Online Therapy for
ADHD is not a lack of effort, it's a different brain that needs different tools
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, impulse control, and activity regulation. Some people are diagnosed in adulthood. Psychological support can help some people develop strategies and address the emotional impact of living with ADHD, alongside assessment and care from appropriate clinical services.
General information, not medical advice
This page is for general information and does not diagnose, treat, or replace advice from a GP or other qualified health professional. If symptoms are new, severe, worsening, or you are worried about your safety, seek appropriate medical or urgent support.
Signs and symptoms
You might be experiencing adhd if you recognise any of the following:
- Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks, especially less stimulating ones
- Easily distracted by external stimuli or internal thoughts
- Forgetting daily tasks, appointments, and responsibilities
- Difficulty with organisation, planning, and time management
- Impulsivity, acting without thinking, difficulty waiting
- Emotional dysregulation, intense emotional reactions
- Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), extreme sensitivity to criticism
- Hyperfocus on high-interest activities
What causes adhd?
ADHD is rarely caused by a single factor. Common contributing factors include:
- Genetic factors, ADHD has a strong hereditary component
- Neurological differences in dopamine regulation and brain development
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Exposure to toxins during pregnancy
How therapy can help
ADHD itself is neurological and isn't resolved through talking alone, but talking therapy is often where the years of accumulated shame, low self-esteem, and self-criticism from living with unrecognised or untreated ADHD actually get addressed. Alongside this, therapy focuses on developing personalised, practical strategies for the specific challenges ADHD creates: executive function, time management, relationships, and emotional regulation.
Therapeutic approaches we use
Talking Therapy for Emotional Impact
Addresses the shame, low self-esteem, and self-criticism that often build up over years of living with unrecognised or unsupported ADHD.
CBT for ADHD
Adapted CBT targeting the specific cognitive and behavioural challenges of ADHD, procrastination, disorganisation, time-blindness, and emotional reactivity.
ADHD Coaching-Informed Therapy
Combines therapeutic support with practical skill-building around organisation, planning, and self-regulation.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Builds emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills, addressing the emotional dysregulation that accompanies ADHD.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diagnosis to access therapy for ADHD?
Access rules vary by service. Talking support may help with particular difficulties whether or not someone has a diagnosis, but it does not replace an ADHD assessment where one is needed.
Can therapy replace ADHD medication?
Medication and talking support serve different purposes and one should not be stopped or replaced without medical advice. A qualified prescriber can discuss medication, while therapy may support skills and emotional concerns.
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?
Yes. ADHD can be diagnosed in adults after an appropriate specialist assessment. Difficulties with attention, organisation, or impulsivity can have different causes, so a webpage cannot determine whether ADHD is present.
Is ADHD therapy different from regular therapy?
Support may be adapted for attention, organisation, memory, communication, or sensory needs. Ask a therapist about relevant training, the adjustments they offer, and how these fit your goals.
Content information and sources
Editorial status: Content checked against UK clinical guidance and NHS information. Reviewed . This is an editorial check; no named clinician is represented as having reviewed this page.
Authoritative UK sources relevant to this topic:
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