ADHD
Understanding ADHD and ADD
A current narrative prevails that opposes clinical terminology. ‘Neuro-divergency’ is a term I endorse but, for the purpose of this website, I use prevailing clinical terms.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect attention, focus, impulse control, and executive functioning. While ADHD is often associated with hyperactivity, not everyone experiences it in the same way. In fact, ADD—an outdated term still commonly used—typically refers to individuals who struggle more with inattention rather than hyperactivity.
ADHD is not a behavioural problem or a lack of effort. It’s a neurological condition that can impact many areas of life, including relationships, education, work, and emotional wellbeing. If you’ve been told you’re ‘lazy’, ’disorganised’, or ‘too much’, you may have spent years internalising unhelpful labels—when what you really needed was understanding and support.
Common Symptoms of ADHD and ADD
ADHD presents differently from person to person and can look different in children, teens, and adults. It’s often broken down into three types: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined.
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty focusing or sustaining attention
- Trouble starting or completing tasks
- Frequent distractions or forgetfulness
- Losing things regularly (keys, phones, deadlines)
- Difficulty organising tasks or time
- Restlessness or a constant need to move
- Interrupting others or difficulty waiting your turn
- Mood swings, frustration, or low tolerance for stress
- Trouble managing emotions or impulsive reactions
For adults, symptoms can show up in subtle ways—struggling to stay on top of responsibilities, experiencing ‘brain fog’, chronic procrastination, or feeling constantly overwhelmed. Many people with ADHD also experience anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem as a result of living in a world that doesn’t cater to how their brain works.
The Impact of ADHD on Daily Life
Living with ADHD can be exhausting and frustrating. You might feel like you’re always ‘behind’, even when you’re trying your hardest. Deadlines get missed, routines feel impossible to maintain, and relationships may be strained by misunderstandings or emotional reactivity.
You may find that you’re highly creative or capable in some areas yet struggle with what others see as ‘basic’ tasks—like paying bills on time or replying to emails. This gap between potential and performance can lead to feelings of failure, shame, or confusion.
ADHD can also affect emotional regulation. You might find it hard to manage stress, experience intense emotions quickly, or feel constantly overstimulated. Over time, this can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of being overwhelmed by life.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and it’s not a personal failing. It’s a difference in how your brain processes information, and with the right support, it can be managed effectively.
My Therapeutic Approach Can Help You
Therapy can be an invaluable part of managing ADHD and my approach can help you. I use resource gathered from Neurological study and strategies. If you are querying whether you or someone you know has ADHD/ADD, I am able to use recognised screening tools and to thereafter refer you for formal clinical assessment. Diagnosis and subsequent treatment is just a ‘part’ but not the ‘whole’ approach which will help you. A comprehensive approach will include therapy, counsel, and coaching. This will offer you a supportive space to understand how your mind works, develop practical strategies, and address any emotional fallout from years of misunderstanding or struggle.
In therapy, you can learn to:
- Build tools for managing time, tasks, and responsibilities
- Reduce procrastination and perfectionism
- Understand and regulate your emotional responses
- Improve relationships and communication
- Challenge unhelpful self-beliefs (e.g., ‘I’m lazy’ or ‘I’ll never get it together’)
- Develop self-compassion and confidence
- Navigate co-occurring challenges like anxiety, depression, or burnout
My approach can be especially helpful if ADHD is affecting your self-esteem or causing repeated challenges in work, school, or personal life. I am experienced in a psycho-social approach that will help you make sense of past experiences and the concept you had of yourself. I will empower you to make change.
Why See an Experienced Therapist
ADHD is often misunderstood—even by professionals. Working with a therapist who truly understands ADHD means you won’t have to explain away your experiences or feel judged for your struggles. As an experienced therapist I distinguish between ADHD and other issues, helping you develop a clearer understanding of your patterns and needs.
I can also tailor therapeutic approaches to be more engaging and effective for your ADHD/ADD minds—using techniques that work in the real world, not just in theory.
Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, therapy, with a knowledgeable clinician like myself, can help you gain clarity, stability, and confidence. It’s about finding what works for you—not forcing yourself to fit into a mould that was never made for your brain.
ADHD/ADD doesn’t define your worth or your potential
With the right support, you can learn to thrive—not just survive. Therapy can help you move from frustration and self-doubt toward a greater sense of control, self-acceptance, and success on your own terms.