How Counselling Helps Adults with ADHD

Living with ADHD as an adult can be challenging in ways that go beyond difficulties with focus or organisation. Many adults experience emotional overwhelm, low self-esteem, difficulties with relationships, and persistent self-criticism, all of which can make daily life feel exhausting.

Counselling for people with ADHD should provide a safe, supportive space to explore these challenges, understand underlying patterns, and develop strategies to manage ADHD in a way that works for you. I’m aware that one person’s experience of ADHD can be different to the next, so it’s important to explore what it’s like for you and how it impacts your life.

Understanding ADHD in Adults

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is often thought of as a childhood condition, but its effects continue into adulthood for many people. While the symptoms vary, adults may experience:

• Difficulty concentrating or staying organised
• Impulsivity or acting before thinking
• Emotional dysregulation, including frustration, anger, or sadness
• Challenges with time management or meeting deadlines
• Strained relationships due to misunderstandings or miscommunications
• Low self-esteem or feelings of underachievement

It’s important to note that ADHD is not about laziness or lack of motivation, it’s a neurological difference that affects attention, regulation, and executive functioning. Counselling can help you make sense of these experiences and find ways to navigate life more effectively.

How Counselling Supports Adults with ADHD

In therapy, we work collaboratively to explore the emotional and relational aspects of ADHD. Counselling can help you:

1. Understand emotional patterns

Adults with ADHD often experience intense emotions that can feel overwhelming or difficult to manage. Psychodynamic and relational therapy explore these emotional patterns, helping you understand why certain situations trigger strong reactions and how to respond more calmly.

2. Improve self-esteem

Many adults with ADHD struggle with self-criticism, partly due to years of feeling “different” or misunderstood. Therapy offers a non-judgemental space to recognise your strengths, reframe negative self-talk, and build a more compassionate sense of self.

3. Strengthen relationships

ADHD can affect personal and professional relationships. Counselling helps you explore patterns in how you relate to others, communicate your needs effectively, and respond to misunderstandings without self-blame or defensiveness.

4. Develop coping strategies

While therapy is not intended to be a substitute for medication, it can support you in finding personalised strategies for managing overwhelm, procrastination, or impulsivity. Together, we can experiment with approaches that fit your life and values.

5. Process past experiences

Many adults with ADHD have faced criticism, rejection, or misunderstanding throughout their lives. Therapy provides a space to process these experiences, reducing the emotional weight and helping you move forward with greater resilience.

Counselling in Brighton and Online

I offer weekly 50-minute sessions for adults with ADHD, both in person in Brighton and online across the UK.