Helping Women

Because ADHD in women is frequently under-identified—and many clinicians have limited training in its presentation—treatment often centers on more familiar concerns such as anxiety, mood, trauma, or relationship difficulties. While these are important areas of focus, it is equally essential to identify and address the ADHD-related patterns that may contribute to or intensify these challenges.

If you are wondering whether ADHD may be relevant for you, consider the following:

“Could I have ADHD if I did well in elementary school?”
Yes. ADHD in girls is often overlooked in early years. Many girls develop strong compensatory strategies and may present primarily with inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity, allowing difficulties to go unnoticed.

“How can I tell whether my attention difficulties are due to anxiety or ADHD?”
Anxiety and ADHD commonly co-occur. With ADHD, patterns of inattention and distractibility are typically ongoing and may become more pronounced during periods of heightened anxiety.

“I’ve often felt that I don’t quite fit in with other women.”
This is a frequently reported experience. Women with ADHD may perceive themselves as less organized, more impulsive, or less socially fluent compared to peers, which can contribute to a persistent sense of difference.

“I feel emotionally sensitive—could this be related to ADHD?”
Many women with ADHD experience what is known as rejection sensitive dysphoria, characterized by heightened emotional responses to perceived criticism or rejection. This often develops alongside longstanding feelings of self-doubt or not fitting in.

“I’m frequently running late and feel overwhelmed.”
Chronic time management difficulties and a sense of overwhelm are common in ADHD. Many women describe feeling as though they are constantly managing competing demands without sufficient structure or support.

“I often misplace important items.”
Difficulties with organization and sustained attention can lead to frequent misplacement of belongings, particularly in the context of a busy or multitasking lifestyle.

“I struggle with impulsivity—spending, overcommitting, or starting tasks without finishing them.”
Impulsivity is a core feature of ADHD. These patterns can increase stress and interfere with effective daily functioning.

If these experiences resonate with you, a 90-minute diagnostic consultation can help clarify whether ADHD is present and inform appropriate next steps.

For those considering medication, I collaborate with a psychiatrist who has extensive experience in treating women with ADHD.

Individual Psychotherapy
In therapy, my approach is to work collaboratively with you to:

• Identify your sources of stress and functional challenges
• Building a healthy lifestyle to improve your mood and daily functioning
• Develop practical strategies to improve your daily organization and follow-through
• Address unhelpful or self-critical thinking patterns that have become habitual
• Build a more accurate, strengths-based understanding of your abilities

The focus is on reducing day-to-day stress while building a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Group Therapy

Group therapy can be a valuable adjunct to individual treatment for women with ADHD. It provides an opportunity for shared learning, mutual support, and normalization of common experiences.

Group Structure and Guidelines:

• Participation is open to women who have first engaged in individual therapy with me
• Sessions are kept affordable at $75 per session
• Groups are intentionally small (6–8 participants) to allow for meaningful participation
• Enrollment occurs in 4-week blocks, with advance registration required

Each session begins with a brief, structured presentation on an ADHD-related topic, followed by open discussion. Participants are encouraged to suggest topics relevant to their needs and experiences.

The group offers a consistent, supportive environment in which to develop insight, build skills, and connect with others facing similar challenges.