Psychotherapy for Women & Girls with ADHD in Toronto
From a psychoanalytic standpoint, ADHD is understood not only as a neurobiological condition, but also as a meaningful expression of inner emotional life. Rather than focusing solely on attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity as isolated symptoms, this perspective asks: What might these behaviors be communicating?
Psychoanalytic theory suggests that difficulties with focus, restlessness, or impulsivity may stem from deeper internal conflicts, unmet developmental needs, or early relational experiences. For example, chronic distractibility might reflect an unconscious avoidance of painful feelings or thoughts, while hyperactivity can be seen as a defense against anxiety or emotional overwhelm.
This approach doesn't deny the biological aspects of ADHD, but it expands the conversation. It invites exploration of the individual’s unique emotional world—how they experience time, frustration, desire, and regulation. In therapy, the goal is not to “fix” behavior, but to understand the meaning behind it, helping individuals develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and agency.
The unique concerns of a woman or girl with ADHD are often…
Masking and people-pleasing: Many girls learn to hide their struggles by working harder, overachieving, or becoming overly accommodating—often at the cost of their own well-being.
Emotional dysregulation: Intense emotions, mood swings, or rejection sensitivity can be overwhelming and misunderstood by others as "overreacting."
Executive function struggles: Issues with organization, time management, and focus may be dismissed as laziness or lack of effort, especially when intelligence or creativity is present.
Chronic shame and self-doubt: After years of missed diagnoses or internalized criticism, many women carry a sense of failure, even if they appear successful on the outside.
Increased risk for anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem: Especially when ADHD goes unrecognized or unsupported.