Will I make a good ADHD Therapist for you?

Part 1-My Experience

My Position on ADHD

My journey to understanding ADHD began approximately 10 years ago. A client informed me they had been diagnosed with Adult ADHD. I had not heard of it.

This humbling experience led me to where I am now, with understanding and some expertise on how ADHD impacts on peoples’ lives. My counselling service helps clients manage, and take advantage of the super skills ADHD can bring.

I have witnessed the overwhelm and confusion of trying to live in a neurotypical world and the incredible capacity to work above and beyond expectations.
Unfortunately I have seen the ways society is trying to grapple with meeting the needs of those with ADHD, some positive but many dismissive and unhelpful.
I see the mixed messages coming from professionals, some minimising the needs of those with ADHD but many advocating for them.
I see that there is greater understanding of the genetic mapping, physiological manifestations and social implications of neurodiversity.
More recently I feel the need to advocate for menopausal and perimenopausal women. I know women are now presenting to their GP with clusters of symptoms that are too readily getting dismissed.

I am continually in awe of the capacity those with ADHD have to be the best version of themselves

Who arrives in my Counselling Room

I see some common themes in those that come to me, and who are happy to work within the umbrella of ADHD (and AuDHD) with or without a diagnosis. These include;

The successful, high achiever, with life, and/or work becoming unmanageable for no specific reason
Perimenopausal women who are scared of how low their mood is making them feel. Some of these women have thoughts of taking their own life and this is very scary for them.
Younger adults (30 and below) who have managed to successfully cope. Clients may come with a new stress, such as family, or work or other responsibility. These may emphasise the difficulties of living with ADHD and clients feel overwhelmed, suffer burnout and may have high levels of anxiety. Clients may also be gambling and use drugs, these are common in ADHD due to the different metabolism of dopamine.
People with a diagnosis who are wanting help to manage the positives and negatives of ADHD, maybe to discuss medication and other ways to feel more at ease with themselves.

This is my experience and probably reflects the people that are drawn to my way of working rather than those with ADHD as a whole.

TL:DR

My awareness and interest in supporting those with ADHD began 10 years ago. I am aware of medical failings and advances. I acknowledge the social barriers that impact on those with ADHD, in the workplace and generally within society.

My client group covers those with or without a diagnosis. Those who are high achievers and those who have struggled with constant setbacks, both young and old. I see perimenopausal women in crisis, and people struggling with ways to manage their life with ADHD.

I am happy to arrange a chat to help you decide whether I am the right therapist for you.

For more information contact me https://www.insightfulness.co.uk/contact/