ADHD Therapy in DC
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD Therapy for Adults in DC
As a psychologist offering adult ADHD therapy in Washington DC, I work from the belief that ADHD is often misunderstood. Pioneering author and ADHD expert Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D. famously notes that “attention deficit disorder” is a misnomer and might better be called “attention surplus disorder.” Rather than lacking attention, many adults with ADHD have an abundance of focus for tasks they find meaningful, making them highly creative, innovative, and dynamic thinkers.
History is filled with brilliant minds who likely had ADHD, including Albert Einstein, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Leonardo da Vinci, and Thomas Edison. These individuals were able to channel fast moving ideas into lasting contributions. ADHD therapy should not aim to suppress this way of thinking, but instead help adults harness their strengths, improve focus, and develop strategies for success.
At my Washington DC practice, I help clients embrace the creativity, intelligence, and problem solving abilities that often accompany ADHD. Together, we work to manage challenges while fostering confidence and unlocking your full potential.
How does combining coaching with psychotherapy for ADHD work?
I have worked extensively with individuals with ADHD for several years, combining individual psychotherapy and coaching techniques to help clients manage their symptoms effectively. ADHD presents unique challenges, including difficulties with time management, organization, emotional regulation, and maintaining focus on long-term goals. Through our work together, I provide a structured yet flexible approach that integrates evidence-based strategies to help clients create sustainable change.
Coaching techniques are particularly effective for building habits, improving productivity, and reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed by multiple projects. Meanwhile, psychotherapy addresses the emotional side of ADHD, including challenges with self-esteem, frustration tolerance, and procrastination. Many individuals with ADHD experience emotions more intensely than others, which can lead to heightened anxiety, impulsivity, and difficulties in relationships. Our sessions focus on developing skills to manage these intense emotions, fostering resilience and self-compassion.
Together, we will start with an initial consultation session to discuss your unique experiences and challenges. From there, we’ll create a personalized plan tailored to your needs, ensuring that you have the right tools and strategies to move forward with confidence.
Do I Need To Take Medication To Treat My ADHD?
Although ADHD is known as one of the most treatable psychiatric conditions, medication is not the only option for effective management. Stimulant medications work for approximately 80% of individuals with ADHD, but treatment is highly personal, and not everyone chooses or benefits from medication. Many people successfully manage their symptoms through therapy, coaching, lifestyle adjustments, and behavioral strategies tailored to their needs.
If medication is something you’d like to explore, I work closely with several excellent psychiatrists specializing in ADHD treatment. Together, we can create a personalized treatment plan that integrates therapy, coaching, and other evidence-based approaches to help you reach your goals. My approach focuses on maximizing strengths, improving executive function, and enhancing emotional regulation, whether or not medication is part of your treatment.
Regardless of your choice, you are not alone—there are many ways to successfully manage ADHD, and I am here to help you find the right strategies for your unique needs.
What Challenges Can ADHD Coaching & Psychotherapy Help Me With?
Do you need help with:
- Consistently procrastinating and leaving important work until the last minute?
- Organizing the thoughts in your head that seem to arrive at light-speed?
- Dealing with persistent negative self-talk?
- Feelings of isolation and being lonely?
- Feeling socially awkward and/or disconnected from others?
- Feelings of shame about your ADHD?
- Utilizing self-defeating amounts of alcohol, drugs, hookup websites/apps, and/or unfulfilling sex?
ADHD Coaching & Psychotherapy Can Help!
For additional resources on Adult ADHD, please see Dr. Heilman’s resources page.