Unmasking ADHD: beyond the stereotypes

Providing ADHD Counselling in Vancouver and across BC.

Book An Appointment

Living with ADHD: The Ups and Downs

ADHD presents a unique set of challenges that can significantly impact daily life. If you’re here, you likely have a good understanding of what ADHD is.

Essentially, ADHD often involves experiencing life in extremes.

  • Attention: You might experience hyperfocus, where you’re deeply engrossed in one task, or find your attention constantly pulled in multiple directions.
  • Empathy: You could be highly empathetic, deeply feeling the emotions of others, or struggle to understand and connect with other people’s perspectives.
  • Mental Fatigue: Constant mental effort can lead to exhaustion.
  • Racing Thoughts: A constant stream of thoughts can make it difficult to concentrate.
  • Sensitivity to Criticism: Feedback can feel overly harsh and lead to strong emotional reactions.
  • Anxiety & Restlessness: Feelings of unease and an inability to sit still are common.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or restless sleep.
  • Forgetfulness: Everyday tasks, appointments, and important information can easily slip your mind.
  • Poor Time Awareness: Underestimating how long tasks take, leading to frequent lateness and missed deadlines.
  • Difficulty with Motivation: Starting and completing tasks can feel like an insurmountable hurdle.
  • Rejection-Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): An intense fear of rejection, criticism, or failure, leading to overwhelming emotions like shame, guilt, and anxiety.

The Way We Work: Relational and Collaborative.

Our approach is relational, collaborative and experiential. What this means is that the foundation is built on a relationship that supports you to come as you are and be met as you are.

  • Relational & Collaborative: Our approach emphasizes a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.
  • Focus on Acceptance: We create a safe space where you can be yourself without judgment.
  • Clarity & Direction: We explore your unique experiences and work together to develop strategies for navigating challenges and building a fulfilling life.
  • Self-Compassion: We guide you in embracing your neurodivergence and developing self-compassion.
  • Improved Relationships: Develop stronger, more understanding relationships with partners, family, and friends.
  • Enhanced Self-Esteem: Increase self-acceptance, build confidence, and reduce self-criticism.
  • Improved Productivity: Develop effective time management, organizational, and study skills.
  • Reduced Anxiety & Depression: Learn coping mechanisms to manage stress and improve overall mental well-being.

Key areas we might address

  • These challenges can strain relationships. Individuals with ADHD may feel misunderstood, while partners may experience frustration and resentment.
  • Productivity Challenges: Difficulties with time management, motivation, and completing tasks can impact academic and professional success.
  • Increased Anxiety & Depression: The constant struggle to meet expectations can lead to increased stress and mental health concerns.
  • Internalized Stigma: Growing up with ADHD can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt due to societal expectations and potential criticism.
  • Sensitivity to Criticism: This can further impact self-esteem and increase vulnerability to shame.
  • Interconnectedness: ADHD can influence how trauma is experienced and processed, and traumatic experiences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
  • Relational Trauma: Bullying, rejection, and other forms of relational trauma can be more prevalent for individuals with ADHD.

Additional Support for ADHD

Explore these valuable resources for living with ADHD:

Frequently Asked Questions

ADHD is a neurobiological condition, not a lack of motivation or discipline. Unfortunately, many people with ADHD have received this message all their lives, affecting their self-esteem. This doesn’t mean that changes can not be made. Our counsellors support collaborating on what works for you rather than trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

No, ADHD is a neurobiological condition that can persist into adulthood. In fact, many people don’t realise they have ADHD until into their adult life. The kinds of difficulties a child experiences can be seen as more extreme because they haven’t developed strategies to deal with their struggles. In addition, many children who don’t get help as a child tend to struggle in adult life and believe it is a personal failure.

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to receive counselling. If you are struggling with the symptoms and have taken a self-administered test, that may be all you need to know. Discussing your concerns with your doctor to explore medication options is important. It is sometimes illuminating to get a formal assessment from a psychologist to understand how your particular neurodivergence works. Often, ADHD can overlap with autism. Where on the spectrum you are and what type of ADHD you have can be validating and aid the counselling process.

Yes. For many folks, it can help. Research shows that medication and counselling have proven to be very helpful. It is a personal choice; sometimes, working on self-acceptance alone can be profoundly relieving.

Reviews

5.0 rating

“Amanda is incredibly insightful, empathetic, warm and helpful. She approaches her interactions with open-hearted curiosity, and always has the perfect balance of practical feedback, deep insight and non-judgemental listening. Without exception, conversations with Amanda are comforting and illuminating. “

— Mollie Deyong

5.0 rating

“Alisa is a terrific therapist! I’ve seen a few different therapists over the years but I’ve found her style to be the most helpful/healing. She asks thought provoking questions that get beneath the surface and helps me create long term solutions. She’s also very empathetic and has a warm and welcoming personality! Thank you Alisa!”

— Bradley Klaver

5.0 rating

“Very skilled counsellor… deeply compassionate, wise, and insightful. She is able to meet you where you’re at and quickly create the safe space needed to face vulnerable feeling states and emotions together. You’re in excellent hands with Delyse.”

— Ingrid

How to Get Started: Discover your difference is valued

If you’re ready to better understand and manage ADHD, our experienced therapists are here to help. Whether you’re struggling with relationships, work, or self-esteem, we’ll support you in finding clarity, acceptance, and practical solutions.

Send Us Your Inquiry

Have a question or request? Need help with booking?

Email Your Inquiry

Book A Free Consultation

After reading our therapist’s bios, perhaps you are drawn to one or two, but you want to double-check. No problem!

Book A Consultation

Book An Appointment

You’re ready to get going and know who you want to work with.

Book An Appointment