ADHD Therapist San Diego, CA

Do you find that you are often forgetful, impulsive, or easily distracted?

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Seeing an ADHD therapist can help you break undesired patterns and develop effective strategies to feel in control, and feel more capable than ever before

Do you get easily distracted, or feel like it takes a lot – or even too much – effort to sustain attention? Do you (or others) feel like your mind is often elsewhere and lead others to feel as though you are not listening, even when spoken to directly? Is it difficult to be/stay organized? Do you often lose or forget things that are needed for the task or activity at-hand? Or perhaps you feel so filled with energy that it can be difficult to wait your turn, which results in interrupting/finishing the sentences of others? Maybe you always feel “on the go”, often fidget, or have difficulty sitting still? Has it been brought to your attention that you don’t know how to have a good time quietly, or that you talk excessively? Whether or not you answered “yes” enough times to identify with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), enough “yes” answers can often lead to struggles with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, motivation, and more as you continue to think to yourself “why is _____ so easy for everyone else?”, or even “what’s wrong with me???”.

Truth is, not only is there nothing wrong with you, but you are NOT alone

In fact, you are one of millions that experience these same struggles and have the ability to overcome them… even if you’ve known these struggles for your entire life. In fact, research indicates that approximately 129 million children and 61 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD.^[1] Additionally, if you consider how previous research has also indicated that 85% of children with ADHD are liable to maintain their diagnosis in adulthood^[2] – and that it is widely believed that ADHD statistics are highly under reported – you are easily one of hundreds of millions. Furthermore, symptoms associated with ADHD do NOT indicate or have any correlation to your intelligence or ability to succeed in life. Michael Phelps, Karina Smirnoff, Ty Pennington, Adam Levine, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jordan, Richard Branson, JFK, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein… heard of any of them? Haha. If you ask me, ADHD symptoms are really just indicators of a different way of thinking. If you are not familiar with ADHD and would like to learn more about the millions of others that experience these same struggles visit the Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) website.

1. chadd.org
2. additudemag.com

ADHD Counseling and Therapy Can Help

ADHD counseling and therapy can help find the solutions to life-long obstacles that have kept you from where you want to be, and build the self-esteem that continues to fade with each and every setback or “careless mistake”. When it comes to living a successful life with ADHD, I can tell you first-hand that it is absolutely possible. Not only are there numerous therapeutic, mindful, and solution-focused techniques that you can learn to improve ineffective – at times self-destructive – patterns in your life, but I am one of those hundreds of millions… just like you. In fact, whatever symptom(s) you struggle with, specifically, I can assure you that I will be able to understand because I qualify for every associated symptom of ADHD. Haha, yes, you read that correctly… Every. Single. One. Simply put, I will be understanding and compassionate; every time, no matter how many times. No shame. No judgement. I can help you learn lasting coping techniques to improve motivation, structure, productivity and self-esteem in your life; and decrease – or even eliminate – patterns that result in forgetfulness, distraction, and feelings of shame or helplessness.

In ADHD therapy, you will learn how to:

What to Expect in a Session with an ADHD Therapist?

An ADHD therapist can help you identify and adjust the patterns in your life that leave you feeling frustrated and stuck, and learn techniques to accomplish your goals and see how capable you really are. In ADHD therapy, I begin by providing a safe space for you to share all of your current struggles and how they impact you. We will then identify and set goals based on how you would like your life to look moving forward. Once I have a better understanding of your current struggles and goals, I will tailor my ADHD treatment approach to you and how it can help your life. I will help you learn lasting coping skills, systems and self-esteem techniques that you can practice with me in session, and when on your own, that are both effective and feel authentic to you. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques to assist with symptoms of ADHD including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Positive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy Practices and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Together, we can make what was once felt impossible feel doable. Learn more about the ADHD treatments I use in sessions.

Why Book an ADHD Therapy Session with Me?

As I mentioned earlier, in addition to my years of experience working with ADHD, I have personally experienced the feelings, struggles and frustration that can result from having ADHD. I remember truly not knowing why I just said or did something, and not understanding how certain things kept happening. I also remember feeling embarrassed or frustrated with myself as a result. And I knew I had ADHD… it wasn’t because I didn’t know to look for it. In fact, in my family, my dad was the only one that didn’t have ADHD. However, seeing ADHD every day in my family and in myself provided me with numerous examples and opportunities to learn, practice and refine effective strategies to more easily navigate obstacles and feel better about myself in the process. It was these strategies that allowed me to go off to college, then graduate school, and continue to where I am today; despite what many saw for me, including myself at times. I have worked with both children and adults with ADHD – or associated symptoms – throughout my career in a variety of circumstances and treatment settings including school, community-based mental health care, and private practice. I have successfully helped many individuals improve the patterns in their life that were affecting school, work, relationships and their self-esteem through normalizing, understanding and addressing what specifically gets in the way and throws things off course.

I understand. I get you. I see you.

I won’t get mad at you, judge you, or shame you. Ever. I won’t ever think you’re “too much” or get offended if I am interrupted or your mind appears elsewhere. I honestly just want to help. There is so much that is wonderful and powerful about having ADHD, and I want you to see it too. Although there are times where it is most effective to do otherwise, there are so many times your ADHD can be utilized to benefit you and become a strength! After making this connection in my own life, I realized I was capable of so much more than I gave myself credit for; and I want it to do the same for you. I will provide you with the skills, guidance and patience to better navigate your hardships so you can feel empowered and confident to use them on your own outside of session.

Are you ready to improve your life?

Contact me today to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation and see if ADHD therapy in San Diego is right for you!

