Later in my life, I discovered that I, myself, had many of the symptoms of ADD. This recognition has had such a profound impact on my life, answered so many questions and false hypotheses, and led to tremendous positive change and growth. Because of my own experience and compassion for those so challenged, I work extensively as a coach therapist for ADD and ADHD.

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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are neurological disorders characterized by high distractibility, often impulsivity, difficulty focusing on some things while at the same time often a sense of “hyper-focus” on other things, and oftentimes an inherent sense of restlessness and craving for high-stimulation or high-intensity activities — often including what appear to and can indeed be addictive or compulsive behaviors. It can be viewed as an excess of energy, a sense of too many thoughts all competing for ones attention at the same time, and all seeking their expression verbally and/or behaviorally.​

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Although I often eschew diagnostic labels, they have their place — and can be incredibly liberating — especially when you identify one that has defined and colored your whole life experience without your even knowing it, including many of your life’s challenges — in work and career, intimate relationships, friendships, home, marriage, children, family, and peace of mind.

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Because both  ADD and ADHD  (which includes a hyperactivity and impulsivity component) share so so many symptoms, signs and characteristics with a myriad of other “disorders” as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V), millions of Americans have gone for much of their lives with incorrect psychiatric diagnoses — or sometimes with partially correct but incomplete diagnoses.

 

Anxiety disorders including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or mood disorders (including Depression and Bipolar conditions), Conduct Disorders (in children and adolescents) and oppositional behavioral patterns in adults, substance abuse, and other addictions and compulsions, often are partially, if not wholly, the result of this neurological condition that is so often missed and undiagnosed.

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The very many challenges which are often experienced by individuals who have ADD or ADHD  include:

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Distractibility, hyperactivity, lack of focus as well as hyperfocus on pleasurable activities,  inattention to details, impatience, anger or rage, mood changes, challenges with structure, procrastination, organization and time management challenges, reading difficulties, difficulties with follow-through, an addiction to stimulation, memory problems, frustration, restlessness, a tendency towards addictive behaviors, a constant need to be “moving”, a chronic sense of feeling “bored”, excessive worrying, a sense of chaos, accident-prone behaviors, an explosive temper, ...  and the list goes on. 

 

For many, these challenges result in failed relationships or multiple marriages, underachievement, self-esteem issues, and a feeling of life continually getting "sidetracked" or "derailed." 

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At the same time, many very positive traits and characteristics mark so many individuals with ADD or ADHD including: high degrees of creativity, intuition, imagination, empathy, high IQs, very high intelligence, charm, spunk, resilience, emotional intensity, particular creative talents, etc. The problem is that, left unharnessed, this energy flows in too many directions all at once, day in and day out, resulting in a lack of meaningful movement forward and often in an overwhelming sense of defeat, failure and underachievement. The paradox is that the ADD or ADHD person often has so many wonderful talents and gifts, but doesn’t know how to channel them properly.

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A person with ADD or ADHD can greatly benefit from a variety of interventions. As your ADD/ADHD coach, I  can help you:  a) identify the typical patterns of challenging traits or behaviors, b) create an “action plan” to overcome them, and c) keep you “structured, focused, and on-track” to maximize your potential.  Accountability is a big part of this work.  This type of structured encouragement or “cheerleading” can make the difference of night and day for the person with ADD or ADHD. For some people, medication can be very helpful - alone, or combined with therapy and coaching.  If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, such work with can literally and pragmatically change the course of your life for the better.