Seeking a support system for managing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in yourself or a loved one? You may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD.
Counseling for ADHD often works in conjunction with prescription medication management for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. It is often an effective tool, utilized for both children, adolescents, and adults; however, depending on your age and at which point you received your diagnosis from your psychologist or psychiatrist, how your condition is managed will differ.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on modifying undesirable behaviors. When applied to someone living with ADHD, those undesired behaviors may be poor impulse control or a lack of attention. The goal of counseling for ADHD would be to reduce the instances of those undesired behaviors while offering actionable ways to create new, healthier habits and behaviors.
Who is Best Suited for ADHD Counseling?
Behavioral therapy for ADHD can be helpful for anyone managing their ADHD, regardless of age.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends parents of children aged six and under, first use behavioral therapy to address the ADHD diagnosis, as studies have found it as effective in young children as medication. Additionally, the CDC reported the long-term effects of ADHD medications on young children have not yet been well-studied.
How Does Counseling for ADHD work?
The treatment plan will vary depending on your exact needs, determined by a therapist during an initial consultation.
Generally, you can expect the following format:
- Initially, the undesirable behaviors are discussed, assessed, and identified.
- From there the therapist will work with you and/or your family to identify the triggers behind each behavior pattern, whether it’s a physical or psychological pattern.
- Then, we will work on reframing those patterns with healthier coping skills in an attempt to divert the undesired behavior.
- It is the hope that by addressing the triggers, you can become more aware of what is causing the negative behavior, and by learning better ways to cope, the undesired reaction can be thwarted.
Learning how to control one’s impulses and triggers as well as implement proper responses will take effort as well as time. To help keep clients accountable, therapists will often follow up with clients on their treatment plans, their physical responses since their last session, and what they did do, or didn’t do, that could have led to a better outcome.
Why Consider Therapy for ADHD?
Many individuals struggle to control their impulsive behavior or inattention, even with proper medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling further act as an anchor helping you manage this disorder day-to-day, and it is not meant to replace your prescribed medication, but is an additional support system for you. By focusing on reframing context, identifying triggers, and learning better coping skills, individuals can become a happier, healthier, and more productive version of themselves. This ultimately benefits not only them, but their entire family as well.
For behavioral therapy for ADHD to be effective, it will take time and is not a cure; but, it does offer a healthy way for individuals to better understand and control their symptoms with lifelong changes.
If you would like more information or to get started on supporting your mental health with cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD in Florida, reach out to us at Miami Hypnosis & Therapy to book your initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD
Does counseling for ADHD replace medication?
No. Please work with your primary care physician and/or psychiatrist to determine the best course of action for managing ADHD with medication. A majority of our clients utilize our integrative approach to therapy in conjunction with medication management. Please note we cannot diagnose your condition, but are here to support you and your family by offering unique therapy and counseling techniques for better management of ADHD and other mental health concerns.
How long does ADHD therapy last?
Similar to any other form of therapy, there is no ending date, and this will depend entirely on your situation, your goals, and your individualized treatment plan. Many clients choose therapy and counseling as part of their life-long wellness plan, as the techniques learned in sessions can be deeply beneficial for the long-term.
What happens when therapy stops?
The goal of behavioral therapy for ADHD is to change behavioral responses, not just in the short-term but long-term. This means that when a client is “done” with therapy, it means they have been provided all the essential tools in therapy to help them live their daily lives with more ease, rather than in a reactive state. The goal is to make such changes last a lifetime, and so many clients do continue for the long-term..
Where can I get counseling for ADHD in Florida?
Miami Hypnosis and Therapy is one of the area’s leading destinations for transformational and integrative approaches to therapy and counseling. Anna Marchenko, LMHC, M.A., Ed.M., received a dual master’s in Psychology from Columbia University and holds the unique distinction as a licensed hypnotherapist who also offers cognitive behavioral therapy and neuro-linguistic programming for her clients. Each client is unique, and at Miami Hypnosis and Therapy, you can expect a tailor-made treatment plan to address your specific areas of concern.
