Behavioral therapy for adhd near me
ADHD Therapy Houston | ADHD/ADD Diagnosis & Testing
Top ADHD Therapist in Houston
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as ADHD/ADD, is a neurological condition that affects nearly 6 million people in the U.S. Seen in both children and adults, a patient’s ADHD symptoms can range from fidgeting and squirming to simply day-dreaming. Behavioral therapists have also identified that these behaviors, if not checked, can persist and cause problems in a patient’s personal and professional life.
The ADHD Wellness Center of Houston has a team of trained ADHD therapists – that includes psychiatrists, ADHD coaches, psychologists and psychotherapists – to help diagnose and treat ADHD in patients who show these symptoms. Led by Dr. Dawn Brown—the MD with ADHD™—we believe that ADHD therapy should involve personalized care, community participation, and a strong treatment plan. Our mission is to empower individuals with ADHD by giving them the tools they need to live a full life and access to a community that’s there to support them.
If you have concerns about you or your child possibly having ADHD, give us a call to schedule an initial consultation.
Diagnosing ADHD
At the ADHD Wellness Center of Houston, our therapists diagnose ADHD using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Whether the patient is a child or adult, our trained ADHD therapists will determine whether their disorder falls into one of three main types of ADHD.
The first of these is predominantly Inattentive ADHD. Young children with Inattentive ADHD are mistakenly viewed as being spacey or apathetic, while adults are thought to be moody or anxious. Before our ADHD therapists in Houston can diagnose you or your child with Inattentive ADHD, they must observe at least six of the following symptoms:
- Inability to pay close attention or makes careless mistakes
- Difficulty maintaining attention or focus
- Having trouble listening when spoken to
- Not able to follow through on instructions or failing to finish tasks
- Lacking organizational skills
- Avoiding tasks that involve sustained mental effort
- Losing items necessary to complete tasks
- Easily distracted by foreign or external stimuli
- Forgetful regarding daily activities
ADHD therapists have noted that more girls are diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD than boys.
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD is the second type that generally comes to mind when we think of ADHD patients; people who are highly energetic, have trouble keeping still, and speak out of turn or in inappropriate situations. People with this type might also show signs of inattentiveness, but they’re not as obvious as the other symptoms appear. To be diagnosed with predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD, therapists must observe at least six of the following symptoms:
- Squirming, fidgeting, or feeling restless
- Trouble remaining seated
- Running or climbing in inappropriate settings
- Difficulty engaging in quiet activities
- Always “on the go”
- Talking excessively
- Blurting out answers or inappropriate comments before they’re called on
- Difficulty waiting on their turn
- Interrupting others or butting into activities
The third type is Combination ADHD. As the name suggests, patients experience a combination of the first two types; they would display inattentiveness as well as hyperactivity and impulsivity.
If you’re concerned that you or your child are showing signs of any of the types of ADHD, your first step is to schedule a consultation with a therapist at Houston’s ADHD Wellness Center. Once they’ve performed a diagnosis they will be able to suggest the best treatment methods in order to help your particular type of ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD
People are unique, so it makes sense that ADHD can manifest itself differently in each patient. It also means that effective ADHD treatment needs to be individualized. The ADHD Wellness Center of Houston, under the leadership of Dr. Dawn, utilizes a variety of methods for treatment. From ADHD coaching and cognitive behavioral therapy to non-stimulant solutions, our providers prescribe a balanced course of treatment, tailored specially for each patient.
The first treatment method is ADHD Coaching, a supportive and collaborative process in which coach and client work together to determine behavior management goals.
An ADHD coach helps to identify behaviors that act as obstacles to achieving a person’s goals, then helps develop the skills, techniques, strategies, and interventions required to realistically overcome the hurdles and accomplish those objectives. It develops trust in the coach-client relationship, the process, and the outcome.
Unlike psychotherapy, ADHD coaching does not necessarily explore how a person’s past affects their present. It focuses on identifying tasks, establishing priorities, and creating an action plan. Although ADHD coaches might operate in a role similar to that of a therapist, a coach is more involved in a direct manner. For example, an ADHD coach provides unreserved advice, while psychotherapists avoid doing so. ADHD coaches are also less likely to address or challenge a person’s beliefs, since that is a characteristic feature of psychotherapy work. Ultimately,
ADHD coaching is a means for helping individuals become successful on their
terms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another form of therapy that aims to correct a patient’s behavior by modifying dysfunctional thoughts, helping them to self-regulate their feelings and actions.
