Written by Luisa Kos
Table of contents
Understanding ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common mental health condition that affects how people think, learn, and behave. It is often misunderstood and can present itself in different ways depending on the individual. People with ADHD may experience persistent symptoms, such as difficulty focusing, controlling impulses, or regulating their mood, and these symptoms can have a significant impact on both children and adults, especially in daily life.
It’s important to remember that ADHD is not a reflection of intelligence or ability. With the right treatment and support, individuals with ADHD can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. The Therapist Finder offers a range of ADHD services, connecting you with qualified therapists who can provide the support and therapy you need.
What is ADHD
- Maintaining attention on tasks
- Following instructions or completing projects
- Impulse control and emotional regulation
- Restlessness or excessive movement
- Forgetfulness and time management
ADHD Assessment - Getting An ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have ADHD, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward receiving the appropriate mental health support. A diagnosis of ADHD is made based on a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s medical history, a review of their symptoms, and sometimes, behavioural assessments. Diagnosing ADHD involves considering other mental health conditions that may share similar traits, such as mood disorders or oppositional defiant disorder. Here’s what you should know:
- The assessment process may involve a clinical interview to understand your medical history and personal experiences.
- Questionnaires and rating scales, often completed by the individual and caregivers, help gauge the severity of symptoms.
- Observing the individual’s behaviour in different environments may help highlight inattentive symptoms or impulsive symptoms that are key indicators of ADHD.
Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options, including behavioural interventions, can be explored to manage ADHD symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis is essential to ensure timely support and intervention, which can significantly improve an individual’s overall development.
Children & ADHD
Children with ADHD often face unique challenges, both at home and at school. They may struggle with following instructions, paying attention in class, and managing their impulses. These difficulties can lead to frustration, which may manifest as low self-esteem. It’s important for parents to seek early diagnosis, as behavioural interventions and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can significantly improve a child’s ability to manage their symptoms.
Parents should also consider enrolling their child in support groups to connect with other families facing similar challenges. ADHD support groups can offer helpful strategies and emotional support to both children and their families. These groups also encourage sharing experiences and resources, ensuring that children don’t have to navigate their mental health condition alone.
Adults & ADHD
ADHD doesn’t just affect children; it can persist into adulthood. Adults with ADHD may struggle with maintaining focus at work, managing time, or regulating their emotions, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and poor self-esteem. Additionally, adults with ADHD may be more prone to sleep disorders, which can exacerbate symptoms. ADHD can also present with oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, complicating its diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for adults with ADHD often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in addressing mood disorders and helping individuals create structure and routine in their lives. These strategies, along with ongoing mental health support, can help adults with ADHD thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
Therapies For ADHD Symptoms
Therapy plays an important role in managing ADHD. It helps individuals develop the necessary skills to cope with inattentive symptoms, impulsivity, and restlessness. Behavioural interventions, such as CBT, can help individuals gain better control over their emotions and behaviours. Therapies can also address mood disorders that often accompany ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective in helping individuals change negative thought patterns that affect their behaviour.
- Occupational therapy can provide sensory integration support and help with daily life tasks.
- Speech and language therapy is useful for individuals who struggle with communication and social skills.
By seeking appropriate therapy, individuals with ADHD can better manage their condition and lead more balanced lives.
Medication For ADHD
Medication is often a key component of ADHD treatment, particularly for individuals with moderate to severe symptoms. Stimulant medications are commonly prescribed to help manage impulsive symptoms and improve focus. However, it’s important to note that medication should always be used in combination with behavioural interventions, rather than as a sole treatment.
- Stimulants such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are effective in managing focus and impulse control.
- Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, are an option for individuals who experience side effects from stimulants.
- Medications for ADHD are often prescribed alongside treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, such as mood disorders or anxiety.
Medication can be highly effective in managing ADHD symptoms, but it should always be carefully monitored by a healthcare provider to ensure its efficacy and minimise potential side effects.
Self-Help Strategies For ADHD
While therapy and medication are essential for treating ADHD, individuals can also benefit from self-help strategies. By creating structure and routines, individuals with ADHD can reduce the chaos that often leads to careless mistakes and impulsive behaviour. These strategies can empower individuals to take control of their symptoms and improve their daily functioning.
- Establishing consistent routines can help with time management and reduce forgetfulness.
- Using visual aids, such as planners or reminders, can support organisation and task completion.
- Practising mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, can help manage emotional regulation.
Implementing these strategies can complement professional treatment and improve quality of life for individuals with ADHD.
