What is the best type of therapy for ADHD adults?
In this blog, we'll explore different therapy options and how they can help with ADHD. We'll also look at how neurodiversity-affirming therapy in Bethesda, MD can be a great fit.
The best type of therapy for ADHD is therapy for neurodivergent adults in an affirming environment. In this approach, your strengths are built upon, not masked.
If you like to learn by thinking things through:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps change negative thoughts and actions.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you accept the things you can’t change, and work on the things you can.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) explores different parts of yourself to solve inner issues Despite the name, this is an individual approach, not a family one..
Psychoeducational approaches teach you about ADHD and how to manage it.
If learning by doing works better for you:
Play Therapy and Art Therapy let you express yourself without words, and are often very helpful in healing emotional wounds.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help you regain a sense of stability when your emotions are chaotic or very intense. It’s common to feel like this when you ave experienced trauma.
Occupational Therapy helps with daily living skills, especially if the provider is neurodiversity-affirming. (Note: this approach requires a therapist with a different kind of license. It’s not something we do, but we can help you find a provider we trust.)
If you’d like your family, friends, and others to understand you better:
Family Therapy with a Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist is often very important for adults with ADHD. Family members who don’t understand ADHD can be critical or interpret the challenges of living with ADHD as laziness or lack of caring. Addressing this is an important step in improving your quality of life.
Couples Therapy can help you and your partner(s) feel loved and supported, and get on the same page. There are specific relationship patterns that occur in couples with ADHD. An expert neurodiversity affirming therapist can help you see them and break the cycle.
What is the best therapy for ADHD emotional regulation?
For managing emotions with ADHD, neurodiversity affirming therapy is a great choice. This type of therapy helps you understand and control your emotions in a way that works with your ADHD, not against it.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can teach you how to manage strong feelings and reactions. It helps you change unhelpful thoughts that affect your emotions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another good option. It focuses on skills like emotional regulation and distress tolerance. DBT helps you understand and manage your emotions more effectively.
Working with a neurodiversity affirming therapist is especially helpful. They focus on what you do well and create a plan that works just for you. This approach makes it easier to regulate your emotions in a way that fits your unique needs.
For more information on “what is the best support for adult ADHD”, reach out to Better Together Family Therapy to see how we can help!
Why is my ADHD getting worse as I get older?
As you get older, you might notice that your ADHD symptoms seem to get worse. This is not unusual, and it's important to understand why this might be happening.
ADHD can change over time. For some adults, symptoms like trouble focusing or managing time might become more noticeable as life gets busier. New responsibilities at work or home can add to the challenges.
Stress can also play a big role. Increased stress from work, family, or health issues can make ADHD symptoms feel more intense. It’s not that your ADHD is getting worse, but rather that new challenges might make it more noticeable.
For women, menopause is also a factor. ADHD symptoms intensify when the body is coping with changes. Even small changes like having a cold or changing your schedule can increase your ADHD symptoms for a while. Menopause is a significant physiological change and has been shown to increase ADHD symptoms in women.
Neurodiversity affirming therapy can help. It focuses on your strengths and creates strategies to manage ADHD in a way that works for you. With the right support, you can learn how to handle these changes and continue to thrive.
Is CBT or DBT better for ADHD?
When choosing between CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for ADHD, both can be helpful. It depends on what you need.
CBT helps by teaching skills to manage negative thoughts and behaviors. It can be useful for improving organization and time management. CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thinking patterns and developing practical strategies.
DBT is good for managing strong emotions and improving relationships. It teaches skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. This can be particularly helpful if you struggle with intense feelings or stress.
The most important thing is to work with a neurodiversity affirming therapist. They will focus on your strengths and help you find the best strategies that work for you. They won’t try to change who you are. They will support you in managing ADHD in a way that fits your unique needs.
What are CBT exercises for ADHD?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) offers several exercises that can help with ADHD. Here are some simple ones:
Thought Records: Note any negative thoughts you have and write down evidence that proves or disproves them. This can help change unhelpful thinking patterns.
Behavioral Experiments: Try out new behaviors to see how they affect you. For example, you might experiment with different ways of organizing your space to see what works best.
Goal Setting: Set small, achievable goals and track your progress. This can help build motivation and confidence.
Some other useful tools:
Daily Planning: Write down your tasks for the day. Break them into small steps and check them off as you complete each one. This helps with organization and time management.
Mindfulness Practices: Spend a few minutes each day focusing on your breathing or paying attention to the present moment. This can help manage stress and improve focus.
Ready to Find Support That Empowers You?
Our neurodiversity affirming therapy can help you tackle questions like, "Is it ever too late to get diagnosed with autism?" and explore neurodiversity resources for adults in Montgomery County, MD. We focus on understanding and supporting your unique needs, celebrating your strengths, and finding the best ways to help you thrive.
Begin Your Journey With Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Today
If you’re ready to meet your best self and fully embrace your journey with confidence, reach out to Better Together Family Therapy today. Our team is here to walk with you through every step, providing personalized support and guidance that works for you. Let's work together to uncover your strengths and celebrate who you are.
Learn more about Better Together Family Therapy.
Discover how neurodiversity-affirming therapy can help you thrive!
Other Services We Offer in the Bethesda, MD Area
At Better Together Family Therapy, we’re passionate about supporting people of all ages through a range of tailored services. For teens and tweens, we offer specialized therapy designed to help them navigate the ups and downs of adolescence with confidence and resilience. If your child is struggling with anxiety, our SPACE treatment is here to provide effective support compassionately, helping them manage their anxiety in more effective ways. Couples and marriages can also benefit from our relationship therapy, where we work together to strengthen connections and resolve conflicts with understanding and care. No matter what you’re facing, we’re here to help you and your loved ones find balance and thrive together.