Helpful Information and Resources
ADHD Across the Lifespan
I love working with Adults with ADHD as this is a group of people who although faced with unique challenges, also are known for having an obtuse sense of humor and creative way of viewing the world. After traveling along my own journey of self discovery, I was finally diagnosed later in life and discovered that I was not alone in my unique way of looking at life. After attending CHADD for a few years I began to develop a great fondness for this unique tribe that I connected with. For this reason I have spent a great deal of time studying and keeping abreast of the latest research in this unique area. If you too, love research, then check out the APSARD site for the latest findings. I love Barkley's research, as thorough as can possibly be, however, it is Ned Hallowell's unique spin that I resonate best with! I love to help people find their strengths and assist with how to view problems through a slightly different lens than they have most likely encountered previously.
Although, having a great sense of humor and positive outlook does not address the chronic problems of untreated Adult ADHD, which can lead to decrease in socioeconomics due to failure to implement great ideas. Learning to identify these tendencies is important in helping individuals and couples learn how to harness the strengths and manage the weaknesses of Adult ADHD.
Trauma and Addiction: Tools for Recovery
American Society of Addiction Medicine: https://www.asam.org
Latest information on Addiction Medicine.
Trauma: "The Body Keeps the Score"
Coping With Stress: 7 Tips for Overcoming Life’s Obstacles
It's important to keep a pocket of survival strategies that we can turn to, here are a few:
1. Breathe in through your nose while counting to 5, hold for 2, then out through your mouth for 5. 5x before you speak.
2. Drink a glass of water
3. Pet the cat/dog.
4. Handy pocket book of jokes...
5. Gum
6. Philosophy book, "The Wisdom of Insecurity."
7. Fast walk around the block, gets your blood moving and gets the e-motion from turning into cortisol.
Exploring Family Dynamics
Yikes! Ouch! Another glass? Breathe and leave the room. Move to another state? Change your name? Family, they connect and sometimes hold us where we don't want to be...And they also can help us to grow...Learning to use adversity to strengthen one's psychological flexibility, understanding the gifts of resiliency that life can bring us...
Mindfulness and Gratitude
Mindfulness and the ability to be present in the moment is the key to most of the successful therapeutic strategies today. Much research has been done in understanding the plasticity of the brain and the ability to reevaluate the passive role of our mentation, to one of active awareness. Additionally, the role of exercise, meditation, and healthy lifestyle has a profound impact on our daily mood.