The main advantage of seeing a psychologist is learning how your brain works when you have ADHD, and what is reasonable to expect of yourself. This self-insight can lead to greater self-acceptance and self-compassion, and with time, more effective ways of working with your strengths and talents..

Learning about your own thought processes, and that you are not alone, usually bring a great sense of relief. It is not unusual for someone with ADHD to only be diagnosed as an adult. This can bring up a lot of emotions such as sadness, relief, wishing one could go back and change things, even anger. It can be a comfort in this time to have the support of a psychologist who understands and is fully accepting, as well as trained to help. Psychologists can assess and support people who may have ADHD by creating a safe and supportive environment to deal with emotions and challenges. 

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People with ADHD often struggle with anxiety, whether from the natural inclination for restlessness or because of feeling disorganised, worrying about forgetting things, not handing work in on time, or feeling that they are letting people down.

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Depression and low-confidence are also frequently a part of the life-experience of someone with ADHD, as they struggle to manage life, or live up their own or other's expectations. Accepting and embracing who one is as a unique individual, and learning skills and strategies to manage things better, can have a significant impact on mood and confidence.

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In addition to emotional support, psychologists can also help by teaching strategies to work with your strengths and manage your challenges. In general, people with ADHD need to manage things differently to neurotypicals. One of the main things one often may require help with is organisational difficulties. 

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As a rule, tasks that require memory, organisation and impulse control can be very challenging for somebody with ADHD. This can mean that they struggle to be on time for meeting a friend or getting to work, getting organised for the day, or staying on task. Having a mind that struggles to be still and attentive can be exhausting and frustrating. Organisational tools such as time management skills with prioritised task lists, or strategies for reducing internal and external distractions, can be hugely helpful. Therapy is always tailormade for each individual, as no one is exactly like another person, and that is precisely the point - celebrating and working with your own unique mind and personality to help you be who you want to be.

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