We help people develop and grow with life's challenges

ADHD

About ADHD

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels in ways that can impact learning, work, and relationships across the lifespan. In Australia, the Young Minds Matter survey found around 7% of children and adolescents aged 4-17 met criteria for ADHD in the past 12 months, and adult prevalence varies by study (Australian Government Department of Health, 2013-14).

How ADHD can show up

  • Attention regulation: Difficulty sustaining focus, switching tasks, or filtering distractions, with occasional periods of intense focus.
  • Impulsivity: Acting quickly, interrupting, or making rapid decisions that feel hard to pause or plan.
  • Hyperactivity or restlessness: Fidgeting, pacing, or an internal sense of needing to move.
  • Executive functioning: Challenges with organisation, time management, prioritising, and follow-through.
  • Emotional regulation: Big feelings, low frustration tolerance, and rapid shifts in mood.
  • Co-occurring experiences: Anxiety, learning differences, sleep issues, or low self-esteem that can shape day-to-day impact.

Further information about ADHD

  • Predominantly inattentive presentation: Attention difficulties and disorganisation are most prominent.
  • Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation: Restlessness and impulsivity are most prominent.
  • Combined presentation: Both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive features are present.
  • Across the lifespan: ADHD can look different in children, adolescents, and adults, and masking may change how it is noticed.

Self-help ideas for ADHD

  • Use external structure like calendars, reminders, and visual lists.
  • Break tasks into smaller steps and use timers for focus sprints.
  • Create low-distraction spaces and plan for regular movement breaks.
  • Build accountability with check-ins or body-doubling.
  • Notice strengths and celebrate progress to support motivation.

When to see a psychologist or counsellor

It may be helpful to seek support when ADHD experiences are affecting daily life or wellbeing.

  • Focus, organisation, or impulsivity difficulties disrupt work, study, or relationships.
  • Overwhelm, burnout, or low self-esteem is becoming persistent.
  • Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or sleep issues are present.
  • You are seeking diagnostic clarity or support planning.

How we help with ADHD

  • Psychoeducation to understand ADHD patterns and strengths.
  • Practical strategies for organisation, attention, and time management.
  • Support with emotional regulation and stress management.
  • Therapy for co-occurring concerns like anxiety or low mood.
  • Collaboration with schools, GPs, or psychiatrists when relevant.