In-Person in Frisco, TX, Telehealth in TX. FL, and WA
214-307-2582
Counseling for ADHD
Do I have ADHD?
Does this sound like you?
You struggle to balance workload, dealines and schedules
Frequently lose things or misplace items that you need regularly?
Have a hard time focusing on things you don’t enjoy, but can lose yourself in a passion-project?
Feel overwhelmed and struggle to feel “on-top of it”
You can cope at times in unhealthy ways through reckless behavior, over-eating or using substances, or have frequent “meltdowns”
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that can make it challenging for individuals to stay focused, manage attention, and control impulsive actions.
This condition stems from a chemical imbalance in the brain and can be experienced at any age, though it's often identified in childhood. People with ADD/ADHD may find it difficult to stay engaged in tasks that require ongoing focus, but with understanding and support, they can find ways to harness their unique strengths and thrive.
Why Girls and Women are Often Misdiagnosed
Did you know that women and girls are frequently under-diagnosed with ADHD, because they present differently than boys? As ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, hyper-activity can make a child stand out in the classroom, which can lead to more atttention around getting the help a child needs. This is due to:
Different Symptom Presentation: Girls are more likely to present with an inattentive type, which garners less attention due to the symptoms being less obvious
Internalizing Behaviors: Many women with ADHD tend to internalize their symptoms. Instead of acting out, they may struggle with self-esteem issues, perfectionism, or a sense of inadequacy, believing that their difficulties with focus or organization are personal failings. This is often misdiagnosed as anxiety, but these are often seen as separate issues rather than being recognized as part of ADHD.
They are Socialized Differently: Women and girls are socialized to be more accommodating and to adapt their behavior to fit social expectations, which can lead them to "mask" or compensate for their ADHD symptoms. This means they may work extra hard to stay organized or avoid drawing attention to their struggles.
ADHD can lead to a variety of stressors for the person experiencing it, as well as the people who love them. It can also co-occur with a other mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance use and trauma. Counsleing can help you learn how to:
Manage Emotions: Coping Strategies can be learned! ADHD can come with feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, burnout and depression
Improve Executive Function: Learn strategies to help you focus, multi-task, increase mental feasibility and manage impulses
Manage Co-Occurring Disorders: Create a plan to manage anxiety and depression that could be associated with ADHD
Counseling Can Help!
Other Treatment for ADHD
ADHD treatment works best in combination with medication if needed, or in collaboration with stress management reduction strategies and comprehensive self-care. We may recommend:
Psychological Evaluation: We do not provide evaluations at this time, but we can refer you to someone who does! This is helpful to get accommodations in work or school, or to get more clarity on your diagnosis
Collaboration with a Doctor: Psychiatrist or your primary care physician
Collaboration with Stakeholders: with school counselors or teachers if applicable
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, contact your family doctor or schedule an appointment today. We can help create a specigfic therapy plan with or without a diagnosis.
