ADHD Resources: Tips, Strategies, and Tools for Managing ADHD at Any Age

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ADHD Skill Building to Manage Anxiety and Executive Dysfunction

Hi, I'm Victoria!

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Victoria, a licensed professional counselor, creative arts therapist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider and Special Educator with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals on their journeys towards healing and growth.

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ADHD Solution-Focused Therapy for Kids: Helping Process Emotions and Manage Anger

Children with ADHD often struggle with managing big emotions like anger and frustration. These feelings can escalate quickly, leading to meltdowns, conflicts, or a sense of overwhelm. Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) offers practical, strengths-based strategies that help kids with ADHD process emotions and develop tools to manage anger effectively.

In addition to traditional therapy, engaging approaches like Minecraft Therapy can make the process even more impactful. Through gaming, kids build social-emotional skills, improve emotional regulation, and learn to navigate challenges in a fun, supportive environment.

Learn more about Minecraft Therapy and Crafting Connections as part of ADHD treatment!


Why ADHD Can Make Emotion Management Difficult

Kids with ADHD may experience:

  • Intense Emotions: ADHD often amplifies emotional responses, making anger or frustration feel overwhelming.
  • Impulsivity: Struggling to pause and reflect, children may act out before processing their feelings.
  • Difficulty with Emotional Regulation: ADHD makes it challenging for kids to calm down after a triggering event.
  • Social Struggles: Misunderstandings or conflicts with peers can increase frustration or feelings of isolation.

Solution-Focused Therapy, paired with engaging interventions like Minecraft Therapy, addresses these challenges by fostering emotional growth and practical problem-solving skills.


How SFT Helps Kids with ADHD Manage Anger and Emotions

  1. Understanding Anger
    Therapy helps kids recognize what anger feels like in their bodies. They learn to identify early warning signs, like clenched fists or a racing heart, so they can take action before anger escalates.
  2. Developing Calming Strategies
    Kids discover and practice calming techniques, including:
    • Breathing exercises and mindfulness.
    • Taking breaks in a designated “calm-down” area.
    • Redirecting energy into creative outlets, like building in Minecraft.
  3. Building Communication Skills
    Many kids with ADHD struggle to express their feelings in words. Therapy provides tools like “I feel” statements, helping them articulate emotions and ask for help. Minecraft Therapy offers a natural environment for practicing these skills with peers.
  4. Creating Personalized Plans
    Together with their therapist, kids develop action plans to handle specific triggers. These plans empower children to manage frustration in real-life and gaming scenarios.

The Unique Role of Minecraft Therapy

Minecraft Therapy is an innovative way to help kids with ADHD build critical skills while engaging in a game they love. Through structured play, kids learn:

  • Teamwork and Cooperation: Collaborating with peers to build projects.
  • Emotional Regulation: Managing frustration during challenges or setbacks.
  • Problem-Solving: Navigating creative tasks and overcoming obstacles.

Learn more about Minecraft Therapy here!


Benefits of ADHD Solution-Focused Therapy

Therapy provides practical tools to help kids:

  • Process Emotions: Recognize and understand their feelings.
  • Manage Anger: Respond to frustration with healthier coping strategies.
  • Build Confidence: Focus on strengths and celebrate progress.
  • Improve Relationships: Strengthen communication with peers and family.

When combined with engaging approaches like Minecraft Therapy, these benefits extend beyond the therapy room and into everyday life.


Support for Parents: Reinforcing Therapy at Home

Parents can play an active role in their child’s success by:

  • Modeling Calm Behavior: Show your child how to handle frustration calmly.
  • Practicing Strategies: Encourage your child to use therapy techniques during family activities or play.
  • Exploring Engaging Options: Try activities like Minecraft Therapy, where your child can practice social and emotional skills in a structured, fun setting.

Take the First Step Toward Emotional Growth

If your child struggles with managing anger or big emotions, ADHD therapy can help them build confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience. With the added option of Minecraft Therapy, kids can develop essential skills while having fun and connecting with others.

Visit Crafting Connections at Level Up Wellness to learn how gaming can transform your child’s emotional and social skills.

Contact Victoria Prisco, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Special Education Teacher, today to schedule your child’s first session. Virtual ADHD therapy and Minecraft Therapy are available to families in Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona, and Virginia.

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vprisco@gmail.com

How ADHD Therapy Helps Kids, Teens, and Adults Thrive

ADHD therapy can make a transformative difference for children, teens, and adults navigating the unique challenges of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Whether you’re a parent looking for support for your child, a teen feeling overwhelmed, or an adult balancing career, relationships, and personal growth, therapy can help you thrive. This article explores how ADHD therapy addresses challenges like imposter syndrome, anxiety, negative thinking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing, and offers tools to manage ADHD’s impact on relationships. Additionally, it highlights specialized support for those with both ADHD and autism (AuDHD).


ADHD Challenges at Different Life Stages

  • Kids with ADHD often struggle with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and staying focused in school or at home. These challenges can lead to frustration, difficulty making friends, and low self-esteem.
  • Teens with ADHD face increasing pressures, from academic demands to social complexities. This stage may reveal new issues like anxiety, perfectionism, and people-pleasing as teens try to mask their symptoms.
  • Adults with ADHD deal with career stress, complex relationships, and sometimes a late diagnosis of ADHD. Challenges like imposter syndrome and ADHD’s role in relationships can affect their personal and professional lives.

