ADHD Counseling For Adults: Behavioral Therapy & More

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a common mental health disorder frequently diagnosed in childhood, although many people live with the disorder without ever receiving a diagnosis or treatment. ADHD may cause adults with the disorder to experience difficulties with focusing, keeping on task, staying organized, sitting still, and demonstrating impulse control. For some people, ADHD isn’t diagnosed until they become adults.

Some adults may experience more of the “inattentive” aspects of ADHD, such as difficulty paying attention in conversations, for example. Others may experience more “hyperactive” components of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which may include fidgeting or talking too much. Children or adults with ADHD may experience problems with school, work, or relationships. Moreover, research indicates that ADHD tends to occur with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

ADHD can range from mild to severe, but treatment is available. Keep reading to learn more about how ADHD symptoms can be improved through treatment and interventions such as therapy, counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Therapy used for ADHD

The types of therapy and counseling utilized for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children versus adults may differ. For example, children with ADHD may be taught organizational skills, and parents might work with the counselor in a therapy session to help their child during behavioral therapy sessions. Conversely, adult ADHD counseling may target the individual’s core symptoms and address problem areas such as time management, coping strategies, and emotional control, for example.

Modalities used in ADHD counseling for adults include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling treatment that focuses on how our thoughts can shape our beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a widely used therapeutic modality for many mental health conditions, and studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective therapy treatment for adults with ADHD. With cognitive behavioral therapy, an adult with ADHD may learn how to reframe negative thoughts, shift unhelpful behaviors, problem-solve, and develop more confidence. 
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): The MBCT combines the principles of CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness and meditation. This therapy treatment can help adults with ADHD bring nonjudgmental awareness to their thoughts and emotions and then replace negative thought patterns with positive ones. The emphasis on mindfulness and meditation therapy can be particularly helpful for ADHD symptoms since studies indicate that mindfulness meditation can help with attention control and emotional regulation.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy is a therapy intervention that aims to help adults with ADHD break down the barriers that are preventing them from doing the things they want to do. For adults with ADHD, the barrier may be executive dysfunction, which involves issues with time management, memory, and completing tasks. In occupational therapy, people of all ages can learn new strategies to improve their self-confidence, independence, and ability to manage their time and emotions.

Benefits of seeing a therapist

Working with a counselor to address attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms can be an effective way for adults to increase well-being and fulfillment.

ADHD counseling for adults 

Some of the mental health benefits of ADHD counseling for adults include:

• Improved personal relationships.
• Improved time management.
• Decreased negative emotions associated with past failures.
• A clearer understanding of ADHD and its effects.
• Increased self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Improved problem-solving skills.
• Reduced impulsive behavior.
• Improved ability to control emotions.

ADHD coaching versus therapy

Both counseling and coaching can be effective treatment interventions for an adult with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Various types of therapy and counseling for adult ADHD can offer improvements in thought processes and behaviors and relieve symptoms of ADHD like time management issues and impulsivity. 

An ADHD coach can offer assistance that is goal-oriented and ongoing (versus counseling, such as CBT, which tends to be short-term). Working with ADHD coaches may allow adults to cultivate self-acceptance, develop greater self-awareness, and build confidence in their unique talents and capabilities. ADHD coaching can be a long-term partnership or take place as needed. Those adults looking for motivation to reach personal or professional goals may benefit from working with a coach who specializes in ADHD.

Other mental health treatment interventions in ADHD counseling for adults

Although counseling and coaching can be effective treatment options for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there are other interventions to treat adult ADHD that may be worth investigating. These include:

ADHD medication 

• Stimulant medications are frequently prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. These ADHD treatment medications can work well for some ADHD adults, whereas others may notice less of an improvement in their symptoms. Adults who take ADHD treatment medications may experience side effects and tend to be closely monitored by their doctors while they use the ADHD medication. While ADHD medication can be a beneficial tool, it is not a cure-all, and it may be most effective when paired with other treatments, such as therapy or counseling. Always consult a doctor before starting a new ADHD medication, as side effects could become problematic.

Exercise 

• Studies demonstrate that regular exercise can lead to an immediate improvement in ADHD core symptoms as well as executive functioning. Exercising for as little as thirty minutes each day can lead to significant improvement in ADHD symptoms. Additionally, individuals may be more motivated to get into a regular exercise routine if they find a type of exercise they enjoy, such as swimming, hiking, biking, or playing a sport.

Sleep

• Most of us have heard of the numerous benefits of getting a good night’s sleep, but not everyone is aware of the foundational role sleep can play in improving ADHD symptoms. Not getting enough sleep or not getting high-quality sleep can make ADHD symptoms worse. If you are an adult and have difficulty sleeping, you may want to consider cutting down on caffeine, adopting a consistent bedtime routine, and avoiding screens before bed. Ensuring that you get a full night’s rest can help minimize ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and executive dysfunction.

Diet

• Like sleep, diet can play a significant role in the management of ADHD symptoms in children and adults. Though ADHD symptoms such as poor planning and time management can make it hard to prepare healthy meals, it can still be important to eat mindfully and avoid consuming too much fast food or junk food. An unhealthy diet may lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can worsen ADHD symptoms. Ensuring you are getting enough zinc, magnesium, iron, and omega-3s can be a beneficial start.

Meditation 

• The benefits of mindfulness meditation may be countless, but some include improved mood and sleep, clearer focus, and decreased anxiety. When it comes to ADHD therapy or treatment, meditation can be a useful activity because it can decrease one’s reactivity to one's emotions, thereby reducing impulsivity and improving emotional control. 

Yoga

• Yoga is a type of exercise that combines specific poses and stretches with mindful breathing. It can be a calming and grounding activity like meditation, but it may be more feasible for those who experience hyperactivity since it combines deep breathing with physical activity. Yoga can also be an effective therapy for calming intense emotions and strengthening the body.

The importance of counseling for adults with ADHD

If you are an adult and are experiencing ADHD symptoms, help is available. Whether you’re interested in trying lifestyle interventions such as changing your diet or incorporating exercise into your daily routine, or you’re ready to connect with a counselor for therapy treatment, you can be proud of yourself for taking the first step toward improved well-being. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD symptoms

If you’re an adult new to counseling, you may question whether ADHD therapy is right for you. Studies show that behavioral therapy can effectively manage symptoms in children, teenagers, and adults with ADHD. With online counseling platforms like BetterHelp, you can connect with a counselor specializing in ADHD. Moreover, you can discover which counseling modality is right for you, whether it’s cognitive behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, coaching, or another type of counseling. Instead of worrying about leaving on time for an in-person session or getting overwhelmed by traffic along the way, you can connect with a counselor from the comfort of your home using video chats, phone calls, or in-app messaging for therapy treatment. 

Online cognitive behavioral therapy for other mental health conditions

Online counseling may be useful for managing and treating a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD. 

Likewise, other studies have shown that internet-delivered counseling treatment interventions for ADHD can be effective in improving attention deficit and social function in both adults and children.