Get The Support You Need With The Therapist Finder
If you’re struggling with ADHD, don’t navigate this journey alone. The Therapist Finder connects you with experienced professionals who understand ADHD and are qualified to help. Whether you’re seeking therapy for yourself or your child, our directory offers a range of specialists who can provide tailored support. Explore therapists specialising in ADHD services in your area today and find the help you need to manage your symptoms and thrive.
Therapists who can help with ADHD
Gillian Lock
How Gillian works and who she can help: Gillian is registered as an Integrative Psychotherapist and works with adult, couple relationships, adolescent, group and family therapy and career consulting. Integrative psychotherapy works with the whole person taking into consideration the body, mind, emotions and familial, social and cultural context of the individual. She will aim to explore a broad range of influences throughout the lifespan to assist the client to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationship to others and to society. There will be an exploration of both the internal and external world of the client and the interaction between the two. There are a range of different therapeutic approaches which can be employed depending on the issues and age of the client. Integrative psychotherapy places emphasis on the confidential relationship developed between the therapist and client, with both actively engaged in the exploration of difficulties the client may be facing, the focus and direction of the therapy and the evaluation of the outcomes. Therapy may be short or longer-term and the duration will be agreed with the client. Gillian will maintain a non-judgemental, analytic, open minded curiosity towards the client, recognising that there are multiple truths and perspectives which are subjectively interpreted by each of us. Through open and honest dialogue, the client will be encouraged to develop the ability to take responsibility for themselves, the way they think and reflect, their future direction in life and how life events change and shape them but more importantly, how they choose to adapt to life’s challenges. Clients often wonder how therapy can be helpful to them and whether it is right for them. Gillian always suggests that the client tries a few sessions and then they can decide whether they feel at ease, feel comfortable being open with her and want to continue with what is always a very personal and subjective experience. A free 20 minute initial conversation by zoom or phone is available on request.
Madeleine Roantree
Life can become difficult for many reasons. You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, low in mood, stuck in unhelpful patterns, struggling in your relationships, or trying to make sense of a neurodivergent way of experiencing the world. Whatever brings you to therapy, I offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space where we can work together to understand what is happening and find a way forward. I believe that lasting change comes from both understanding ourselves and developing practical ways to manage life’s challenges. Using a range of therapeutic approaches, and neurofeedback where appropriate, I help people improve their emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships, increase self-awareness, and create lives that feel more authentic and fulfilling.
Jerri Prior
I’m an NHS award-winning, BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Social Worker with over 15 years of experience supporting children, young people, adults, and families. People usually come to me when they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward. This might be anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout, or difficulties linked to neurodiversity such as ADHD or autism. I use a range of evidence-based approaches including CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and person-centred therapy. In simple terms, that means I tailor the work to you, rather than expecting you to fit into a fixed model. I’m known for building strong, trusting relationships quickly, whether I’m working with a child, a teenager, or an adult. Clients often say they feel understood early on, which helps us get to meaningful change faster. I also have a strong track record of positive outcomes, with consistent feedback and testimonials reflecting the impact of the work. See below: https://www.priormindset.com/testimonals/patient-and-nhs-service-testimonial-1 Alongside therapy, I support parents with behaviour, school refusal, and navigating systems like EHCPs, and I work with organisations to better support neurodiverse individuals.
Luana Lamantea
I can help you explore the difficulties, worries or life experiences that have brought you to therapy, at a pace that feels right for you. As an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, I draw on different therapeutic approaches to support your individual needs, whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, loss, trauma, identity, low self-esteem, life transitions or relationship difficulties. I offer a confidential, reflective and supportive space where you can feel heard, understand yourself more deeply and begin to find new ways forward. I work in English and Italian, both short-term and open-ended, from my London practices in Belgravia and Hammersmith.
Michaela Stansfield
I work with women at all life stages who may be struggling with life transitions, feeling stressed, burnt out or like they’ve lost themselves. I have experience working within a domestic abuse charity, a low cost counselling service as well as private practice. In addition to my core training as an Integrative Counsellor, I have undertaken additional specialist training and experience working with perinatal issues, matrescence (the process of becoming a mother) and the often conflicting feelings that come with this, pregnancy and baby loss, bereavement and trauma.
