ADHD Counseling in Newark, DE—Counselors, Therapists

As kids, a lot of us wanted to grow up and go on adventures. We wanted to be the leader who was brave and outspoken and constantly going to the next, exciting thing. But then school and work hits. And we realize that all those traits that make heroes so fun to read about and watch in movies, can be detrimental and discouraged in our educational and work environments today.

ADHD is a widely misunderstood disorder that can have unique perks and offer new ways of seeing the world, but also struggles to fit the mold many schools and workplaces expect. Thriveworks Newark counselors understand that growing up and living with ADHD is tough!  Things that seem so easy for other people are hard for you. Living with untreated ADHD can be discouraging, hurtful, and possibly hold you back in living your happiest, most fulfilling life.

Some people living with ADHD start to think things like: Maybe I’m just dumb. I guess I’m really that annoying. Could I really be a bad person? Maybe I’m just lazy.  I can’t seem to get organized and finish things like other people can. Of course not! Those are lies that can stem from living with ADHD in a societal structure that is not made for it. ADHD has its strength, but with school and certain work environments, it tends to do more damage than good. Which is why the counselors at Thriveworks Newark are passionate about helping you learn about your ADHD, find your strengths, and adopt coping strategies for when it doesn’t mesh with social norms.

What Is ADHD?

Researchers have learned a lot about ADHD, but there are still a lot of misconceptions that surround it. And while it’s the most diagnosed childhood disorder, that doesn’t make people who struggle from it feel any less isolated and lonely. ADHD affects both boys and girls, although the symptoms tend to show up differently, and is lifelong. This doesn’t mean there isn’t hope though! Many people find strong coping mechanisms that keeps their ADHD from affecting them as much as they grow older.

The counselors at Thriveworks Newark want to stress that people with ADHD are just as intelligent, diligent, and compassionate as people without ADHD. So why does ADHD exist? Why, if you do have ADHD, have you probably skipped down to the bullet points below? ADHD affects the frontal lobe of our brains, which is the seat of the so-called “executive functions.” Executive functions basically control actions like goal planning, motivation, impulsivity, and organization. So, if someone without ADHD is at point a and wants to get to point c, they’ll travel through point b.

Someone with ADHD will likely start at point A, want to get to point C, but travels through point E, F, G, and H before getting there. It’s not always a bad thing, but it is different, and that can be difficult. People with ADHD may have trouble with time management, task follow-through, organization, controlling impulses, losing things, and remembering commitments.

The symptoms of ADHD are incredibly varied and depend on age and the type of ADHD. Psychologists have broken ADHD into three types: Inattentive, Hyperactive, and Combined.

Hyperactive ADHD

This is the classic ADHD example everyone thinks about. Symptoms include:

• Interrupting others
• Easily distracted, usually by outside stimuli
• Constant fidgeting
• Getting up at inappropriate times
• Feelings of restlessness
• Has trouble waiting their turn.

The inattentive type is least likely to get diagnosed but can have similar levels of impairment. Girls especially are more likely to have inattentive ADHD.

• Short attention-span (may have countless unfinished projects)
• Frequently zones out, even when others are talking
• Hesitancy to start long tasks that require a lot of mental effort
• Careless mistakes due to lack of attention
• Disorganization (losing stuff all the time, messy rooms and work space)
• Easily distracted or constantly seeking more stimulation

Combined is, as the name implies, both types in one diagnosis. Many people with ADHD who have hyperactivity during childhood outgrow that, but they don’t outgrow the other symptoms of ADHD, especially the attention issues.

ADHD can bring with its creativity, resilience, and passion. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t difficult to live with at times! Living with undiagnosed ADHD can bring with it shame, confusion, and even self-hatred. That’s why it’s key to learn about your symptoms and how to manage them. Thriveworks Newark is excited to begin that journey with you.

How Can Counseling Help ADHD?

Thriveworks Newark believes in a client-centered practice. That means we will meet you where you are, and we work together on your goals. No two ADHD diagnoses look the same, and that’s ok!

ADHD is a disorder that responds very well to medication, for the vast majority of cases.  However, not everyone wants to take medication, and not everyone gets total relief.  Often clients with ADHD need more, they need support and assistance in developing skills to cope with ADHD.  It can be a frustrating, long process to figure out what coping skills work for you if you struggle alone.   That’s what Thriveworks Newark counselors are here for! We have years of experience and many tools that we can use to narrow down and practice what works best for you. A few examples include:

• Learning how ADHD is impacting your work/school life, and relationships, and address whatever deficits are present.
• Discover supportive habits that will make your life easier. You might always struggle with paying attention in class, losing things, or paying bills on time…so what can we do to help you rock these skills?
• Organization and time management skills
• A support system that will fight for you.
• Some positive feedback! Too often, people with ADHD are put down again and again for not meeting a set standard. The constant criticism can wear on the mind and soul, and you don’t deserve that! Let us help you look at your strengths with confidence, so you can own who you are.
• Parenting skills. It can be exhausting caring for a child with ADHD, and our counselors want to support you as well! Parenting can have a huge positive impact on children with ADHD, so it’s important to learn more about the disorder and what you can do to help your child succeed with ADHD.

ADHD can feel isolating and destructive. But it doesn’t have to control you. You might have to work a little harder than people without ADHD, and it might take you a little longer, but your goals can become a reality. Thriveworks Newark ADHD counselors are here to help you take the next step.