Attention Deficit Disorder Therapy
Need ADHD Therapy in Chicago? Hoping to work with a counselor that can help you learn effective coping strategies to stay more focused? Are you trying to find an ADD/ADHD professional on the city’s North Side?
If the answer is yes, we are glad you are here. Our Chicago therapists have strong experience helping people just like you work through challenges associated with ADHD and move about the business of creating a more balanced life.
Let’s face it – if you have attention deficit disorder, you may feel unorganized, emotionally unstable, and have a very hard time remaining focused. To complicate matters, the symptoms can come and go, depending on the unique factors involved in your life. Here is the good news – effective treatments and coping strategies are available.
ADHD Doesn’t Have To Derail Your Life
Here are some goals of ADD/ADHD focused therapy.
Understand Your ADHD Symptoms and What You’re Feeling
As an adult with ADHD, you will cycle through several different stages of intensity. You may have been dealing with these symptoms for so long that it feels normal for you. One of the main symptoms is extreme emotional behavior.
At one moment, you may feel happy and even euphoric. At other moments, you may feel anger to the point of rage. According to a study published by The American Journal of Psychiatry, nearly 4% of the population struggles with Adult ADHD.
There are other symptoms and associated behaviors that can be problematic. These include difficulty sleeping, eating disorders, substance abuse, high irritability. When talking with your therapist for the first time, these are all things that need to be disclosed so that each issue can be addressed.
Improve Focus with Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Therapy
One of the most important skills that you are going to learn in therapy is organization. Your adult ADHD can negatively affect your professional and home life. At work, you may feel overwhelmed. You may even find that it is hard to hold a job on a long-term basis. If you are a student, you may find that you are not motivated to excel and may have a history of failing grades and skipping classes.
Your counselor may have you use tangible organizational tools such as post it notes, planners and other things that can help you create a routine. Sticking to this routine can assist you with feeling overwhelmed and completing every task that you start.
Challenge ADHD Racing Thoughts
Adult ADHD therapy can counter the years of negative behavior and beliefs that have been built up. Many people with ADHD have a problem with self-esteem and believing that they can successfully complete any task that they put their minds to. You may have feelings of self-doubt. Seeking therapy will help you conquer those negative thoughts and realize your true potential.
Many of our clients respond well to different forms of cognitive behavioral therapy.
(ADD) Attention Deficit Disorder Affects Relationships
Another large part of ADHD is the lack of social skills. Impulsive behavior and bad decision making can influence your relationships with friends, family, and even co-workers. At some point in your therapy, your therapist may see it fit to include your spouse or family members. It will help them to understand your condition as well as learn about ways they can help you during the course of your treatment.
People in your life may be harboring resentment because of years of bad behavior. They will learn that they symptoms that you display are not just a result of you being apathetic. They will learn that there are clinical reasons behind your inability to effectively communicate.
How does ADHD therapy help in Chicago?
Many people avoid going into counseling because of the social stigma that is attached to mental health problems and treatment. Popular media has contributed to the belief that people who are in treatment are mentally ill. This negative stereotype is exactly what makes people avoid therapy. It is important to understand that seeking therapy is not a weakness.
Nothing displays strength and resilience more than being able to recognize you have a problem that you need help with solving. One method of therapy that has proven to be quite effective in the treatment of adult ADHD is cognitive-behavioral therapy.
The main difference between cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, and traditional therapy is its focus. Traditional therapy methods focus on the emotional factor and digs into the past to learn about certain events or circumstances that may have triggered the feelings of the patient. CBT focuses on the patient’s way of thinking. It is the discipline of CBT that the way you think directly affects the outcome of things that you do and how outside factors may affect you.
CBT is a great tool to help you take control of your thoughts and life, while learning to become more focused and organized. Learning and practicing these new skills will help you conquer your ADHD.
ADHD Therapy: What To Expect
- Initial Assessment:
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- The therapy process usually begins with a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional specializing in ADHD.
- This assessment involves a detailed discussion about your symptoms, personal history, and any challenges you face.
- You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or assessments to provide additional insights into your ADHD symptoms.
- Setting Goals:
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- Together with your therapist, you will establish specific goals and objectives for your ADHD therapy.
- These goals may include improving time management, organization, reducing impulsivity, enhancing focus, and managing emotional regulation.
- Psychoeducation:
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- ADHD therapy often involves psychoeducation, which aims to increase your understanding of ADHD, its impact on your life, and effective coping strategies.
- You will learn about the underlying neurobiology of ADHD, common challenges faced by adults with ADHD, and evidence-based treatments.
- Skill-Building Strategies:
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- Therapy for ADHD typically involves teaching practical strategies and skills to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
- These strategies may include techniques for improving time management, organization, prioritization, and planning.
- Skill-building may also focus on improving self-regulation, impulse control, and emotional management.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
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- CBT is a common approach used in ADHD therapy.
- It helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ADHD-related difficulties.
- Through CBT, you will learn to challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts, develop problem-solving skills, and practice self-monitoring and self-reflection.
- Medication Management:
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- For some adults with ADHD, medication may be a part of their treatment plan.
- Your therapist may collaborate with your psychiatrist or physician to monitor and optimize medication management alongside therapy.
- They will assess the effectiveness of the medication, discuss any side effects, and make necessary adjustments.
- Support and Follow-Up:
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- ADHD therapy is typically an ongoing process, and your therapist will provide continuous support and guidance.
- Regular therapy sessions allow for progress monitoring, addressing new challenges, and refining strategies.
- Your therapist may also provide resources and recommendations for support groups, educational materials, or other community resources.
Remember, each individual’s therapy experience may vary based on their unique needs and goals. It’s essential to collaborate with a qualified professional to develop a personalized treatment plan for your ADHD.
If you have questions or concerns about what CBT can do to help you deal with your adult ADHD, contact one of our therapists at the Calm Anxiety Clinic for help today. It is the first, and most important, step to getting better.
Our Therapists Want To Help You with Your ADHD