ADHD Therapy

Is ADHD Affecting Your Teen’s Academic And Social Functioning?

Are they unable to pay attention in school and complete assignments?

Do they struggle to make new connections and maintain friendships?

Have you been feeling helpless and stressed out trying to support them?

Maybe your teen is forgetful, easily distracted, and has trouble following instructions. Perhaps they suffer from mood swings, impulsive behavior, and low frustration tolerance. ADHD might impact their social life, too, causing them to dominate conversations, interrupt others, and neglect social outings because of low self-esteem. As a result, you may find yourself considering an ADHD therapist for your teen.

Your Teen’s ADHD Could Put A Strain On Your Relationship With Them

The more they struggle, the more you want to get involved. But because they’re a teenager now, they probably want their independence. When you try to intervene, they might be moody, irritable, and easily agitated. Eventually, your teen’s struggles could lead to tension and conflict within your family.

Deep down, you probably just want to see your adolescent thrive in school, social situations, and every area of their life. If this is how you feel, we encourage you to connect with us. Here at Equity Associates, our empowering approach to therapy can help your teen live life without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged by the challenges of ADHD.

Our Fast-Paced, Overstimulating World Makes Life With ADHD Much Harder

According to the CDC, roughly 10 percent of school-aged children have ADHD.* The causes of ADHD aren’t entirely clear, but there are several factors that may contribute to the disorder, including genetics, brain development, and prenatal exposures.

Although there is no evidence to suggest that societal factors directly cause ADHD, the chaotic, overstimulating nature of modern life only adds to the woes of people with ADHD. Teens today are surrounded by technology 24/7, making it hard to focus on one task at a time. Between social media, video games, and online learning, adolescents with ADHD face more distractions than previous generations ever did.

Parenting A Teen With ADHD Is Incredibly Difficult

Many parents blame themselves for being unable to help kids with ADHD, but it’s not their fault. ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that often requires specialized treatment. It usually takes a trained professional to piece together all the complexities of ADHD and figure out how they’re connected. After all, the symptoms of ADHD vary from person to person.

This is why seeing a therapist is so vital. With the right support, your teen can make sense of their struggles and learn evidence-based strategies for managing their symptoms.

Therapy Can Help Your Teen Manage ADHD And Improve Their Daily Functioning

Although ADHD is often thought of as a weakness, this actually isn’t the case. In many ways, ADHD can be a superpower. It can help teens with creativity, multi-tasking, problem-solving, and many other areas of life. Therapy can help your teen learn to harness ADHD to their advantage and view their condition in a more positive light.

Additionally, we’ll give your teen skills for increasing their focus, reducing impulse control, and staying organized. We’ll support their academic and career goals and teach them ways to improve their social life. Along the way, you can expect to play an integral role in your teen’s journey. We’ll equip you with parenting skills and resources that you can use in daily life with your teenager.

What To Expect In ADHD Counseling Sessions

Our practice offers both individual and group therapy for teens with ADHD. Although individual sessions can be helpful, we generally find that there’s no substitute for the power of group therapy. It’s a chance for teens to realize that there are so many kids with the same challenges as them. Through our CREWS counseling groups, your teen can experience validation, understanding, and newfound social support.

In addition to standard therapy, Equity Associates provides integrated, school-based mental health treatment. We can collaborate with your child’s school to bring mental health professionals and services into the school setting. This way, they can access therapeutic care in between classes and throughout their day.

Creating Your Teen’s ADHD Treatment Plan

The central approach that our practice uses to treat ADHD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This approach can help teens with ADHD do each of the following:

• Manage their time and organize their daily activities more effectively.
• Improve their social skills by working on active listening and clear communication.
• Reframe negative thoughts and develop more positive self-talk.
• Modify their behavior and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.

By focusing on every area of their life, CBT can help your teenager improve their schooling, their social life, and their relationship with you.

Dealing with ADHD can be difficult and frustrating, but with the right tools and support, it’s possible for your adolescent to manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning. We’ve helped many kids learn to thrive with ADHD and we’re confident that we can do the same for your child.

You May Have Some Questions And Concerns About ADHD Therapy…

What if my teenager doesn’t want to go to therapy?

Oftentimes, teens don’t want to go to therapy because they fear it will just mean another adult telling them how to behave. The opposite is the case. At Equity Associates, we meet teens on their own level and seek to help them find the answers within themselves. We’ll explore your adolescent’s interests and strengths, actively listen to their fears and concerns, and show empathy and understanding toward their struggles. We also want to hear their unique perspective on ADHD rather than assume that we know what they’re going through.

Will my teenager have to go on medication?

No, they won’t. Medication can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of ADHD and improving a child’s ability to focus. At the same time, medication is not always the answer. There are other treatment options for ADHD. We’ll work with you and your teen to create a treatment plan that takes both of your concerns and preferences into account.

What if my teen gets labeled or stigmatized?

The stigma surrounding mental health is a very real and valid concern for parents and their children. Nonetheless, seeking help is a sign of strength. Among young people today, this view is becoming increasingly common, as more and more teens are turning to therapy to improve their lives.

What’s more, our sessions are 100-percent confidential and non-judgmental. The focus of Equity Associates is on providing emotional support and practical strategies for managing ADHD rather than judging or labeling the client.

Your Teen Doesn’t Have To Feel Discouraged By ADHD

In fact, they can learn to use ADHD as an asset and manage it in a way that benefits their school life, home life, and social life. To connect with an ADHD therapist, use the contact form or call us at 866-633-4288 to schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation.

* https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html