Coping With ADHD Symptoms: How Hypnotherapy Can Help

Read on to discover how hypnotherapy might be able to help people cope with ADHD symptoms, improving their sense of being in control over their actions, thoughts and choices. Hypnotherapy can improve self-esteem which will result from a better sense of control, and self-worth will follow. Better control will lead to a greater feeling of competence and, ultimately, if life is easier, then stress and anxiety will be reduced.

What is ADHD?

ADHD, short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects how people pay attention, control their impulses, and manage their energy levels. It can make it hard to focus, stay organised, and control behaviour.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

There are three main types of ADHD

Inattentive Type: People with this type may struggle to pay attention, follow instructions, and keep things organised.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: This type is marked by lots of energy, fidgeting, impulsiveness, and acting without thinking.

Combined Type: This combines symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

Doctors diagnose ADHD based on a mix of symptoms, personal history, and feedback from family and teachers. While there's no cure, treatments like medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve daily life.

ADHD in Women

Amidst the upheaval of the COVID-19 lockdown a significant number of women in mid-life were recognising ADHD traits within themselves. Previously, ADHD had been largely perceived as a condition afflicting boys, diagnosed by predominantly male psychologists. However, as the pandemic forced introspection and disrupted daily routines, women began to realise that ADHD was not exclusive to males and could manifest at any stage of life.

Why is the number of people being diagnosed with ADHD rising?

Why are we only now acknowledging the prevalence of ADHD in female children and adults? What role did the COVID lockdown play in this realisation? I believe the answer lies in a combination of factors. Spending extended periods confined with hyperactive children during lockdown prompted many parents to seek ADHD diagnoses for their children, leading to a cascade of self-discovery as parents recognised similarities in their own behaviour.

Lockdown and ADHD

The lockdown itself thrust us into a world of introspection, stripping away the scaffolding of our daily routines. Suddenly faced with managing our time independently, we uncovered difficulties previously masked by the structure of our lives. For some, working from home brought joy, while for others, it exacerbated feelings of distraction, procrastination, and chaos, often creating anxiety and frustration.

Treatment options for ADHD

While medication can be a solution for ADHD, obtaining a diagnosis and prescription can be particularly challenging for mature women. Traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may offer relief, but outcomes can be inconclusive, and access may be limited by long waiting lists.

Hypnotherapy and ADHD

I believe hypnotherapy holds immense potential for helping people with ADHD. Unlike traditional psychotherapy, which delves into the subconscious to uncover repressed memories, solution-focused hypnotherapy empowers clients to discover their own solutions and perspectives.

By inducing a state of deep relaxation, hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious mind's innate wisdom, offering a pathway to positive change.

Solution focussed hypnotherapy works on the premise that, once we disconnect from our conscious brain, which is filled with anxieties, fears, and negative thoughts, our subconscious knows what we want, what we need to do, and the best path for us to follow.

During a  very deep and focused state of relaxation, your subconscious mind will work on resolving the issues. Hypnotic trance is very similar to REM sleep – and to day-dreaming – and uses the same theta frequencies of brainwave. It's just like we wake up from a good night’s sleep with a solution to yesterday’s apparently insurmountable problem or lose focus in a daydream and then, as if by magic, we have a 'brainwave'.

We emerge from a hypnotic trance, not just in a very relaxed and calm state of mind, but with a change of focus and of perspective. We will not necessarily be conscious of what has changed but it will gradually become apparent. It has the potential to bring about great changes in our lives.

A brief and effective solution to symptoms of ADHD

One of the remarkable aspects of hypnotherapy is its ability to facilitate rapid and lasting change. While traditional therapies may require prolonged treatment periods, solution-focused hypnotherapy often yields tangible improvements in just a few sessions. By focusing on the present and future rather than delving into past traumas, hypnotherapy empowers clients to break free from negative patterns and embrace new perspectives. Clients emerge from sessions feeling empowered, with renewed clarity and a sense of purpose.

Solution-focused hypnotherapy is never a cure-all, but for a motivated client, good outcomes with tangible and measurable improvements can be expected after a brief series of sessions (six to 10 on average).

Coping with ADHD, how hypnotherapy can help

I believe that hypnotherapy has great potential for people with ADHD by improving the sense of being in control over actions, thoughts, and choices. It can improve self-esteem which will result from a better sense of control, and self-worth will follow. Better control will lead to a greater feeling of competence and, ultimately, if life is easier, then stress and anxiety will be reduced. There are no age constraints, and hypnotherapy is safe for both children and adults, both can experience great benefits.

Through guided relaxation and solution-focused questioning, clients learn to access their subconscious resources and develop coping strategies for managing impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity. By fostering a sense of empowerment and autonomy, hypnotherapy helps people with ADHD regain control over their actions, thoughts, and choices.

Accessible and safe therapy

Hypnotherapy sessions can be conducted online, providing a convenient and effective option for clients seeking support.

Whether facing ADHD challenges as a child or adult, hypnotherapy offers a safe and transformative journey towards empowerment and well-being.

Ready to explore hypnotherapy for ADHD?

If you're curious about how hypnotherapy can support you or someone you know to cope with ADHD symptoms, please don't hesitate to reach out, I'd be very happy to speak to you.

Together, we can navigate this journey towards understanding, empowerment, and a brighter future.

Thank you for reading!

Elaine