How ADHD Therapy Addresses Common Struggles

  1. Imposter Syndrome
    Many adults with ADHD feel like they don’t deserve their success, attributing it to luck instead of ability. ADHD therapy helps clients recognize their strengths, reframe their self-perception, and embrace their achievements.
  2. Anxiety and ADHD
    ADHD and anxiety often go hand-in-hand. Therapy provides strategies to identify anxiety triggers, calm racing thoughts, and reduce stress through mindfulness and practical coping techniques.
  3. Negative Thinking and Self-Esteem
    Repeated struggles with ADHD symptoms can lead to negative thought patterns, such as “I’m not good enough.” Therapy uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to rewire these thoughts and build a more positive self-image.
  4. Perfectionism and People-Pleasing
    Perfectionism is a common ADHD trait, as individuals strive to overcompensate for their struggles. Therapy helps clients learn to set realistic expectations, develop boundaries, and focus on self-care instead of external validation.
  5. ADHD as the ‘Third Wheel’ in Relationships
    ADHD can affect communication, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution in romantic relationships. Therapy offers tools to improve communication and create healthier, more balanced partnerships.
  6. ADHD and Autism (AuDHD)
    For individuals with both ADHD and autism, therapy provides dual-focused strategies that address sensory sensitivities, executive functioning challenges, and the need for structure. This approach fosters social growth and emotional resilience.

Why ADHD Therapy is Effective

ADHD therapy goes beyond symptom management. It helps clients thrive by offering actionable strategies tailored to their unique needs. Evidence-based approaches like Brief Solution-Focused Therapy (BSFT) empower individuals to:

  • Set achievable goals.
  • Improve time management and organization.
  • Strengthen interpersonal skills and communication.
  • Build resilience and self-awareness.
  • Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.

How ADHD Therapy Supports Different Life Stages

  • Kids: Therapy focuses on emotional regulation, social skills, and academic strategies to help children build confidence and reduce frustration.
  • Teens: Therapy helps adolescents manage academic stress, develop a positive self-identity, and build independence.
  • Adults: Therapy supports adults in overcoming workplace challenges, navigating relationships, and addressing life transitions like postpartum ADHD or menopause-related ADHD symptoms.

The Benefits of Virtual ADHD Therapy in Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona, and Virginia

Virtual ADHD therapy offers a convenient way for individuals to access expert care without leaving home. It’s especially beneficial for those juggling busy schedules or living in rural areas of Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona, and Virginia.

Key benefits of virtual ADHD therapy include:

  • Flexible scheduling for busy professionals and families.
  • Access to an experienced therapist specializing in ADHD and autism.
  • A comfortable, private setting to explore challenges and solutions.

Start Thriving with ADHD Therapy Today

ADHD doesn’t have to hold you back. Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, therapy provides the tools to manage symptoms, embrace your unique abilities, and thrive. Virtual ADHD therapy with Victoria Prisco, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Special Education Teacher, is available to residents of Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona, and Virginia.

Contact Victoria Prisco today to schedule your first session and take the first step toward thriving with ADHD.

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vprisco@gmail.com

Skill-Building for ADHD: Tools to Take Control of Your Life

Managing ADHD as an adult can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves challenges like imposter syndrome, anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or negative thinking. For many, ADHD can even complicate relationships or coexist with autism, adding layers of complexity to daily life. However, with targeted skill-building strategies, you can take control of ADHD symptoms and live a more confident, balanced life.

This guide explores tools to manage ADHD challenges, including late-onset diagnoses, ADHD after pregnancy, and during menopause. Whether you’re navigating ADHD individually or alongside autism, these strategies are designed to help you thrive.


1. Imposter Syndrome and ADHD: Tame the Inner Critic

Many adults with ADHD struggle with imposter syndrome, doubting their successes and feeling like frauds. ADHD tendencies, like forgetting details or struggling with focus, can amplify these feelings.

Actionable Skills:

  • Track Successes: Keep a journal of your accomplishments to combat self-doubt.
  • Reframe Failures: Use mistakes as learning opportunities, reminding yourself they don’t define your abilities.
  • Therapy Support: Work with a therapist to identify patterns and shift to a growth mindset.

2. Managing ADHD and Anxiety

ADHD often heightens anxiety, with unfinished tasks and overthinking creating a loop of stress. Anxiety can also worsen during life changes, like after pregnancy or menopause.

Actionable Skills:

  • Establish Routines: Predictable schedules reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue.
  • Use Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness exercises or breathing practices to stay grounded.
  • Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into manageable steps and celebrate small wins.

3. Overcoming Negative Thinking Patterns

ADHD brains can get stuck in cycles of negativity, focusing on past failures or worst-case scenarios.

Actionable Skills:

  • Cognitive Restructuring: Challenge automatic negative thoughts by asking, “What evidence supports this?”
  • Gratitude Practice: List three positives daily to shift your mindset.
  • Therapeutic Tools: Work with a therapist to build resilience and explore ADHD-friendly mental health strategies.

