ADHD Basics with Pathways Counseling Services

Helping you find your path to healing in Scottsdale, Arizona

At Pathways Counseling Services, we have helped many children, teens, and adults better understand what ADHD is, how it affects their lives, and to learn to work with your ADHD rather than against it. Being a mother to a child with ADHD has been a journey filled with challenges. It is also one filled with remarkable insights and hope. I want to emphasize the importance of early intervention for your child. If you’d like to read more about childhood ADHD specifically, read here. When viewed through the right lens, ADHD can be a superpower. We hear from clients often that it feels impossible to manage! We are here to tell you it is, in fact it can be turned into your greatest strength with practice! The first step is to gain a better understanding of what ADHD really is, and the impact it has on your daily life.  

What is ADHD?  

ADHD means Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It affects focus, self-control, and activity levels. Many people think ADHD only affects kids, but it can also continue into adulthood. Here’s a quick look at common symptoms: 

• Trouble paying attention 

• Impulsiveness 

• Hyperactivity 

• Forgetfulness 

• Time-blindness 

• Sensory issues  

• Heightened emotions 

Many myths exist about ADHD, including the belief that it is caused by a lack of discipline, and therefore a person can outgrow it. Research shows it’s a real condition that needs support.  Read here for a more detailed description of ADHD

We can help you find support through therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. These options can help manage symptoms and improve daily life. Understanding ADHD is essential to helping those who have it. 

A friendly guide for kids, teens, and adults learning about ADHD. 

Kids with ADHD can easily lose focus. They might forget things. They can also do things without thinking. Your child might take being active to a whole new level and they might talk more than other kids. Tasks can seem much more difficult for them. Starting a task, and then finishing it can be hard.

There are three main types of ADHD: 

Inattentive type: It’s tough to focus, follow directions, or keep tasks organized.  

Hyperactive-impulsive type: Always in motion, rarely quiet, and often acts without considering the consequences.  

Combined type: A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.  

ADHD is not a choice. It’s not caused by bad parenting or too much screen time. It’s a brain-based condition, and with support, people with ADHD can thrive.  

Common Myths About ADHD 

Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings: 

Myth: ADHD isn’t real.  
Truth: ADHD is a real medical condition backed by science and research.

Myth: Only kids have ADHD. 
Truth: Many adults have ADHD, even if they were never diagnosed as children.   

Myth: People with ADHD are lazy or not trying hard enough. 
Truth: ADHD has nothing to do with laziness – it’s about how the brain handles attention and control.   

Myth: ADHD is always hyperactivity.
Truth: Not everyone with ADHD is loud or bouncy. Some are quiet and daydreamy. ADHD can look very different from person to person.    

At Pathways Counseling Services, we help people and families see what’s true. We also help them create realistic and supportive plans for growth.  

ADHD or Trauma? Why It Can Be Hard To Tell 

Here is the thing, trauma and ADHD can look very similar and sometimes affect each other. Both can make it hard to focus, control emotions, stay calm, or follow through with tasks. Trauma, especially early or prolonged, can alter brain function. This may lead to symptoms similar to ADHD. Kids with ADHD often face more stress. They may get in trouble more often or feel left out. This can lead to trauma. Trauma can worsen ADHD symptoms. Also, ADHD can make healing from trauma more difficult. That’s why understanding both is key. Use a kind, trauma-informed approach when offering support. If you or someone you care about has faced trauma, think about seeing one of our ADHD and trauma counselors.

What ADHD Can Feel Like 

Imagine having ten TV channels playing at the same time in your head. That’s what it can feel like to live with ADHD. Thoughts come and go in rapid succession, making it hard to determine what to focus on first.  

People with ADHD might: 

• Feel frustrated or overwhelmed by too many tasks  

• Feeling low self-esteem can happen when people forget things or make mistakes. 

• Feel guilty for not meeting expectations, even when they try hard  

• You might suddenly feel excited to start a new project or hobby. However, you may lack motivation to finish old tasks or projects.  

ADHD presents differently in everyone. Some people are loud and active, while others are quiet and distracted. At Pathways Counseling Services, we take the time to understand each person’s unique experience.   

ADHD and the Time Trap 

Living with ADHD can sometimes feel like time operates at a different rhythm. One moment, you have the whole day ahead of you, and then, suddenly, it’s bedtime, and you realize nothing has been accomplished. It’s not laziness: It’s a brain that struggles to plan, prioritize, and notice time passing.  

People with ADHD might: 

• Start a task and then jump to something else without realizing it  

• Underestimate how long things will take  

• Feel paralyzed when they don’t know where to start  

• Rush to finish things at the last minute, often with anxiety  

• They felt ashamed for being “late” again, despite their genuine efforts. 

Time blindness is a real part of ADHD. Listen, we understand—it can be incredibly frustrating. However, with the right tools and support, you can manage it. This isn’t about poor planning. It’s how the ADHD brain perceives time. At Pathways Counseling Services, we assist clients in developing tools and systems that work in harmony with their brain as opposed to against it. 

