Therapy / CBT / counselling

[puddleduck234]

I have ADHD/Dyslexia diagnosed (and autistic traits/likely according to online testing but I haven't a diagnosis).

I'm so confused at the moment. I have previously had CBT for anxiety years ago and found it very helpful, and I would like to try something to help me manage at home a bit better.

I've found (like many others) that I was able to cope when I lived alone, before kids and was quite happy. Now I have more responsibilities I find myself getting overwhelmed a lot quicker- before it was fine I could take myself away, play my computer game or watch my favourite TV, but it's not possible now. I take meds for my ADHD which are really helpful in slowing everything down.

I really want to understand my ways better, and how to cope at home and techniques to help me manage my day. I don't want my husband or child walking on egg shells wondering what mood they will find me in (most of the time I can manage but for example at the moment there is a lot of changes, Xmas clutter, outings etc. so feeling very overwhelmed and snappy).

I'm just trying to figure out who will be best to contact to help as I will need to pay for the support.

It seems like you want practical help rather and want quite a direct approach since you likes CBT so maybe have a chat with an ADHD coach and a counsellor who's either ND themselves or has a lot of experience and works in a solution focussed way. Ask them how they work and how they think they could help you and make a decision after that.

Thanks @Fusciainertia, I will try to get in touch with an ADHD coach rather than counselling then.

When I spoke about this at my last review I was told the NHS doesn't fund support, only meds and reviews. She wasn't really able to advise one way or another (I just want someone to say "puddleduck do XYZ" but adult world doesn't do that)

I'm autistic and CBT/talking therapy's were never my thing. I'm being supported by an occupational therapist for my poor executive functioning and we are working together to create systems and organise my day better. If you're open to your local cmht it might be worth asking about that.

Also I relate to your post so much, since my wee one came along everything has felt like chaos, wouldn't change it for the world though ❤️

I also relate to your post, I too found that things are so much harder since children came along - sooo much more required in terms of organisational skills, and I can't just have down time whenever I want/need! 😩

I am currently having CBT which is definitely helping with keeping me accountable, and developing routines etc. I would also recommend the website ADHD UK

adhduk.co.uk/

It has a lot of helpful information, including ADHD coaches and free zoom sessions (with suggested donation).

@Lunardreams that sounds interesting that you are being supported by an OT. I was wondering how I could maybe look into that, can I refer myself to the local CMHT?

@goldenorange your GP can do the referral I'm pretty sure, hope that helps xx

@Lunardreams thank you. I'll speak to my GP 😊x

I'd recommend ADHD UK as well. If you are in work you may be able to get funding for ADHD coaching / support from the Government through the Access to Work scheme.

I'm in a similar position and really hoping to get some ND-specific counselling / coaching