ADHD Therapy for Adults UK | Find an ADHD Therapist Online
ADHD can affect far more than concentration. It can influence organisation, emotions, relationships, self-esteem, work and how overwhelmed everyday life can feel.
At My Therapist Online, we personally match you with an experienced therapist who understands ADHD and the difficulties you want help with — whether you have a diagnosis, are newly diagnosed, or simply want support with ADHD-related challenges.
Free 15-minute introduction · Personally matched · Online across the UK
You may be looking for help because you:
constantly feel overwhelmed or behind
struggle to start or finish tasks
procrastinate even when something is important
find planning, organisation or time management difficult
become distracted easily or jump between tasks
experience intense emotions, frustration or rejection sensitivity
struggle with low self-esteem after years of feeling you “should be doing better”
experience ADHD alongside anxiety, depression, sleep problems or burnout
have recently received an ADHD diagnosis and are trying to understand what it means for you
have always suspected ADHD but do not currently have a formal diagnosis
That is much closer to what people are actually searching for when they are ready to pay for therapy.
Looking for an ADHD assessment?
My Therapist Online provides psychological therapy and support rather than ADHD diagnostic assessments or medication.
If you think you may have ADHD and want a formal assessment, speak to your GP or an appropriately qualified ADHD assessment service.
You do not necessarily need a formal ADHD diagnosis to work with one of our therapists on difficulties such as anxiety, low self-esteem, procrastination, overwhelm, emotional regulation or relationship problems.
What is ADHD in adults?
Then explain succinctly:
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people regulate attention, activity and impulses. In adults it can also affect executive functioning — the mental processes involved in planning, organising, prioritising, remembering and getting started on tasks.
ADHD does not look the same in everyone. Some people experience obvious restlessness and impulsivity, while others predominantly struggle with concentration, forgetfulness, organisation or mental overwhelm.
ADHD may affect:
Attention & focus
Distractibility, losing track, difficulty sustaining attention.
Organisation & executive functioning
Planning, prioritising, starting tasks, completing tasks, managing time.
Emotions
Feeling easily overwhelmed, frustrated or emotionally reactive.
Relationships
Interrupting, forgetting arrangements, conflict, difficulties communicating needs.
Work & study
Deadlines, procrastination, workload management and inconsistent performance.
Self-esteem
Years of being told you are careless, lazy, disorganised or “not reaching your potential”.
Why might someone with ADHD come to therapy?
This is arguably more important commercially than “symptoms of ADHD”.
People rarely Google for a therapist because they want somebody to explain the DSM criteria to them.
They come because something isn't working.
You might seek therapy because ADHD is contributing to:
anxiety or constant overthinking
chronic overwhelm
procrastination and avoidance
difficulty managing work or studying
low confidence or self-criticism
perfectionism
emotional dysregulation
relationship difficulties
burnout
sleep problems
difficulties adjusting after a late ADHD diagnosis
masking or feeling exhausted from trying to keep up
depression or low mood
problems establishing routines
difficulties balancing parenthood, work and everyday demands
ADHD therapy after a late diagnosis
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and understanding, but it can also lead to mixed emotions.
Some people find themselves looking back at education, relationships or work experiences differently and wondering what might have been different if their ADHD had been recognised earlier.
Therapy can provide space to:
understand your ADHD and how it affects you personally
make sense of previous experiences
address shame or low self-esteem
recognise strengths as well as difficulties
develop realistic strategies for everyday life
explore masking and burnout
communicate your needs more confidently
adjust expectations and work with, rather than constantly against, your brain
Treatments for ADHD
ADHD is usually treated with a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Medications, such as stimulants, may be used to improve focus and attention, and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Behavioural therapy can help individuals with ADHD learn coping skills and strategies to better manage their symptoms. Making changes to diet, sleep habits, and exercise can also be helpful in managing ADHD symptoms.
Working with a medical professional or mental health provider to determine the best treatment plan is important in effectively managing the condition.
What type of therapy can help adults with ADHD?
There isn't one therapy that is right for every person with ADHD. The most useful approach depends on what you want help with.
ADHD-informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help identify patterns that contribute to procrastination, avoidance, anxiety, perfectionism or low self-esteem and develop practical ways of managing them.
For somebody with ADHD, CBT may need to be adapted to account for attention, executive-functioning and organisational difficulties rather than assuming that standard strategies will automatically work.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT can be useful where ADHD is accompanied by self-criticism, frustration, avoidance or feeling trapped in a constant battle with thoughts and emotions.
Compassion Focused Therapy
Some adults with ADHD have spent years experiencing criticism or feeling that they are failing to meet expectations. Compassion-focused approaches can help address shame and harsh self-judgement.
Counselling and integrative therapy
Sometimes the main need isn't practical ADHD strategies. Therapy may involve relationships, identity, grief, trauma, confidence or understanding how ADHD has affected your life.
This is why we don't expect you to decide which therapy you need before contacting us. Our clinical team will consider what you are struggling with and recommend therapists whose experience and approach fit your particular needs.
Therapy that understands ADHD
Good ADHD therapy shouldn't simply focus on making you appear more organised or neurotypical.
An ADHD-informed therapist can help you understand how your brain works, recognise the situations in which difficulties arise and develop strategies that are realistic for you.
The aim is not to change who you are, but to reduce distress, improve everyday functioning and help you build ways of managing life that are sustainable.
ADHD doesn't always occur on its own
Adults with ADHD may also seek help with:
ADHD + Anxiety
Constant worry, overthinking, fear of mistakes or feeling overwhelmed.
ADHD + Depression
Low motivation, hopelessness or feeling worn down by longstanding difficulties.
ADHD + Low Self-Esteem
Years of criticism, comparison or believing you are lazy or incapable.
ADHD + Trauma
Past experiences that need specialist psychological treatment alongside ADHD-informed support.
ADHD + Autism / AuDHD
Support that takes both ADHD and autistic experiences into consideration.
ADHD + Burnout
Exhaustion after sustained periods of coping, masking or trying to maintain unrealistic demands.
How My Therapist Online helps you find an ADHD therapist
1. Tell us what you're struggling with
Complete our confidential form and tell us about your ADHD, the difficulties you want help with and what matters to you in a therapist.
2. We personally match you
One of our clinical team reviews your application and identifies therapists with appropriate ADHD experience.
3. Meet your therapist for free
Have a free 15-minute introductory conversation before deciding whether you want to start therapy.
200+ qualified therapists · Personally matched · Free 15-minute introduction · Online across the UK
Therapists experienced in the psychological treatment of ADHD
Dianne McCormick - Clinical Psychologist
Casey Bradford - Clinical Psychologist
Dr Giulia Schembri - Clinical Psychologist
Dr Calin Hopsitar - Clinical Psychologist
Dr Gabriele Cammerata - Clinical Psychologist
Chloe Formby - CBT & EMDR Therapist
Recommended Reading
There are a number of self-help books that may be helpful for individuals with ADHD. Some options include:
This book is an excellent resource for anyone seeking a better understanding of ADHD and effective strategies for managing its challenges. It is engaging, informative, and empowering, offering hope and inspiration for those dealing with ADHD in all stages of life.
Driven to Distraction - by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey: This book provides a comprehensive overview of ADHD and offers strategies for managing symptoms.
Taking Charge of ADHD - by Russell A. Barkley: A comprehensive overview of ADHD and offers strategies for managing symptoms, including strategies for parents of children with ADHD.