ADHD Informed Therapy:

Why Therapy Doesn’t Always Help…..and what to look for instead

I’ve heard from so many people with ADHD who feel frustrated with traditional therapy.

They say things like:

“I don’t even remember what we talk about after session most of the time, but I know that things aren’t getting easier…I still can’t get to work on time and keep letting my partner down when I’m supposed to do errands!”

Their symptoms continue to impact their relationships, careers, and families without practical evidence-based strategies.

If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. This happens because most therapists are great at helping with emotional support, but not all have the training to address the executive functioning side of ADHD. It doesn’t mean therapy won’t work for you—it just means you might need someone with specific ADHD expertise.

Therapy That Works for You

If you’re in therapy for ADHD—or thinking about it—there’s something really important to understand.

Therapy for ADHD must address two key areas:

1. The emotional impact of ADHD

2. The executive functioning challenges that come with it.

The catch? Not every therapist is trained to help with both. Let’s break this down so you can feel more confident about getting the kind of support you need.

The Emotional Impact of ADHD

ADHD affects so much more than just organization or time management—it can take a serious toll on your mental health, too. Many adults with ADHD also experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles.

Why? Because living with ADHD is tough. Constantly feeling behind, overwhelmed, or misunderstood can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and even burnout. Therapy can play a huge role here by helping you process those emotions, challenge unhelpful beliefs about yourself, and build self-compassion.

This is the healing side of therapy. It’s about addressing the emotional weight ADHD has placed on your life so you can start to feel lighter, more confident, and more in control.

Understanding Your Executive Functioning (You may have heard it as “Executive Dysfunction”)

Now, here’s the other side of ADHD therapy that’s just as important: tackling the practical challenges. These challenges come from something called executive functioning, which is the brain’s system for planning, organizing, managing time, and following through on tasks.

Sound familiar? ADHD makes these things especially hard, which can leave you feeling scattered or stuck no matter how much effort you’re putting in.

This is why ADHD therapy should also include learning practical strategies—like creating systems to keep track of tasks, managing your schedule, or breaking down overwhelming goals into small, manageable steps.

If therapy isn’t addressing these executive functioning skills, you might feel like you’re spinning your wheels. Emotional healing is essential, but so are the tools to help you function better day-to-day.

The bottom line? You deserve therapy that helps you feel seen, supported, and equipped with the tools you need to thrive.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or like something’s missing in therapy, don’t give up. The right support can be truly life-changing.

We'‘re here to make that happen. Click below to book a consultation call to get started, and experience the difference ADHD-specific therapy can make at Brilla Counseling.

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