ADHD
ADHD
We strive to reach our full potential.
We want to connect with our surroundings by putting forward the best we have to offer. Yet, sometimes we experience hardships and limitations that make this an uphill struggle.
You may have significant issues concentrating or staying organized. You might also act impulsively instead of being calm in situations that warrant it. It may feel like your desires to become your best self are clouded by forces outside your control; or worse, you may start to believe you are damaged or defective.
People around you may judge how you behave and approach tasks based on what they see, without understanding how difficult it is for you to perform as expected. And even though this is a tough and lonely place to be, you are not alone.
You are unique, not broken.
My name is Christian Holmes, and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) Registration #120391 under the supervision of Mark W. Baker, Ph.D. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #MFT19289. I offer therapy to support kids, teens, and adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (or ADHD) in California.
I was diagnosed with ADHD as a kid, so I understand how challenging it is to navigate these symptoms and their consequences in your life. I almost failed kindergarten because I couldn’t sit still in class; I felt confused and not good enough. Therapy helped me manage my symptoms, focus on what worked best for me, and steer my abilities.
I strive to be a source of support for you. Together, we can find ways to help you adapt and reach your goals.
If you or your child are struggling with ADHD, I’m here to help.
Contact me to book a consultation or keep reading to learn more about therapy for ADHD.
What Is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (also known as ADHD) is a behavioral condition that affects your ability to focus and manage your emotions.
While we can all fail to concentrate, remain still, or handle our emotions on occasion, some people experience these severe difficulties consistently. It can get to the point where engaging in everyday activities at home, school, or work feels distressing and nearly impossible.
Do I Need Therapy for ADHD?
ADHD is more prevalent in children, yet teenagers and adults can also present symptoms. Kids with ADHD tend to exhibit hyperactivity and inattention, whereas adults may experience problems focusing and staying organized.
There are three types of ADHD: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, or combined type.
Common symptoms per ADHD type include:
Inattentive Type
- Avoiding focus-intensive work
- Becoming easily distracted
- Being disorganized across activities
- Having difficulty managing time, following directions, or completing tasks
- Forgetting things or making mistakes regularly
- Lacking focus, motivation, and attention to detail
Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
- Acting before thinking or feeling impulsive emotions
- Being unable to rest or stay calm
- Being impatient
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability
- Having high energy and hyperfocus
- Talking, fidgeting, or moving constantly
Combined Type
- Exhibiting a combination of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
If you or your child are suffering from any of these symptoms of ADHD, therapy can support you.
How Can Therapy Help With ADHD?
Therapy for ADHD can help you by:
Exploring and Managing Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can be incredibly confusing and frustrating. They appear to be so ingrained in you that changing or easing them might seem unattainable—especially if people judge you for your inability to “control” them when all you want is to do so.
Therapy offers an opportunity to review the signs causing distress and develop an individual treatment plan. Your therapist will help you identify and navigate your symptoms from different perspectives, inviting you to become an observer who can explore, analyze, and adapt from moment to moment. The goal is for you or your child to realize you are more than your symptoms and that managing them IS possible.
Reframing Symptoms as Life Assets
Therapy can help you re-establish a relationship with yourself, where your symptoms become empowering assets you can utilize to shine. Your therapist will support you to embrace your uniqueness, channel your strengths, and implement them in a way that works for you.
For example, what could be seen as debilitating hyperactivity can become your ability to fuel endless energy for productivity, creativity, and socializing.
Strengthening Support Circle
Our loved ones are paramount to our healing. Therapists can work with caregivers and family members so they become a robust support system during this process. This includes offering clinical insight about ADHD and actionable strategies to handle symptoms.
Building a solid foundation can help you all navigate ADHD as a team, with the tools and resources you need to thrive.
Therapy for ADHD With Christian Holmes
I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) Registration #120391 under the supervision of Mark W. Baker, Ph.D. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #MFT19289.
I offer ADHD therapy for kids, teens, and adults living in Pasadena, Glendale, San Fernando Valley, Beverly Hills, San Gabriel Valley, and nearby areas. I also provide individual, couples, and group therapy to teens and adults.
My approach to ADHD therapy focuses on impulse control and behavioral change techniques rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness skills—all tailored to your specific needs. I also blend my experience in the music industry into treatment, writing and recording songs with kids and teens with ADHD to direct their imagination into a fun and creative effort.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as a kid gives me a clear understanding of what you or your child may be going through. I want to support you in getting out of that stuck, powerless feeling and reaching the potential I know lives in you.
Need Support?
I’m here to help you find the light within the dark places, turn your symptoms into your most powerful assets, and achieve a lasting transformation.
Let’s build a life that embraces who you are.
Contact me if you have any questions about my services or book a consultation today!