Join us for an insightful workshop diving into the world of ADHD—a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts children and adults alike, often showing up as inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. We’ll unpack the three types of ADHD—Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined—and explore what makes each one unique. This session is designed to deepen understanding for psychotherapists, counsellors, educators, ADHD coaches, or anyone eager to better support others—or themselves—on their ADHD journey.
Ever wonder how ADHD is diagnosed? We’ll break it down, covering the thorough assessments required by qualified professionals using DSM-5 criteria. We’ll also tackle the tricky issue of misdiagnoses, as ADHD symptoms often overlap with other conditions.
At its core, ADHD is about attention—so we will explore what attention really means. Attention is a powerful cognitive tool that helps us sift through information and focus on what matters. From Selective Attention (zeroing in on one thing) to Sustained Attention (sticking with it) to Divided Attention (juggling multiple tasks), each type plays a vital role in daily life. Understanding these concepts is key to overcoming challenges, managing ADHD effectively, and unlocking hidden strengths.
This workshop will give you practical strategies to identify attention deficits, improve focus, and enhance well-being. Whether you’re a professional or neurodivergent individual, you’ll leave equipped with tools to make a meaningful impact.
By the end of this training, psychotherapists and counselors will be able to:
Differentiate ADHD from non-ADHD conditions:
Gain a clear understanding of what ADHD truly is and how it differs from other conditions that may have overlapping symptoms. Learn how to accurately identify ADHD versus conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders, or mood disorders, which can often mimic or coexist with ADHD symptoms. Understand the importance of avoiding misdiagnosis, as this can lead to improper treatment and negatively impact clients’ progress and well-being.
Recognize and describe different types of ADHD:
Develop a deeper understanding of the three distinct types of ADHD— inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentations—along with their unique features and diagnostic criteria. Learn to identify hallmark symptoms specific to different age groups, such as difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, or disorganization in children, and challenges like time-management issues, restlessness, or impulsivity in adults. This knowledge will enable practitioners to tailor their approaches and provide age-appropriate interventions and support.
Learn the key aspects of diagnosing ADHD using DSM-5 criteria, which include assessing persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. Key factors include the duration of symptoms (typically present for at least six months), the age of onset (symptoms must appear before age 12), and their presence across multiple settings, such as home, school, or work. Explore the challenges of identifying ADHD accurately, including the potential for misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions like anxiety or learning disorders. Additionally, understand the importance of comprehensive evaluations and how to manage the potential emotional and social impact a diagnosis may have on individuals and their families.
Explore the nature of attention and its types:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of attention as a fundamental cognitive skill essential for processing information and navigating daily life. Delve into the different types of attention, including selective attention, which focuses on prioritizing specific stimuli; sustained attention, which involves maintaining focus over time; and divided attention, which enables multitasking by splitting focus across tasks. Understand how these types of attention work together to support cognitive functioning and performance in various situations.
Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?
This workshop is designed for psychotherapists, counselors, mental health practitioners, individuals with ADHD, teachers, educators, life coaches, executive coaches, and anyone with an interest in neurodivergence.
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
The workshop will provide practitioners with a broader and deeper understanding of how to identify, manage, and support ADHD in their clients. It will guide participants in developing effective treatment approaches tailored to working with neurodivergent individuals, helping them create strategies that truly meet their clients’ unique needs. Additionally, the workshop aims to build professional confidence by equipping practitioners with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of neurodivergence, ultimately empowering them to deliver more impactful and compassionate care.
Course Content
Presenter
Nea is a PTSTA psychotherapist, author, Supervisor, and NLP practitioner. She supports Neurodivergent practitioners and trainees in multiple training institutes. She practices in Leeds, United Kingdom, where she holds supervision groups face-to-face or online, as well as webinars and seminars on a regular basis. She specialises in Neurodiversity, mainly working with clients and supervisees with ADHD and Dyslexia.
Nea developed a complete therapeutic treatment plan and training program for working with ADHD clients; her book was published in September 2024. Travel into the ADHD Mind: How to work with ADHD clients.