MY STANDARD RATE IS $200 PER SESSION (50 MINUTES)
Prefer a longer session time? Just ask for details!

I do not accept insurance but I do offer Superbills that can be presented to insurance companies for reimbursement. Learn more about my rates and insurance.

Here are some typical questions regarding ADHD counseling and therapy...

Does counseling help with ADHD?

People who see an ADHD counselor often find immediate improvement because they’ve learned techniques that they didn’t know before. That excitement can be very motivating and euphoric, and result in the most important element of therapy; consistency. Without it, falling back into detrimental and ineffective patterns can happen just as easily and we can lose the momentum needed to make real change.

What is the best therapy for ADHD?

Although “best” is subjective to each individual’s needs and struggles, research has shown that behavioral therapy is best for breaking and establishing necessary patterns. In addition, a positive mindset and increased self-esteem are also known to assist with anxiety and depression; two common struggles that often accompany symptoms of ADHD. As an ADHD therapist I have found that a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Positive Therapy balances improved structure and pattern recognition with productive mindsets and self-esteem building; and thus creating an all-encompassing approach for ADHD therapy.

What happens if ADHD goes untreated?

Honestly, results can vary. For children, untreated ADHD often results in difficulties functioning at home and/or in school, and interfering with their ability to make and keep friends. If left untreated ADHD in adults may interfere with the ability to successfully navigate school/work, relationships, and social/emotional development.

What is the root cause of ADHD?

Although research is still being conducted as to whether environmental or developmental elements play any part in ADHD, research has shown a strong genetic component when determining the cause for having ADHD.

Can ADHD be cured?

According to current research, as we develop more and more effective strategies to better navigate ADHD, the frequency and intensity of ADHD symptoms can change and improve over time; but not be “cured”.

How do I know if I have ADHD? How can I get tested?

According to the fifth and most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), an individual qualifies for an ADHD diagnosis when a licensed and certified mental health specialist identifies six or more symptoms associated with at least one type of ADHD. Although there are numerous online diagnosis options, in my experience the best way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with one of these specialists and go from there.

What is an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is most easily described as a persistent struggle with inattentiveness or hyperactivity/impulsivity that often complicates – or is detrimental to – one’s ability to effectively function or develop in today’s society. In addition, there are three types of ADHD; which only makes it more difficult to understand or identify. Like with anything else in life there are pros and cons, and increased understanding improves the chances of desired results; and that includes “left brain thinking”. So if you have ADHD, or struggle from any associated symptoms, seeing an ADHD therapist can provide the tools and techniques needed to break patterns of being forgetful, impulsive or distracted, and live the life you want and deserve!

Types of ADHD and Their Symptoms

This diagnosis goes unnoticed more than you would think. The reason for this is there are three different types, two of which are not often highlighted and subsequently missed. The three types are (1) Inattention [sometimes referred to as “ADD”], (2) Hyperactivity and Impulsivity, and (3) Combined.

Inattention

Difficulty paying close attention to details / making careless mistakes.
Difficulty sustaining attention
Mind often seems elsewhere / appear to be not listening to others
Can start a task and then get easily distracted and not finish / forget
Difficulty with organization
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
Avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
Often easily distracted
Often forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Often fidgets
Often leaves seat when sitting is expected
Often runs or climbs when inappropriate (kids / children) / often feels restless (adolescents / adults)
Often unable to play or enjoy self quietly
Often “on the go”, uncomfortable being still for an extended period of time
Often talks excessively
Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed / struggles waiting their turn in conversations
Often has difficulty waiting their turn
Often interrupts / intrudes on others

Even if full criteria for an ADHD diagnosis is not met, ADHD counseling and therapy can help simplify and improve whatever commonalities you’re struggling with in ways you may never have thought possible…

ADHD Treatment Options

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic modality that focuses on the cause and effect patterns we fall into and the power of mindset. Through increased awareness of the negative thinking patterns and factors that influence our less-desired behaviors, CBT provides the tools necessary to effectively break the patterns that put us in our own way and develop productive patterns to put us back in the driver’s seat. In fact, research suggests that behavioral therapy works better for ADHD symptomatology than other forms of therapy.

Positive Therapy

Positive Therapy is a relatively new therapeutic approach, influenced by both the humanistic and psychodynamic approaches towards diagnosis and treatment. Its core focus is on moving away from what’s ‘wrong’ or the negative aspects of an individual, and instead move towards what’s good and positive; which promotes solution-focused problem-solving, increased confidence and self-esteem, and a positive mindset… all of which play a huge role during childhood development!

Mindfulness Therapy Practices

Engaging in mindfulness practices assists in calming down the nervous system and decreasing the impulsivity, restlessness, and struggles with memory and focus that are so often experienced by individuals with ADHD, or its symptoms. However, what I love most of all about mindfulness practices is how easily and seamlessly they can be incorporated into our lives. Although mindfulness is often associated with specific approaches, such as yoga, mindfulness can be as simple as focusing on your breathing; or what you are eating.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a therapeutic modality that focuses on solutions and what has worked in the past. Instead of examining negative patterns or identifying “problems”, SFBT promotes solution-oriented and positive thinking that is so beneficial for the decreased self-esteem and repeated frustrations that are so often experienced by individuals with ADHD, or its symptoms.

ADHD Therapist in San Diego, CA

If you’re ready to make the change that you deserve, and learn more about my ADHD therapy services, please use the button above or call (858) 634-0502 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.

Spencer Chernick, LMFT
ADHD, Teen & Couples Therapy
5330 Carroll Canyon Rd Suite 120,
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 634-0502

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