Julie Davies
Feeling anxious, confused, lost or stuck? There are many reasons to look for a counsellor, and it’s so important that you feel safe and supported to explore the most difficult and painful issues that are impacting your life. My aim is to create a compassionate space where we work together to build a trusting relationship where you can freely look at whatever is important to you, at your own pace. By extending empathy and acceptance without judgement, my role is to empower you navigate a path forwards. Book a free 20-minute Zoom consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Stella Compton Dickinson
Award-winning Consultant Psychotherapist, Counsellor, and Music Therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience across NHS and private practice. She holds a PhD and is registered with three separate professional bodies — UKCP, BACP, and HCPC — and is an accredited Cognitive Analytic Therapist (CAT) through ACAT, placing her among the most credentialled practitioners in the UK. Based in Grange-over-Sands, Lancashire, Stella offers consultancy and therapy to individuals, professionals, and organisations across a wide area from Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle. Her richly integrative approach combines psychotherapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, and music therapy — attending to both mind and body — and her 20-year NHS career has given her extensive expertise with complex and enduring presentations. She brings the same clinical rigour and depth to her private practice and is also an experienced supervisor and researcher.
Peter Klein
Peter Klein is a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with over 13 years of clinical experience, offering both in-person and remote therapy from Richmond, London. He specialises in evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), using the UCL Case Formulation Model to provide tailored treatment for a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, low self-esteem, ADHD, phobias and perfectionism. He has trained in additional therapeutic approaches such as Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy, enhancing his ability to support diverse client needs. Klein has worked in prominent mental health settings, including running individual and group programmes at the Priory Hospital, and has contributed to mainstream media and scientific publications to promote psychological wellbeing. He works professionally in both German and English and has been practising full-time since 2012.
Janine Hayward
Hello. Do you struggle with anxiety, work, relationships or parenting stress? Are you overwhelmed, worried, depressed, stuck, low in self-esteem or navigating ADHD, Autism? You are not alone. Does your need to be perfect take up too much time? Is trauma, an illness, a major loss or death hurting you? It doesn’t have to be that way. My team and I help people like you understand distress, learn new skills for managing uncomfortable emotions and thoughts, improve relationships, motivation, find meaning and focus. Our team of Clinical Psychologists (HCPC) have over 10 years of experience delivering effective therapy to children, teens, parents, adults and couples. The research-based therapies we offer include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness (general/health & pain), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), EMDR, DBT, Narrative Therapy & Solution Focussed Therapy and Counselling. Weekly/fortnightly sessions, Online (proven to be as effective as face to face) and some face to face. We help adults grow psychological flexibility & resilience so that anxiety, depression, low self esteem, lack of clarity in purpose, direction, identity, distress and stress, stop interfering with your life. I have worked in demanding corporates and have experience of major health, family and life events so can quickly understand the difficulties you face or may wish to change. Most of our work is online however we do have locations in Harley St London, Near Bank Station in London and Plymouth. Contact me now; I look forward to meeting and helping you and or your family.
Alex Knowlden
I am a gentle and thoughtful practitioner, working as both a psychotherapist and yoga teacher, with a trauma-informed approach that prioritises safety, respect and a non-judgemental space. My work is integrative, drawing on psychodynamic, humanistic, existential and Jungian perspectives to meet you where you are, while keeping a broader, mind–body awareness in view. I aim to support you in making sense of your experiences and connecting with your own capacity for change. Alongside talking therapy, I may bring in creative and body-based approaches such as breathwork, guided visualisation, dream exploration and imagery, where helpful, to deepen the work and support a more complete understanding of yourself.
Is There Any ADHD Treatment?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating ADHD. Each individual’s treatment plan should be personalised to meet their specific needs. In addition to therapy and medication, other forms of support may include lifestyle changes and involvement in support groups. For those with persistent symptoms, a combination of treatment options may be necessary to address the different aspects of ADHD.
Early intervention and treatment are essential to managing ADHD successfully. The right support, when provided early, can reduce the impact of ADHD on an individual’s life, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Supporting Children and Adults With ADHD
Supporting both children and adults with ADHD requires a holistic approach, considering all aspects of their mental health. This includes behavioural interventions, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. By addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying emotional challenges, individuals with ADHD can experience long-term improvements in their daily functioning.
For children, involving parents and caregivers in the treatment process can ensure that the strategies developed are implemented consistently at home. For adults, therapy and support groups can provide ongoing mental health support, helping them manage their symptoms in a way that fits with their lifestyle.
At The Therapist Finder, we can also help you find therapists who specialise in multiple disciplines – from ADHD & autism to anxiety and depression, getting the treatment you need has never been easier.
Need Help? Contact The Therapist Finder Now
If you or a loved one is struggling with ADHD, The Therapist Finder can help you connect with professionals who specialise in ADHD support. Browse our directory to find therapists who can provide the help and guidance you need. Reach out today and take the first step toward managing your ADHD symptoms and living a fulfilling life. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Back to The Therapist Finder.