CBT is a goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that operates with the theory that our cognitions—or “automatic thoughts”—alter how we feel about ourselves, which leads to practical difficulties. Mental health professionals have found tremendous success with cognitive behavioral therapy for children with ADHD, as it helps correct negative patterns of thinking at a young age. Even adults with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy. By changing their unhealthy, inner monologue to a more productive thought process, adults with ADHD have a better chance of achieving their personal and professional goals, and improving their overall mental health.
Neurological Testing is a type of psychological testing that evaluates a patient’s sensory neuron and motor responses (reflexes) to determine if their nervous system is damaged or impaired. While The ADHD Wellness Center of Houston does not believe this type of psychological testing is always necessary or appropriate, it can be used in order to help to rule out other conditions that appear similar to ADHD, such as learning disabilities, obsessive compulsive disorder, or depression.
Depending on a patient’s type and severity of ADHD, at times psychiatrists may prescribe medication to help manage the symptoms. These medications—stimulant or non-stimulant—may be specified as the sole treatment or in conjunction with ADHD coaching, counseling, or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Our therapists at The ADHD Wellness Center of Houston know that an ADHD treatment plan is not a “one size fits all.” Under the guidance of Dr. Dawn, someone with a unique perspective of ADHD, our therapists prescribe a variety of treatment methods based on each individual, after a careful and precise diagnosis. Whether the treatment includes just cognitive behavioral therapy or a combination of behavior modification with medication, it goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle. Our ADHD therapists stress the importance of having a strong support system, a healthy diet, and a regular routine that includes exercise. In doing so, we treat the person as a whole rather than a collection of symptoms.
Once you schedule your appointment at the ADHD Wellness Center of Houston, we’ll help you prepare for your first visit, really listen during your appointments, and give you actual answers and treatment options. We know that “real progress is a real possibility” and we’re always excited to help our patients, new or old, continuing our success as the Champions of the ADHD community!
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May 13, 2019 by Dr. Dawn 12 min read No comments
Almost five percent of Americans have ADHD, with numbers varying…
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which was previously known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a common childhood disorders that often lasts through adulthood. ADHD Symptoms include problems focusing and staying focused, impulsive behavior, and sometimes hyperactivity or over-activity.
The following information applies to both adults and children who may have Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Symptoms of Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Inattention
Have difficulty focusing on one thing
Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
Not seem to listen when spoken to
Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
Struggle to follow instructions.
Hyperactivity
Fidget and squirm in their seats
Talk nonstop
Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
Be constantly in motion
Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.
Impulsivity
Be very impatient
Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
Often interrupt conversations or others' activities.
CBT for ADHD
Currently available ADHD treatments focus on reducing the symptoms of ADHD and improving functioning. Treatments include medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or a combination of the two. ADHD treatments can relieve many of the disorder's symptoms, but there is no cure. With treatment, most people with ADHD can be successful in school and lead productive lives. Researchers are developing more effective treatments and interventions, and using new tools such as brain imaging, to better understand ADHD and to find more effective ways to treat and prevent it.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aims to help an individual change his or her behavior.
It might involve practical assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing work projects, or working through emotionally difficult events. CBT also teaches the individual how to monitor his or her own behavior. Learning to give oneself praise or rewards for acting in a desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting, is another goal of behavioral therapy. In addition, clear rules, organizational strategies, and other structured routines can help an individual control his or her behavior.
A cognitive behavioral therapist can help an adult with ADHD learn how to organize his or her life with tools such as a large calendar or date book, lists, reminder notes, and by assigning a special place for keys, bills, and paperwork. Large tasks can be broken down into more manageable, smaller steps so that completing each part of the task provides a sense of accomplishment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy also can help change one's poor self-image by examining the experiences that produced it.
The therapist encourages the adult with ADHD to adjust to the life changes that come with treatment, such as thinking before acting, or resisting the urge to take unnecessary risks.
