ADHD therapy offers practical support to improve focus, emotional regulation, communication, and confidence. Whether for individuals, couples, or families, it helps you manage symptoms, strengthen relationships, and build lasting coping strategies.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a form of neurodivergence, meaning a natural variation in how the brain processes attention, energy, information and emotions. While often identified in childhood, ADHD is also present in adults and is increasingly recognised at all stages of life.
ADHD can influence how someone experiences the world, affecting things like focus, impulse regulation, emotional expression and executive functioning. These differences may have an impact on mental health, relationships, self-esteem, work and day-to-day life. This is often due to environments that are not designed with neurodivergent ways of thinking in mind, rather than because the differences are negative in themselves.
On This Page
- What is ADHD?
- ADHD Symptoms and Traits
- ADHD Strengths
- ADHD Masking
- Women and Girls with ADHD
- Dopamine, Hyperfocus, and Burnout in ADHD
- Addiction and ADHD: Understanding the Link
- Do I Have ADHD? ADHD Tests & Self-Assessment
- Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
- Diagnosing ADHD in Children and Teenagers
- What are the Types of ADHD?
- How ADHD Can Influence Daily Life
- Accommodating ADHD in Your Life
- Counselling and Therapy for ADHD
- Therapeutic Approaches for ADHD
- ADHD Medication
- Is ADHD considered a Disability?
- Support & Resources for ADHD
ADHD Symptoms and Traits
ADHD shows up in many different ways, and each person’s experience is unique. That said, certain
traits are often grouped into a few broad areas:
- Inattention: Finding it hard to focus for long periods, being forgetful, struggling with organisation, frequently daydreaming or becoming easily distracted.
- Hyperactivity: Feeling physically restless, often needing to move, talking a lot or having difficulty staying still when it’s expected.
- Impulsivity: Making quick decisions without thinking them through, finding it difficult to wait in queues or for your turn, and sometimes interrupting conversations.
- Emotional Regulation: Feeling emotions intensely, becoming easily frustrated, or finding it hard to manage stress and anxiety.
ADHD Strengths
Many people with ADHD often possess strengths such as creativity, problem-solving ability, and innovative thinking. Their energy and drive can lead to new ideas, and their ability to hyper-focus on tasks they care about can result in outstanding work. Recognising and utilising these strengths can lead to personal and professional growth.
ADHD Masking
Some people with ADHD learn to hide or suppress certain traits in order to meet the expectations of others. This is known as masking or camouflaging.
Masking might look like holding in the urge to move, staying quiet even when it feels difficult, or putting extra effort into appearing focused and organised. While this can be a way of coping, it can also be exhausting and may lead to feeling unseen or misunderstood.
Women and Girls with ADHD
ADHD often begins in childhood, but in girls it may show up in less obvious ways, such as quiet inattention, daydreaming, or internal emotional struggles. These traits are sometimes overlooked, which can lead to later diagnosis and missed support.
Many women and girls develop coping strategies like masking, where they hide or minimise their difficulties to meet expectations. While this can help in the short term, it often leads to exhaustion, low self-esteem, and feeling misunderstood.
ADHD in women and girls is no less significant than in boys or men, but it is often recognised later. Receiving a diagnosis can bring clarity, self-understanding, and a sense of relief. With the right support, women and girls can build on their strengths, develop helpful tools, and move forward with greater confidence and emotional well-being.
Dopamine, Hyperfocus, and Burnout in ADHD
ADHD is closely linked to irregular dopamine regulation, which affects motivation, focus, and energy levels. This helps explain patterns like hyperfocus, impulsivity, and task paralysis—often driven by dopamine highs and crashes. These are not personal failings, but natural expressions of a differently wired brain. Therapy can support more balanced strategies, helping manage burnout and build routines that work with, not against, your neurodivergence.
Addiction and ADHD: Understanding the Link
People with ADHD may be more vulnerable to addiction—whether to substances like caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol, or behaviours that offer fast dopamine hits. This isn’t about weakness, but a brain seeking stimulation and regulation. Therapy can help develop awareness and healthier coping tools, offering a non-judgemental space to explore patterns and set compassionate boundaries.
Do I Have ADHD? ADHD Tests & Self-Assessment
If you often find it challenging to stay focused, organise tasks, or manage emotions, you might be asking yourself: Could I have ADHD? This is a very valid and important question. Self-assessment tools and online questionnaires can offer some initial insight, but they are not a replacement for a professional evaluation and formal diagnosis.
Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD can persist into adulthood, with symptoms like disorganisation, impulsivity, emotional regulation issues, and restlessness. Diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, using interviews, questionnaires, and behavioural assessments.
Diagnosing ADHD in Children and Teenagers
ADHD diagnosis in children involves gathering information from home, school, and social settings. A paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist evaluates the child through questionnaires, observations, and screenings for other conditions like anxiety or learning differences.
Leone Centre offers support for families and parents of children with ADHD. Read Leone Centre therapist, Carlene Harvey’s, blog: Parenthood and Mental Health.
What are the Types of ADHD?
ADHD is generally classified into three main types:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, and trouble following instructions.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Fidgeting, difficulty staying still, and impulsive decision-making.
