ADHD Therapy and Counseling
Serving the North Shore and Chicagoland
What Do Leading Experts and Trusted Medical Organizations Say About ADHD Treatment
- A Multimodal approach is emphasized as best practice:Current research and clinical guidelines favor a combination of treatments for effective ADHD management across all ages (Barkley, 2015; Sibley et al., 2014).
- School-aged children: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using both FDA-approved medication (when appropriate) and professionally delivered behavior therapy (Wolraich et al., 2019).
- Adolescents and Adults: The American Psychological Association recommends combined medication and psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (APA, 2022).
- Additional therapeutic and support components: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the importance of developing executive functioning skills and providing family support in ADHD care (CDC, 2022).
- Individualized treatment is key: Evidence supports treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of the individual, potentially including medication management, psychotherapy, skills training, accommodations, and regular monitoring (Barkley, 2015; Sibley et al., 2014).
Our Approach at Bedrock Psychology Group
Here at BPG we work with teens and adults struggling with ADHD. The research cited above is the Bedrock of our approach to treating ADHD. From that, we focus our ADHD therapy services on the following areas:
Executive Function Skills:
Executive functioning refers to the cognitive skills that allow us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, inhibit impulses, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. These brain-based skills are crucial for achieving goals. To read more about executive functioning and the skills we can help with, please read our article here.
Emotional Support:
Individuals with ADHD tend to receive so much negative feedback from others that, over time, their confidence and self-esteem begin to erode. In turn, they may start to experience intense and overwhelming negative emotions. At the same time, those with ADHD also have trouble regulating their emotions. In other words, they struggle not only with the _content_ of their emotions but also the _process_ of experiencing them. Our approach to ADHD therapy pays extra attention to this dynamic through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This approach helps individuals restructure negative thought patterns and develop practical strategies for managing symptoms and improving daily functioning.
Collaborative Care:
While we do not prescribe medication, we know that ADHD medications can be a game-changer for many people. We also understand and respect that not everyone wants to go down this path. However, for those who are connected to a psychiatrist or other prescribers, we will work closely with them to ensure that you have a cohesive care team (with your consent, of course). For those not yet connected, we can provide referrals to trusted prescribers in the North Shore community so that you can explore your medication options.
Parent Education and Support:
If you have a child with ADHD, the following may sound frustrating and overwhelming: It is incumbent upon you to become an ADHD expert and a Superhero for your child. We know it is frustrating and often painful to watch your child struggle, and we also know how draining it is for a parent to remain patient and empathetic with your child. Parents of kids with ADHD are prone to compassion fatigue. Let us educate, support, and empower you to be a super parent and to help your child unleash their own superpowers.