Click for more information about ADHD, its causes and symptoms
Click for more information about What CBT is and How it Works
90,000 how to learn to be in society? — Career on vc.ruIn Belarus and Russia, everything is not easy with the diagnosis, treatment and psychotherapy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Drugs intended to treat ADHD are prohibited. There are no special psychotherapy programs in Russian aimed specifically at him. And there is a need for them. It is difficult for a person with ADHD to work for a long time in one place, to achieve goals, to be consistent, to solve the problems of life, it is difficult to be an adult. nine0003
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In my article I will focus on several aspects of psychotherapy that can be focused on when overcoming ADHD.
Possibilities and limitations of psychotherapy
Researchers from Ukraine noted that the effectiveness of psychotherapy in reducing ADHD symptoms ranged from 15 to 30%. That's not a lot.
It is unlikely that distractibility will decrease, hyperactivity and impulsivity will disappear.
What can make a big difference for a person with ADHD working with a psychotherapist? nine0003
- This will help him reduce anxiety, depressive symptoms.
- He will learn to live in harmony with himself
- He will seek and eventually find ways to help him work, communicate and live effectively.
What types of psychotherapy can help?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has a protocol for treating ADHD, and its principles are great for "filtering" negative thoughts. And ADHD can have many of them. nine0003
There are suitable directions for the third wave of CBT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy.
Dialectical-behavioral therapy also contains many techniques that will help: emotion recognition skills (especially good for those ADHD who have alexithymia), emotional regulation exercises, interpersonal communication training.
5 important principles of psychotherapy for ADHD
- Psychoeducation
- Self-acceptance
- Adaptation
- Emotional regulation
- Assertive communication
Psychoeducation
The client must know everything about ADHD and their symptoms, about what exacerbates them.
What distracts him? During which activities can he not concentrate, and which ones fascinate him for a long time? How does he react in situations where he did not get enough sleep or was overworked? nine0003
What other factors unsettle him?
What helps him, what harms him?
Self-acceptance
A person must learn to accept himself and his traits and not judge himself.
He is no worse than others, he has his own peculiarities. With these features, he can succeed in certain activities, and it is very important to find out in which ones.
Removing judgment is very important. When a person gets rid of self-flagellation and begins to concentrate on his strengths, he will begin to grow internally and achieve external success. nine0003
Some employers might not like this (they say why would they accept it as inconvenient). But at the very beginning, self-criticism must be removed completely.
Adaptation
Important! Not adaptation to the world, they say, there are such conditions, and I have to adapt to them and be almost like everyone else. A search for conditions that are already suitable now.
For example, not a noisy open space, but a small office.
Not working in the office for 8 hours, but alternating indoor and outdoor activities. nine0003
Don't force yourself to do one task for three hours, but do two tasks at the same time for 40 minutes, switching every few minutes if it's comfortable.
If there are deadlines, choose for yourself the time, place, environment in which you can meet the deadlines.
Do not abuse coffee, alcohol and other substances to help yourself.
Emotional regulation
When emotions go off scale, a person cannot return to normal for a long time. Teaching him to regulate strong emotions will greatly help him communicate. For example, there is such an exercise Traffic light. A person evaluates his mood as red, yellow or green, depending on the degree of intensity of emotions. If red - he should not make important decisions and start important conversations. nine0003
Assertive communication
Tell friends and family about yourself. About how they shouldn't behave. How to support. Why be lenient.
Learn non-violent communication, no manipulation, no abrupt withdrawals. Take a few breaths before blurting out something rude. Don't label people.
Learn to ask others what they think and feel, what they expect.
Learn to admit to what a person with ADHD cannot.
This will make life much easier.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD: how does it work?
This article is a translation of material from the group of authors CARL SHERMAN, PH.D., J. RUSSELL RAMSAY, PH.D., KAREN BARROW. Original here
ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic, persistent delay in self-regulation skills. It includes procrastination, disorganization, poor time management, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity. Although these problems are not included in the official diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they are common in adults with the condition, making it difficult for them to regulate their emotions and behaviors. nine0003
People who grow up with ADHD (especially if it has not been diagnosed) face more frequent and frustrating setbacks in life situations - at work, in social interactions and daily organization.
Because of these many failures, adults with ADHD become self-critical and pessimistic.