ADHD and Big Feelings 

For many individuals with ADHD, emotions come on fast and strong. We have heard from our clients that it feels like having a volume knob stuck on high. A small problem might feel like a huge one, and it can take a while to calm down.  

People with ADHD might: 

• Get angry or cry quickly, even if they didn’t mean to  

• Feel embarrassed about their reactions after they happen  

• Get really, really excited about fun things  

• Feel deeply hurt by criticism, even if it’s meant kindly  

• Have a hard time explaining how they feel in the moment  

These emotional ups and downs aren’t a character flaw. That is just a part of how the ADHD brain works. Learning to understand emotions and respond in healthy ways is a big part of ADHD support.  

The ADHD Brain: What’s Going On?  

ADHD affects brain areas responsible for attention, self-control, and decision-making. The prefrontal cortex helps us stay organized and focused. It works differently for people with ADHD.  

• Messages in the brain may travel more slowly  

• Dopamine levels (a brain chemical that affects motivation and pleasure) may be lower  

• The brain may get bored more quickly, leading to distraction  

The prefrontal cortex is one of the brain’s “control centers.” It helps us stop, think, and make good choices. In people with ADHD, this part of the brain may work more slowly or differently.  

Dopamine is a brain chemical that boosts motivation and focus. People with ADHD might have lower levels of it. We like to tell our clients – it’s like trying to drive a car with less gas in the tank.  

Think of the brain like a car. When the car has a full gas tank (lots of dopamine) the engine is very quick, and the car feels harder to control. People with ADHD sometimes have a car with a fast engine but weak brakes. They want to stop or slow down, but their brain doesn’t always respond immediately.  

Understanding these brain differences helps reduce shame. At Pathways Counseling Services, we educate clients on how their brains work so they can use their strengths to their advantage. With the right tools, a person with ADHD can feel empowered by using their unique strengths. 

How ADHD Can Show Up – Who Can Have ADHD?  

ADHD looks different depending on the person and their age. Here are some common signs: 

ADHD In Children:  

• Can’t sit still for long  

• Easily distracted  

• Trouble following instructions  

• Losing things often  

• Talking out of turn  

ADHD In Teens:  

• Struggles with schoolwork or organizing  

• Emotional ups and downs  

• Big feelings—frustration, boredom, or worry  

• Trouble with friendships or time management  

ADHD In Adults:  

• Always running late  

• Forgetting important things (like keys or bills)  

• Trouble finishing tasks or staying focused at work  

• Feeling stressed, anxious, or burned out  

• Difficulty with planning or long-term goals  

Many people with ADHD are creative, funny, and full of ideas. But without support, everyday life can feel hard or confusing. People with ADHD often think in colorful, unexpected ways.  

At Pathways Counseling Services, we help people recognize and celebrate their strengths.  

The Bright Side of ADHD: Creative, Funny, and Full of Ideas 

1. Creativity and Innovation 

People with ADHD often think outside the box. Their minds create rapid, nonlinear connections. This can result in innovative and unconventional ideas. 

Simone Biles, an Olympic gymnast, believes her ADHD helps her compete. It gives her energy and focus during competitions. She uses her hyperfocus to train at an elite level. 

2. Hyperfocus = Deep Work 

Many people with ADHD struggle to regulate their attention. However, they often experience hyperfocus. This means they can have deep, sustained attention on something that interests them or feels important. 

Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, who founded Virgin’s galaxy exploration projects, often share how ADHD boosts their passion. It helps them focus intensely on what they care about. 

3. Quick Thinking and Adaptability 

ADHD brains can shift gears quickly. This helps them adapt, improvise, and thrive in fast-paced or unpredictable environments. 

Many first responders and ER doctors with ADHD say their brains thrive in high-stimulation settings. They excel when they need to make quick decisions. 

4. High Empathy and Intuition 

Many people with ADHD are very sensitive to emotions and social situations. This is useful in jobs needing emotional intelligence, such as teaching, counseling, or caregiving. 

ADHD counselors and therapists can relate to clients who feel misunderstood or overwhelmed. 

5. Persistence and Resilience 

People with ADHD face many challenges and stigma but often overcome them. Many develop grit, creative problem-solving, and emotional resilience as a result. 

Artists, writers, and musicians with ADHD often say their stubbornness helps them succeed. They refuse to give up on their passion projects. 

6. Visionary Thinking 

ADHD minds focus on the future. They thrive on vision, not details. That’s why many become innovators, dreamers, and changemakers. 

Will.i.am from the Black-Eyed Peas has ADHD. He says it helps him think of music and tech projects that others often “don’t understand.” 

Counseling isn’t about fixing you. You are not broken.  

Going to counseling is about helping you work with your brain instead of against it. At Pathways Counseling Services, we walk alongside individuals and families, providing tools, support, and encouragement every step of the way.  

Pathways Counseling Services can help you: 

• Build self-awareness: Counseling helps people see how ADHD impacts their lives. It also offers tools to handle strengths and challenges.  
  
• Build routines: Our Scottsdale, AZ located counselors can help you build routines that match a person’s brain patterns. This makes it easier to stay organized and manage time.  

