Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – What Therapy Can Help With
If you've got ADHD, you may find that life can feel like it’s moving at a million miles an hour and you rarely feel present. Sometimes it can be hard to concentrate and take in information. Emotions can feel heightened and overwhelming, and you might feel like you're always jumping between tasks, (I started the washing up, and now find myself cleaning the blinds in the bathroom - how did that happen?) You're not alone in this, and therapy can really help.
In this post, I’m going to talk about how Person-centred Therapy can support you with ADHD, and how it can make a difference to your mental health and wellbeing.
Diagnosis
ADHD is most often diagnosed in childhood, but not so much for girls as they present differently. Many studies on ADHD have been done observing young boys, therefore much of the knowledge that we have may not be relevant to young girls or women. Many adults are finding out later in life that they have it. If you think you might have ADHD, it may be worth seeking a diagnosis. The signs could include feeling easily distracted, being overly energetic, or struggling to manage your emotions.
Diagnosis typically involves questionnaires, looking at behaviours, and interviews with family members/partners/friends. Physiological tests to understand your symptoms better
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD shows up in all sorts of ways. Here are some of the more common signs:
Inattention: Difficulty staying focused, forgetfulness, or easily getting distracted.
Hyperactivity: Restlessness, talking too much, or feeling constantly on the go.
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, or making snap decisions.
Executive Dysfunction: Struggling with organisation, planning, and emotional regulation.
If you have noticed these things affecting your everyday life, it might be time to talk to someone who can help.
How Can ADHD Affect Mental Health and Wellbeing?
ADHD doesn’t just affect concentration. It can impact your overall mental health too. Anxiety, substance abuse, sleep disorders, depression, and self-doubt are common alongside ADHD. You might find that the day-to-day struggles with focus or organisation leave you feeling stressed out, burnt out, or just plain inadequate.
It’s normal to feel like you don’t quite fit in or that things aren’t going the way you want them to. This often leads to negative beliefs about yourself, and over time, this can damage your self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.
How Can Person-Centred Therapy Help with ADHD?
Here’s where Person-centred Therapy (PCT) can make a difference. It’s not about “fixing” ADHD. It’s about giving you the space to talk openly about how ADHD is affecting you—without judgement. PCT offers a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, reconnect with yourself, and develop the tools to cope with ADHD in your own way that works for you.
What makes PCT so effective for ADHD is that it’s completely about you. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it focuses on helping you understand your unique experience of ADHD, and it works at your pace to help you move forward with confidence.
With PCT, you have the chance to:
Get to know yourself: You’ll be able to explore how ADHD affects you emotionally and practically, and that helps you understand yourself better.
Build self-esteem: With the support of your therapist, you’ll work on developing a more positive, compassionate view of yourself.
Manage your emotions: ADHD often means struggling with emotional regulation, but therapy can help you find healthier ways to cope with those intense feelings.
Work through your challenges: Therapy will help you develop practical strategies to manage the daily difficulties that come with ADHD, whether that’s in your work, relationships, or personal life.
If you’re an adult who’s only just been diagnosed with ADHD, PCT can be especially helpful in processing the diagnosis and its impact. You’ll be able to explore how ADHD has shaped your experiences, and start to work through any grief or frustration you might feel. It’s about giving yourself the space to breathe, reflect and move forward when you are ready.
How Does ADHD Therapy Work?
What do Person-centred Therapy sessions look like? Well, there’s no pressure to have it all figured out. I create a space where you can talk openly, without judgement or expectation. ADHD can feel overwhelming, and I get that—together, we’ll explore how it affects you and find ways to make life feel a little easier. There’s no ‘right’ way to do therapy—just honest conversations, real understanding, and honesty.
We work collaboratively—you’re not just being told what to do. Instead, we’ll work together to explore how ADHD affects you, and figure out ways to make life feel more manageable. It's a bit like having a conversation with someone who really listens and doesn’t advise (How can I advise when you know yourself better than anyone?) Maybe, you just need a space where you can work out and untangle how you are feeling.
What Is the Best Therapy for ADHD?
The best therapy for ADHD is the one that makes you feel seen, heard and understood. Person-centred Therapy is especially great for ADHD because it’s tailored to you and your experience. It doesn’t focus on ‘treating’ the condition but instead helps you work through your unique challenges compassionately and practically. You are accepted wholly for who you are.
With PCT, you’ll have a space where you can be yourself and talk through what works for you. Therapy can help you find your strengths, build your self-esteem, and manage symptoms in a way that feels relevant to you.
Can ADHD Be Cured with Therapy?
ADHD is a lifelong condition, so there’s no “cure.” But that doesn’t mean therapy isn’t helpful. Person-centred Therapy can’t take away ADHD, but it can help you manage the symptoms and the emotional impact that comes with it.
It’s all about self-acceptance. Therapy can help you develop strategies that suit your life, so you can feel more in control and less overwhelmed by the challenges ADHD may bring you.
What to Expect from Your Therapist
In Person-centred Therapy, expect me to really hear you. There’s no judgment, no pressure. You’ll get the space to be honest about your experience, and I will support you empathically in understanding yourself better.
Working on Relationships
ADHD can really affect your relationships, whether it’s with family, friends, or colleagues. If you struggle with communication, setting boundaries, or managing conflict, therapy can help you with that too. In PCT, we will help you develop healthier ways to approach these issues and build stronger connections with the people around you.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Alongside therapy, there are some lifestyle changes that can help with ADHD. These won’t “cure” it, but they can certainly make life feel more manageable:
Exercise: Physical activity can help with focus and energy levels.
Mindfulness: Meditation or breathing exercises can help with emotional regulation and stress.
Routine: Creating a routine and using reminders can help you stay organised.
Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet can support your overall mental and physical health.
Coping and Support
Living with ADHD can feel isolating at times, but therapy can provide you with the support you need. Plus, connecting with friends, family, or support groups can give you an extra boost. You don’t have to manage ADHD alone.
FAQ: Therapy & ADHD
Q: What is Person-centred Therapy for ADHD?
A: It’s a type of therapy that focuses on providing a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your feelings and develop coping strategies that work for you.
Q: Can Person-centred Therapy cure ADHD?
A: No, therapy can’t cure ADHD, but it can help you manage symptoms and improve your emotional well-being. You can also gain an understanding of how ADHD affects you as an individual.
Q: How can Person-centred Therapy help adults with ADHD?
A: PCT gives adults a space to process their ADHD, build self-esteem, and develop practical strategies to cope with the challenges ADHD presents and you will be received with empathy and respect.
FAQ: About Holly Ibbs – Therapy
Q: What is my approach to therapy?
A: I offer a warm, down-to-earth approach, using my life experience alongside professional training to help clients with ADHD, anxiety, and life changes.
Q: How can I help you?
A: Together we will build a trusting therapeutic relationship where you can gain an understanding of what ADHD means to you, we can work on your self-confidence, and develop practical coping strategies in a relaxed, supportive environment.
If you’re ready to explore how Person-centred Therapy can help you manage ADHD and improve your wellbeing, reach out to me. I am here to support you as you work through your challenges, build confidence, and embrace who you are.
