The bulk of my clients are ADHD. I don't know how that happened but I'm glad it did as it has given me greater understanding of the condition and how it can so easily be overlooked and go undiagnosed for years, or even decades. It has taught me to recognise the signs and the guide clients through the assessment and diagnostic pathway.
ADHD can not only be missed by therapists and GPs but it can also be see people misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. For example anxiety and depression are often caused or exacerbated by ADHD and undiagnosed people will then be offerred anti-depressents which can lower dopamine. The ADHD brain relies on dopamine for focus and motivation and lower dopamine means more brain fog, apathy and procrastination.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
I cannot recommend Nicola highly enough. She has now twice supported me through very stressful and emotional times with genuine care, compassion, and understanding.
After successfully working with her previously I found myself struggling and booked in to see her again. This time she recognised that ADHD could be contributing to how I was feeling and introduced me to an adult ADHD screening tool which suggested that an assessment was recommended; but there wasn’t enough time to take things further before I left the UK.
When I returned from my travels during a particularly stressful and emotional period, she encouraged me to revisit it and seek an ADHD (and autism) assessment. Thanks to her insight and persistence, I went ahead with the assessment and was diagnosed with ADHD. That diagnosis has made a huge positive difference in my life, and I’m incredibly grateful that she recognised the signs and encouraged me to get the help I needed.
She was also very flexible and always there when I needed support. Her kindness, professionalism, and encouragement made me feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the process.
I will always be thankful for everything she did, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for a caring, compassionate and insightful counsellor.
World traveller, 39