Supporting ADHD in the Counselling Room
ADHD is often spoken about in terms of attention and organisation, yet in the counselling room it is just as likely to show up as emotional overwhelm, self-criticism, relationship difficulties, burnout, or a deep sense of not quite fitting in.
Many people with ADHD — diagnosed or not — arrive in therapy carrying years of misunderstanding. They may have been labelled as “too much,” “lazy,” “chaotic,” or “not trying hard enough,” when in reality their nervous system simply works differently. Counselling that is not ADHD-informed can unintentionally reinforce shame, especially when traditional approaches don’t account for differences in focus, processing, memory, or emotional regulation.
An ADHD-informed counselling approach begins with curiosity rather than correction. It recognises that struggles with consistency, motivation, time, or emotional intensity are not personal failures, but part of a neurodivergent pattern that deserves understanding and adaptation. Sessions may be more flexible, more relational, and more attuned to what helps the client feel safe, engaged, and supported.
In the counselling room, this can mean:
working gently with shame and self-esteem
supporting emotional regulation and nervous system awareness
exploring relationship patterns and communication challenges
developing realistic, compassionate strategies that fit the client’s life
Most importantly, ADHD-informed counselling offers a space where clients don’t have to mask, explain themselves, or “get it right.” Instead, therapy becomes a place to make sense of their experiences, reconnect with strengths, and build a kinder relationship with themselves.
For many, this understanding alone can be deeply relieving — and a powerful starting point for meaningful change.
