brain health and cognitive function.

Another way to manage ADHD symptoms is to establish routines and create a structured environment. This might include setting clear goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual aids or reminders and minimising distractions. 

Time management techniques such as using timers or planners can also be helpful in staying organised and on track.

The best lifestyle for individuals with ADHD to manage their symptoms involves acceptance of the condition as a starting point. Alongside therapies like ADHD adult therapy and EMDR, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and structured routines can greatly improve symptom management

ADHD Therapy Near Me

Are you looking for ADHD therapy near you? I offer both my individual therapy and EMDR treatments either face-to-face at my clinic near Warrington, or online via Zoom. 

If you’re ready to start your treatment journey, I am here to help. Book your first session or get in touch with me with any questions you may have. 

Take the next step