For many people with ADHD, reconnecting with the body feels daunting because our bodies have historically been the subjects of criticism and control.
How many times have we been told to “sit still” or “stop fidgeting” in childhood and beyond? These messages taught our nervous systems that our natural ways of moving and being were problematic, creating protective parts that learned to suppress bodily impulses.
Read MoreMany survivors struggle with low self-esteem and tend to overload their lives with tasks. We chase perfection in every detail, as if a flawless performance can somehow erase the past. I’ve found it’s an act of radical self-kindness to choose one area of your life—or just one task in your day, to "take a B" on. This small act is a conscious decision to give yourself permission to be imperfect. It’s about choosing yourself over the frantic pursuit of external validation.
Read MoreHuman beings are fundamentally wired for connection and belonging. While much of our cultural conversation around relationships focuses on romantic partnerships, the reality is that platonic friendships are equally vital to our emotional wellbeing and sense of self. For individuals with ADHD, navigating the complex landscape of friendship can present unique challenges that often go unrecognized or misunderstood, leading to cycles of shame, rejection, and isolation.
Read MoreFor many neurodivergent teens, daytime is a cacophony of sounds, stimulation, and neurotypical societal demands. On the other hand, nighttime may be the only time they feel calm, in control, and able to focus. It offers a sense of privacy and autonomy, and a time when they aren’t being watched, judged, or expected to perform. Night is also when some of their peers, especially other neurodivergent teens, are most active. This can make nighttime a prime time to socialize within neurodivergent or “neurokin” communities.
Read MoreIf you have ADHD, you're probably familiar with that inner voice that seems to have an endless supply of criticism ready at a moment's notice. "You're so lazy." "Why can't you just focus?" "Everyone else has their life together except you." It can feel relentless, albeit reliable.
Some therapy approaches focus on challenging this inner critic—essentially trying to out-argue it with more reasonable thoughts. While this can be helpful to some degree, it requires sustained mental effort to ensure the "reasonable voice" consistently wins the internal debate. For those of us with ADHD and interest-based nervous systems, maintaining this kind of disciplined mental vigilance rarely makes it to the top of our priority list.
Read MoreWhen working with neurodivergent clients, a neurodiversity-affirming therapist aims to tailor their approach to account for how parts are uniquely influenced by that client's specific neurological makeup. This neurological context adds an essential dimension to understanding why certain parts emerge and function as they do.
Read MoreWhen neurodivergent individuals enter relationships, their sensitive nervous systems often amplify experiences that others might consider minor. Society frequently labels these individuals as "reactive" or "too sensitive," expecting them to conform to neurotypical standards by "letting things go." However, this expectation misses a crucial truth: many neurodivergent individuals genuinely experience emotions and sensations more intensely.
Read MoreIn our fast-paced world, feeling overwhelmed is, unfortunately, the norm and is even seen as a point of pride in certain circles; it's as if our tendency to work harder than our capacity is proof of our worth. But this so often leads to burnout for many and can even progress to more significant experiences of anxiety and depression when not addressed. One powerful tool that has gained significant attention in recent years is mindfulness
Read MoreLiving with ADHD presents unique challenges that can impact various aspects of life. From struggling with time management to navigating social interactions, ADHDers often face a complex web of internal and external pressures. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a compassionate and effective approach to addressing these challenges, helping individuals with ADHD develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.
Read MoreWhen we think of self-care, we often refer to practices we engage in to maintain our physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. This can look like having a reflective practice such as journaling or meditating, making time for our hobbies, spending time with friends, managing our time to get the rest we need, setting boundaries, and even treating ourselves.
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