Counselling Support for Adults with ADHD
Living with ADHD as an adult can be exhausting. Perhaps you struggle with executive function, feel constantly overwhelmed by tasks others find simple, or battle with emotional dysregulation that leaves you feeling ashamed. Maybe you’ve only recently been diagnosed (or are seeking diagnosis) and you’re trying to understand what this means for your life.
You might experience:
- Difficulty with focus, organization, or time management
- Emotional intensity or rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD)
- Impulsivity in decisions, spending, or relationships
- Burnout from constantly trying to “mask” or appear neurotypical
- Shame or self-criticism about struggling with “basic” tasks
- Relationship difficulties or communication challenges
- Low self-esteem from years of feeling “different” or “wrong”
You’re not broken. Your brain just works differently – and counselling can help you understand yourself better, develop strategies that actually work for you, and build self-compassion.
I’m Kate Baillie, a BACP accredited counsellor with lived experience supporting family members with ADHD. I offer compassionate, neurodivergent-affirming counselling both online throughout the UK and in-person in Bedford.
How ADHD Counselling Can Help
Understanding Your ADHD Brain
We’ll explore how ADHD shows up uniquely for you – your strengths, challenges, and the patterns that have developed over your lifetime.
Processing Your Feelings
Late diagnosis, years of feeling “different,” shame, grief for what might have been – these are real and valid. Counselling provides space to process these emotions.
Building Practical Strategies
Together we’ll discover coping mechanisms that work with your brain, not against it. This might include tools for emotional regulation, time management, or relationship communication.
Addressing Co-Occurring Issues
ADHD often exists alongside anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties. We’ll work with all of what you bring.
Developing Self-Compassion
Many adults with ADHD have internalized harsh criticism. We’ll work on building a kinder, more understanding relationship with yourself.
My Approach to ADHD Counselling
I use a neurodivergent-affirming, person-centred approach that recognizes ADHD is a difference, not a deficit.
My approach includes:
- Understanding neurodivergence – working with your brain’s natural wiring
- Somatic approaches – body-based regulation strategies
- Parts work – exploring different aspects of self (including “masking”)
- Attachment and relational work – healing relationship patterns
- Practical tools – breathwork, grounding, emotional regulation techniques
I also have lived experience supporting family members with ADHD, which brings additional understanding and empathy to our work together.
Online ADHD Counselling UK-Wide
Secure video sessions via Zoom available throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Online counselling can be particularly accessible for ADHD clients – no travel stress, and you can be in your own comfortable environment.
In-Person ADHD Counselling in Bedford
Face-to-face sessions in Bedford, Bedfordshire, easily accessible from Luton, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.
Common Questions About ADHD Counselling
Do I need a formal diagnosis?
No – if you relate to ADHD traits and they’re affecting your life, counselling can still be helpful whether or not you have a formal diagnosis.
Will you teach me organizational skills?
While I can offer some practical strategies, counselling is primarily about understanding yourself, processing emotions, and addressing underlying issues. For specific ADHD coaching, I can suggest additional resources.
What if I struggle to focus in sessions?
That’s completely fine! We’ll work with your attention span – breaks are okay, fidgeting is okay, and we’ll find what works for you.
Can counselling help with RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria)?
Yes – exploring the roots of RSD and developing regulation strategies is definitely something we can work on together.
Ready to Start?
If you’re looking for understanding, support, and practical help navigating ADHD, I’d be glad to speak with you.
Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation.
Kate Baillie Counselling 