• Boosting confidence: ADHD may cause frustration and self-doubt. Counseling can help people build self-esteem and embrace their unique strengths.  

• Coping strategies: Our counselors brainstorm with you ways to increase your ability to cope and manage focus, control impulses, and regulate emotions. These skills are key for success in school, work, and home.  

We help each person create a toolkit that works for their specific lifestyle and goals.  

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ADHD Tip Toolkit 

• Use simple systems: Planners, checklists, and sticky notes help you stay on track. Keep it visual and easy!  

• Learn your strengths and challenges: The more you get to know your strengths and challenges, the more information you have to develop a good system that works for you! If you have less motivation (low dopamine) in the morning, create a restful routine that boosts dopamine like high protein diet, and exercise! Prioritize harder tasks for when you are in “hyperfocus mode”.  

• Timers are helpful: Try to use the “Pomodoro” method: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat a few times.  

• Move your body: Exercise helps with focus and mood. Dance, walk, stretch—anything that gets you moving!  

• Stick to routines: The same bedtime and wake-up time helps the brain feel calm and steady.  

• Cut out noise: Noise-canceling headphones or soft music can help block out distractions.  

• Get support from others: Talk with family, teachers, or coworkers. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  

Treatment Options for ADHD  

ADHD treatment usually involves counseling, behavioral strategies, and sometimes medication. Everyone’s journey is unique. Treatment works best when it’s personalized.  

ADHD Treatment For Children:  

• Parent coaching and school support plans  

• Play-based therapy to build focus and self-regulation   

• Try these games to practice impulse control: 

• Red Light, Green Light  

• Duck, Duck, Goose  

• Freeze Dance 

• Family counseling to improve understanding and connection  

ADHD Treatment For Adults:  

• One-on-one counseling for time and stress management  

• Support for relationships, work, and self-esteem  

• Tools for staying organized and meeting goals  

At Pathways Counseling Services, we create customized plans that evolve with each client’s needs. Our goal is to help you feel confident, capable, and supported every step of the way. We believe in each person’s potential. With care, knowledge, and support, you or your loved one can succeed.  

Pathways Counseling ADHD Therapists 

Sarah Trowbridge, MA, LAC, R-DMT – specializes in supporting young children and families navigating the challenges of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). With a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a background in Dance-Movement Therapy from Lesley University, Sarah brings a creative and developmentally attuned lens to her work. She is passionate about helping children ages 0–11 build emotional regulation, reduce impulsivity, and strengthen family relationships using evidence-based, relationship-focused strategies. Sarah is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Triple P Positive Parenting, and incorporates playful, movement-based, and somatic techniques alongside CBT and mindfulness to address ADHD symptoms. She has also consulted for daycares and schools, helping to create supportive environments for children with behavioral and attention-related needs.

Maria Martin, BS, CIT – brings a compassionate and collaborative approach to supporting clients with ADHD and related behavioral challenges. With a strong background as a school-based interventionist and behavioral coach, Maria is especially skilled at helping children, teens, adults and families navigate attention struggles, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity both at home and in academic settings. She integrates evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness with a holistic lens that honors the client’s emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. Maria tailors each session to fit the unique needs and goals of her clients, empowering them to build self-awareness, improve focus, and strengthen emotional control. Currently completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University, Maria is dedicated to creating a safe, judgment-free space where clients feel supported and understood throughout their healing journey.

Haley Anderson, MSW, LMSW – specializes in helping children, teens, and families better understand and manage ADHD in a way that feels empowering—not overwhelming. With a strong background in trauma-informed care and a deep appreciation for each client’s unique experience, Haley supports those navigating attention challenges, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity. She blends evidence-based methods like CBT and DBT with creative therapies including art, play, and mindfulness to make sessions engaging and effective for young clients. Haley has supported children in both school and foster care settings, where she gained experience addressing complex behavioral and emotional needs. Her warm, collaborative approach helps families build practical strategies, reduce shame, and reconnect with their strengths in everyday life.

David Merrick, MS.Ed., LPC-S – brings a grounded, solution-focused approach to supporting teens and adults with ADHD. With licensure in both Arizona and Ohio, and years of experience across outpatient and residential treatment settings, David understands the daily challenges that come with attention difficulties, impulsivity, and executive functioning struggles. He draws from evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness to help clients build practical tools for focus, regulation, and long-term growth. David is especially passionate about helping men and young adults navigate the emotional toll of undiagnosed or untreated ADHD, offering a calm, nonjudgmental space to explore goals and remove barriers. As a Clinical Director and seasoned therapist, David values the power of a strong therapeutic relationship and believes every client deserves a personalized path to healing and self-understanding.

Pathways Counseling Services is the top-rated therapy and counseling service in Scottsdale, Arizona, year after year. We can help you and your child live a happier and healthier life through effective and supportive mental health care. You can reach us by phone at 480-235-1682

Additional Resources:  

1. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) – chadd.org    

1. CDC – What is ADHD? – cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd    

1. American Psychological Association – ADHD Overview      

1. National Institute of Mental Health – ADHD