Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a different experience for everyone. Some feel relieved and validated while others feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Most clients experience a combination of these contradictory feelings. The truth is if you have ADHD you’ve probably dealt with feeling misunderstood and mislabeled for much of your life.
Have you ever forgotten something important and others assumed you didn’t care? Or, have you been overwhelmed and put off a task until someone accused you of being lazy? Despite this, if asked most people with ADHD would say they care too much! And lazy? You should see all the detail-oriented hard work they do when hyper-focusing on a task! Accepting and embracing the ADHD diagnosis opens clients up to understanding how and why their ADHD brains work differently. By doing so they can find out how to use their unique perspective to their advantage. And as a bonus, they can develop the language to communicate their experiences with the people around them. In turn, this helps them build healthier longer-lasting relationships.
Types of ADHD
Hyperactive type
The hyperactive ADHD brain is constantly on the go. Some say this feels like being driven by a motor. You feel ready to move on to the next task before you’ve finished the one you’re on now. Restlessness, fidgeting, and wanting to get up and move around are all common experiences. Standing in line is a form of cruel torture. Others who observe you at work exclaim at how quickly you get things done! While more critical observers may comment on your lack of attention to detail.
Inattentive type
Inattentive ADHD can sometimes appear more subtle to the outside world. Women are more likely to have inattentive ADHD which is one of the main reasons women are often not diagnosed until later in life. Those who have this form of ADHD may be called absent-minded or told their head is in the clouds. With the inattentive ADHD brain, daydreaming is more than a pastime, it’s a way of life.
Combined type
This form of ADHD is a combo of both inattentive and hyperactive type ADHD. This is the most commonly seen form of ADHD. Keep in mind, although you may be diagnosed with predominantly inattentive ADHD you will likely still present with some characteristics of hyperactive ADHD (and vice versa). Regardless of which type you have, without the proper tools, the result is often the same–feeling misunderstood and at times overwhelmed.
ADHD Treatment Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an approach that looks at the interaction between your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Most people are aware that the way they feel influences their thoughts and behaviors. What they often don’t realize is that things work the other way around too. By becoming more aware of their thoughts and behaviors, and making changes accordingly, clients can in turn change the way they feel. Alternatively, by becoming more aware of their thoughts and emotions, they can help change their behaviors. An ADHD therapist will help you implement helpful behaviors by providing you with specific behavioral coping strategies. They can also aid you in learning how to identify maladaptive thinking patterns and replace them with a more helpful perspective. When it comes to regulating emotions, they can provide helpful cognitive coping strategies.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness essentially involves staying in the present moment and focusing on the thoughts and feelings we experience at that moment. When we learn to be more present and tolerate our ever-changing inner world, we experience a fuller life. As we know, the ADHD brain tends to wander. Not to worry though, mindfulness is a skill that can be learned and practiced over time. With mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, a therapist can help you identify which mindfulness practices work best for you.
At times, having an ADHD brain can feel wonderfully unique. At other times, it can feel frustrating and overwhelming. Regardless of where you are on your journey with adult ADHD, meeting with an ADHD-specialized therapist can be beneficial. By identifying which ADHD domains are prevalent in your life, we can create a tailored plan made especially for you.
Ready to Talk to an ADHD Therapist in Florida?
If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms we can help! If you are still feeling unsure, our Florida ADHD therapists are available to clarify any questions or concerns you may have. You don’t need to go through this alone. Follow these steps to get support now.
- Contact us for a free consultation with an ADHD therapist.
- Schedule your first appointment at our Jacksonville and Winter Park, FL-based therapy practice or online throughout the state of Florida.
- Gain an understanding and create a plan to break free from ADHD symptoms.
Other Counseling Services Offered at The Mindful Practice in Florida
Our caring Florida therapists also offer depression treatment and anxiety treatment. Along with trauma therapy, social anxiety disorder treatment, and life transition counseling. As well as post bariatric counseling and counseling for teens. At our therapy practice in Winter park, FL, we use techniques such as EMDR therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and more to help you heal! Get started with in-person or online therapy in Florida today. Reach out now to see how we can help you.