Psychotherapy for ADHD
An integrative approach that goes beyond quick fixes
From a psychoanalytic standpoint, ADHD is understood as a meaningful expression of a person’s inner emotional life, as well as a neurobiological condition. Rather than focusing solely on attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity as isolated symptoms, this perspective asks: What might these behaviors be communicating?
Psychoanalytic theory suggests that difficulties with focus, restlessness, or impulsivity can stem from deeper internal conflicts, unmet developmental needs, or early relational experiences. For example, chronic distractibility might reflect an unconscious avoidance of painful memories or thought patterns, while hyperactivity can be seen as a defense against anxiety or emotional overwhelm.
This perspective doesn't deny the biological aspects of ADHD, but it expands our viewpoint when working toward solutions. It invites an exploration of the individual’s unique emotional world—how they experience time, frustration, desire, and regulation.
Traditional treatments like medication and CBT are useful for addressing executive dysfunction, but beyond these practical obstacles, there are many psychological concerns and consequences left to explore for people with ADHD; childhood setbacks it might have caused, feeling misunderstood by friends and loved ones, emotional dysregulation that persists even when basic function comes more naturally.
This in-depth approach to working through ADHD is exceptional, as the vast majority of treatments focus more on the practical than the emotional. My belief is that, in therapy, the goal is not to “fix” problematic behaviors, but to understand the meaning behind them, and in turn foster greater self-awareness, resilience, and agency.
If traditional methods aren’t quite cutting it, you have more options to explore.
If you’ve found that coaching-style ADHD approaches haven’t quite worked for you, you’re not alone!
We can take a second look at what might be getting in the way.
Some aspects of ADHD tend to be overlooked in more conventional approaches.
I aim to bring these into focus as we work together.
Our explorations might include:
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Falling or staying asleep can be extremely difficult for someone with ADHD. People often struggle to slow down their minds for rest, and they’re left tossing and turning by cycles of racing, tangled thoughts.
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ADHD and perfectionism often go hand in hand. Unrealistic standards develop from years of masking executive dysfunction, and this can lead to overcommitting, burnout, or procrastination.
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Women and girls with ADHD often learn to mask their struggles, appearing capable or high-achieving while they’re actually overwhelmed and suffering in silence. They may experience intense emotions, trouble with organization and follow-through, and a persistent sense of self-doubt, especially when these challenges are misunderstood or dismissed. Over time, this can lead to chronic shame and an increased vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
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Symptoms related to emotional dysregulation and impulsivity frequently disrupt relationships. These challenges can impact people’s social, professional, familial, and romantic connections.
Common Questions
I don’t have an ADHD diagnosis. Can we still work together?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a formal diagnosis, we can do an assessment to find out more about your symptoms. Either way, the treatment will be tailored towards your needs, diagnosis or not.
What is the difference between ADHD therapy and coaching?
Coaching often focuses on practical strategies and accountability. Therapy can include that, but also explores the emotional side of ADHD, like shame, perfectionism, relationship issues, burnout, and other long-term patterns.
Can you diagnose ADHD?
No, as a Registered Psychotherapist, I cannot make a formal diagnosis. Instead, we can do an assessment together and I can direct you toward the appropriate resources for a formal diagnosis, if needed.
Will you go beyond standard coaching techniques?
Yes. Many of my clients have undergone ADHD treatment before, and were left with the sense that it could have gone deeper. Though practical strategies can be helpful in the short term, our work can go further, and help you understand what’s actually causing these troubles.