This, in turn, sometimes causes them to experience negative emotions, cognitive distortions and unhealthy self-beliefs. People living with ADHD often think they are to blame when things don't go well, although in many cases this is not the case. They can bring the same pessimism into the future, imagining that tomorrow will be just as bad as today. nine0003
Cognitive distortions
Demoralizing thoughts and beliefs that prevent people from doing what they want are actually not always logical and can be challenged. As CBT shows, these thought processes are distorted in a certain characteristic way:
All or nothing thinking. You see everything as completely good or completely bad: if you don't do something perfectly, you have failed.
Excessive generalization. You see one negative event as part of a pattern: for example, you always forget to pay your bills.
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Mind reading. You think you know what people think about you or what you've done, and that's bad.
Divination. You predict that everything will turn out badly.
Exaggeration and minimization. You exaggerate the importance of minor problems, belittling your achievements.
Must statements. You focus on how things should be, leading to harsh self-criticism as well as resentment towards others. nine0003
Personalization. You blame yourself for negative events and downplay the responsibility of others.
Negative orientation, negative filter . You only see the negative aspects of any experience.
Emotional reasoning. You assume that your negative feelings reflect reality: having a bad attitude towards your job means "I'm not doing well and will probably get fired."
Comparative thinking. You compare yourself to others and feel inadequate, even though the comparison may not be realistic.
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Learning to recognize these distorted thoughts will help you replace them with realistic thinking.
“Understanding how you think is an effective starting point for making changes in your life,” says J. Russell Ramsay, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. “Changing thoughts and changing behavior go hand in hand. Expanding your perspective on a situation allows you to expand the ways in which you can deal with it.” nine0003
Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) suffer from dangerously low self-esteem and persistent negative thoughts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a short-term, targeted form of psychotherapy that aims to change these negative thought patterns and change how the patient feels about themselves, their abilities, and their future. Think of it as brain training for ADHD.
Originally aimed at treating mood disorders, CBT is based on the recognition that cognitive abilities, or automatic thoughts lead to emotional difficulties.
Automatic thoughts are spontaneous interpretations of events. These impressions are subject to distortions, such as unwarranted assumptions about the self (or others), the situation, or the future. Such unhealthy internal dialogues prevent a person from working towards an intended goal, developing new productive habits, or even taking calculated risks.
CBT seeks to change the irrational thought patterns that prevent people from staying on task. For the person with ADHD who thinks: " It has to be perfect, otherwise it's no good " or " I never do anything right ", CBT challenges the truth of these cognitive beliefs.
Changing distorted thoughts and, as a result, changing behavior patterns is effective in treating anxiety and other emotional problems.
How exactly does CBT improve ADHD in adults?
CBT helps patients cope with everyday problems.
CBT intervenes to help manage procrastination, time management, and other common difficulties—not to treat the underlying symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
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CBT sessions focus on identifying situations in which poor planning, disorganization, and poor time and task management create problems in the patient's daily life.
Sessions can help a person cope with responsibilities such as paying bills on time or completing work, and encourage efforts for personal fulfillment and well-being, such as sleep, exercise, or hobbies.
The study of ADHD is always a good starting point, as it reinforces the notion that ADHD is not a character flaw and shows the neurological basis of daily problems. nine0003
Most adults with ADHD say, " I know what I need to do, but I don't." Although they have plans for what they want or need to do, they do not carry them out. CBT focuses on adopting coping strategies, managing negative expectations and emotions, and creating behavioral patterns that interfere with strategies.
The goals and agenda for CBT sessions are created based on the scenarios and challenges the patient has encountered.
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What does a typical CBT session look like?
CBT is administered in a variety of formats, and each therapist will tailor sessions to suit the individual needs of the patient. The agenda of each session serves as a guideline for determining when the discussion deviates from the intended course.
The first sessions usually include an introduction to CBT, the structure of the sessions, setting and clarifying goals for therapy (making them specific, realistic, and actionable), and developing action plans for what the patient will do outside of the office. nine0003
Subsequent sessions focus on identifying the most important life situations affecting the patient and developing skills to cope with these situations.
One of the myths about CBT is that it ignores childhood and the past. These early life experiences are the raw material from which people develop deep-rooted, unconscious beliefs and rules about "how the world works" and what our role is in it.