- Combined Presentation: A mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
How ADHD Can Influence Daily Life
ADHD can shape everyday experiences in many different ways. These influences are not just about
challenges, but also include unique perspectives, creative problem-solving, and intuitive ways of
thinking. Some areas where ADHD may have an impact include:
- Work and Productivity: Meeting deadlines and managing time can sometimes feel overwhelming, but many people with ADHD bring fresh ideas, creative thinking and adaptability to the workplace.
- Education: Traditional learning environments may feel limiting, but exploring diverse approaches can make learning more engaging. Finding strategies that match individual needs can support focus, task completion and clearer understanding.
- Relationships: ADHD may bring intensity and spontaneity to relationships. Therapy and communication skills can help support emotional awareness, strengthen connections and encourage more thoughtful responses. Read our blog post: ADHD and Romance: Intensity, Connection, and Growth
- Self-Esteem and Mental Health: Living in a world not always designed with neurodivergent minds in mind can sometimes lead to frustration, self-doubt or anxiety. Building self awareness and reconnecting with personal strengths can support emotional wellbeing.
- Daily Functioning: Routines may need to be flexible and personalised. With the right tools and compassionate support, everyday responsibilities can be approached with creativity, structure and intention.
Accommodating ADHD in Your Life
Creating an environment that works for you or your child is key to managing ADHD in daily life. By making thoughtful adjustments, individuals can thrive in both personal and professional settings.
If you’re looking to support a loved one with ADHD, read our thoughtful blog post: Living with ADHD: Understanding Neurodivergent Friends and Family
Workplace Accommodations for Adults with ADHD:
Adults with ADHD can benefit from similar adjustments in the workplace. Creating a supportive and understanding environment can significantly improve productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.
Some effective workplace accommodations include:
- Flexible deadlines or time management tools to reduce pressure.
- A structured work environment with clear expectations.
- The use of technology to support organisation and task management (e.g., reminders, to-do lists, apps for time tracking).
- Quiet or distraction-free spaces for focused work.
- Support for prioritising tasks and breaking projects into manageable steps.
- Getting support from a therapist or counsellor to thrive with ADHD in the workplace.
Supporting Children with ADHD at School:
In educational settings, Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) are an invaluable tool. These plans are tailored to meet a child’s specific learning needs and can include accommodations such as:
- Extra time for assignments and exams.
- Clear and structured instructions.
- Frequent breaks to reduce overwhelm.
- Use of assistive technologies, such as speech-to-text tools.
- A quiet space for focused work.
Counselling and Therapy for ADHD
Therapy is a valuable part of an ADHD support plan, offering a structured, non-judgemental space for individuals to explore their unique challenges and develop personalised coping strategies. It helps individuals, couples and families gain better self-awareness, manage symptoms, and improve emotional regulation.
Individual, couples and family counselling for ADHD can help with:
- Strengthening focus, time management and organisation
- Developing emotional regulation and reducing impulsivity
- Improving communication and connection in relationships
- Building confidence, self-esteem and resilience
- Supporting executive functioning, including planning, problem-solving and making decisions
- Addressing related challenges such as anxiety, low mood or learning differences
Therapeutic Approaches for ADHD
At Leone Centre, we recognise that no one approach works for everyone. Our therapists draw from a range of evidence-based methods to support each individual’s unique needs:
- Integrative Therapy: Helps shift unhelpful thinking patterns, strengthen self awareness and explore practical solutions.
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Encourages present-moment awareness, easing overwhelm and supporting emotional balance.
- Coaching and Executive Functioning Support: Focuses on practical strategies for time management, planning and goal setting.
- Couples Therapy: Creates a safe space for partners to understand each other better and build stronger, more open communication.
- Family Therapy: Supports families in understanding ADHD and strengthening relationships through shared insight and empathy.
- Educational and Workplace Support: Provides practical tools and advocacy to help manage ADHD within learning or professional environments.
ADHD Medication
Medication can be helpful in improving focus and supporting impulse control, making it easier to stay on task. However, medication is just one piece of a wider picture.
A holistic approach may also include supportive lifestyle choices, such as:
- Engaging in regular physical activity to support focus and reduce restlessness
- Eating a balanced diet to help maintain energy and emotional stability
- Prioritising sleep and developing habits that support better rest and regulation
Is ADHD considered a Disability?
ADHD is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act, allowing individuals to access workplace accommodations and support. Schools and employers may provide reasonable adjustments to help individuals manage their studies and responsibilities more effectively.
Support & Resources for ADHD
Seeking the right support is essential in managing ADHD effectively. Resources available include:
- Therapy Services: Counselling, therapy, and coaching for individuals, couples and families.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand ADHD can provide encouragement and shared experiences.
- Educational Materials: Booklets, workshops, and online courses that educate families about ADHD.
If you or a loved one is struggling with ADHD, therapy can provide valuable tools and guidance to address challenges and harness strengths. At Leone Centre, we offer professional ADHD counselling with experienced therapists who specialise in supporting neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families, both in-person and online.
Take the first step towards greater clarity, confidence, and balance. Contact us today to learn more or book an appointment.