Therapy Counselling in Halifax
Therapy for ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD can range from restlessness to impulsivity. Our experienced Halifax psychological therapists are here to provide therapy for ADHD.
Therapy for ADHD
When someone is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), one of the first questions is often “how can this be managed?” ADHD is a disorder which presents differently in each person so the treatment plan needs to be tailored to the individual based on their symptoms. Often appearing in children and youth, ADHD can last into adulthood. Therapy for ADHD has been found to be helpful.
What are some of the signs one might have ADHD?
There are two main categories of ADHD which create a third category when combined.
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD
Some people with this form of ADHD may move or talk excessively. It may lead them to make decisions quickly or act rashly. They may struggle to wait, or they will interrupt others, and make spontaneous decisions.
Inattentive ADHD
Some people with inattentive ADHD may only have difficulty with attention regulation, that is the ability to self-monitor one’s deployment of attention. This means they may struggle to maintain attention, they may find it hard to ignore distracting or irrelevant stimuli, or stay alert to task goals. Attention issues may seem less disruptive, but it is a concerning symptom as it causes difficulty in learning, performing at work, forming relationships, and in day to day functions.
Combined ADHD
Some people present symptoms of both impulsivity along with attention dysregulation. These people have combined ADHD.
You might think of anxiety as those small butterflies in your stomach when you have an upcoming interview or a first date, but anxiety can be a mental health condition. Your symptoms may be more than just butterflies. Perhaps you start to sweat and your heart starts to pound, or the dread starts well in advance of this upcoming event. Maybe you feel these symptoms without being able to identify what is causing you to experience fear. These may be signs there is a bigger issue at hand.
What therapy for ADHD treatments are there?
There are various treatment options, and what works best for managing symptoms can depend on the individual and their family. It is recommended that parents work closely with others involved in their child’s life—healthcare providers, therapists, teachers, and other family members. Recognizing the symptoms and having the correct support in place makes a huge difference. While doctors sometimes prescribe medication for older patients, the first step is often behavioural training for the child and behavioural management training for the adults who are present in the child’s life. These adults are often the parents, but can include staff members from the child’s school as well. Behavioural management training helps provide the adults with the skills required to help the child, who may not be old enough to make the necessary changes to their own life.
How does therapy for ADHD help?
Therapy for ADHD is often about learning the skills to help tame the symptoms. It allows room for discussion of behaviour, and helps to create action plans to prevent these symptoms from adversely affecting one’s life. This may include discussions on creating routines, staying organised or managing distractions. A therapist can help you learn to communicate with your child in ways that are easier for them, such as limited choice decisions instead of open ended decisions. It can help you learn to discipline appropriately and effectively, teaching you ways to provide consequences without harming your child through yelling or scolding.
As an adult with ADHD, therapy can help you discover and practise ways of focusing. It can help you with organisation or time management skills which will help you to better complete work related tasks.
ADHD can be managed
The Center for ADHD Awareness Canada reports that “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in Canada, affecting 4-6% of adults and 5-7% of children, or approximately 1.8 million Canadians. This is approximately 1 in every 21 Canadians.”
If you have ADHD, you are not alone. There are treatments that can help you with your symptoms and provide you with the skills necessary to face ADHD. We are here to help you to achieve meaningful growth in your life.
The information contained in this page is not to be substituted for a mental health assessment, it is here to help explain a bit about anxiety and how we can help. If you would like counselling, please reach out to us to book a session.
ADHD Therapist Halifax, Nova Scotia
When trying to manage your ADHD you want a therapist who listens and who has the experience to help you learn the skills needed. With our secure online therapy platform, we join you on your journey of growth.
For more information on our areas of practice, please click these links:
Tod Augusta Scott has worked with individuals and families since 1994 and has provided therapy for thousands of adults, children and families.
Tod’s goal in establishing this practice is to provide effective, individualized and timely counselling. The Associate therapists have been chosen by Tod from the many therapists he has worked with through the years. The Associates are chosen because they are experienced, highly trained professionals with specialized areas of practice. All Associates have over 15 years of professional experience.
