ADHD: Harnessing Attention, Impulse & Hyperactivity
What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that are inconsistent with developmental level and negatively impact daily life. It often begins in childhood but persists into adulthood in many cases.
How ADHD shows up (and why it matters)
• Inattention: difficulty sustaining focus, focusing on the “wrong” thing, forgetfulness, careless mistakes, trouble organizing tasks.
• Hyperactivity/impulsivity: fidgeting, restlessness, interrupting, acting before thinking, difficulty waiting.
• ADHD often co-occurs with other conditions: learning differences, OCD, trauma histories, emotional dysregulation.
• Without recognition and support, ADHD can impact academic/work performance, relationships, self-esteem, and lead to secondary issues such as anxiety or depression.
Evidence-based supports for ADHD
Psychoeducation & structure
Learning how ADHD works in your brain (executive functioning, working memory, planning) is a first step. Then building structure: checklists, reminders, environmental tweaks (reducing distractions), consistent routines.
Behavioral strategies & coaching
Working with a clinician or coach to set realistic goals, schedule tasks, monitor progress, and adjust strategies.
Cognitive–behavioral therapy for ADHD
CBT adapted for ADHD may focus on problem-solving, time-management, self-monitoring, and handling negative self-talk (“I’m always messing up”).
Medication & collaborative care
When appropriate and chosen with a licensed prescriber, stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help reduce core symptoms; therapy complements medication by building skills for everyday success.
Integrating ADHD support into our practice
Given our expertise in trauma, OCD, autism, and ADHD, we approach ADHD not as a silo but as part of a holistic picture: how attention and executive function intersect with emotional regulation, sensory/neurodivergent traits, and trauma responses. In therapy, we look at strengths (e.g., creativity, hyper-focus), build supports (organization systems, accountability partners), and tailor interventions to your unique brain and life.
Getting started & what you’ll gain
Begin with an assessment: how ADHD shows up for you, your strengths and challenges, how it interacts with your life. Then we build your treatment plan: often a combination of psychoeducation, skill building, therapy, and coordination with other providers (educators, prescribers). Ultimately you’ll gain greater self-understanding, tools to manage attention and impulses, improved productivity, better emotional regulation, and enhanced quality of life. Learn more on our ADHD service page.