4. Combating Perfectionism with ADHD

Perfectionism often stems from overcompensating for ADHD struggles, leading to procrastination or burnout.

Actionable Skills:

  • Aim for Progress, Not Perfection: Set achievable goals and celebrate “good enough.”
  • Break Down Tasks: Divide projects into smaller, manageable steps.
  • Use Timers: Limit time spent on each task to prevent over-focusing.

5. Addressing People-Pleasing Tendencies

Adults with ADHD may engage in people-pleasing behaviors, fearing rejection or criticism. This can drain energy and lead to resentment.

Actionable Skills:

  • Practice Boundaries: Use phrases like “Let me think about it” to give yourself time before committing.
  • Assert Your Needs: Use “I” statements, such as “I feel overwhelmed when I take on too many tasks.”
  • Focus on Self-Worth: Remind yourself that your value isn’t tied to others’ approval.

6. Navigating ADHD in Relationships: The Third Wheel

ADHD can feel like a third wheel in relationships, leading to miscommunications, missed responsibilities, or emotional disconnection.

Actionable Skills:

  • Open Dialogue: Discuss how ADHD impacts your relationship openly and honestly.
  • Use Shared Tools: Rely on shared calendars or apps for reminders and scheduling.
  • Couples Therapy: Work with a therapist familiar with ADHD dynamics to build mutual understanding and support.

7. ADHD and Autism (AuDHD): Building Strengths

For those with both ADHD and autism, skill-building must address the unique needs of both neurodivergent traits.

Actionable Skills:

  • Leverage Strengths: Use hyperfocus or pattern recognition to tackle complex tasks.
  • Sensory Management: Incorporate sensory-friendly strategies to stay focused and calm.
  • Build Social Scripts: Create templates for navigating social situations with confidence.

Taking Control of ADHD: Managing Symptoms at Any Stage

ADHD doesn’t just impact your day-to-day tasks—it can affect your self-esteem, relationships, and even major life transitions like pregnancy, menopause, or late-onset diagnosis. Skill-building offers tools to overcome these challenges, empowering you to take control of your symptoms.

Victoria Prisco, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Special Education Teacher, specializes in helping adults with ADHD develop actionable strategies for success. Her virtual ADHD therapy services are available to residents of Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona, and Virginia, offering accessible support from the comfort of your home.


Ready to Take Control of ADHD?

Transform your life with personalized skill-building strategies designed to help you thrive. Whether you’re dealing with ADHD, autism, or both, virtual therapy offers the flexibility and tools you need to succeed. Contact Victoria Prisco today to start your journey.

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vprisco@gmail.com

Practical Strategies to Manage ADHD Symptoms Through Therapy

Living with ADHD comes with unique challenges that can affect every aspect of life—work, relationships, self-esteem, and mental health. Many individuals with ADHD also experience comorbid conditions like anxiety, depression, and even perfectionism or imposter syndrome, compounding their struggles. Therapy can provide practical strategies to address these challenges and help individuals with ADHD, including those with autism or late diagnoses, manage their symptoms effectively.


How ADHD Impacts Mental Health and Behavior

ADHD isn’t just about inattention or hyperactivity. Its symptoms often intertwine with emotional and psychological challenges, including:

  • Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like you don’t deserve your successes because of challenges with focus or follow-through.
  • Anxiety: Persistent worry about forgetting tasks, losing items, or being unable to meet expectations.
  • Negative Thinking: A cycle of self-criticism due to perceived failures or being told you’re “not doing something right” for much of your life.
  • Perfectionism and People-Pleasing: Overcompensating for ADHD-related struggles by striving to meet unrealistic standards or avoid conflict.
  • Depression: Stemming from years of feeling misunderstood, judged, or falling short of societal expectations.

These challenges can feel overwhelming, but therapy offers tools to rewrite these narratives and build healthier habits.


Therapeutic Strategies for Managing ADHD Symptoms

Therapy tailored to ADHD goes beyond traditional approaches by focusing on practical, actionable strategies. Here are some ways therapy can help:

1. Reframing Negative Thinking

Many individuals with ADHD grow up feeling “different” or “deficient.” Therapy helps reframe these internalized messages, replacing them with affirming, growth-oriented beliefs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in addressing thought patterns tied to perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and depression.

2. Addressing People-Pleasing and Perfectionism

Therapy explores the root causes of people-pleasing behaviors and perfectionism, often linked to a fear of criticism or rejection. Strategies include setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and redefining success as progress, not perfection.

3. Managing Anxiety and Emotional Regulation

ADHD can heighten emotional sensitivity, leading to anxiety or difficulty managing frustration. Therapists can teach mindfulness techniques, grounding exercises, and skills to reduce emotional overwhelm in triggering situations.

4. Building Practical Skills

Therapy focuses on building real-world skills to address ADHD symptoms:

  • Time Management: Tools like planners, alarms, or time-blocking strategies.
  • Task Prioritization: Breaking tasks into manageable steps and learning to focus on high-impact activities.
  • Impulse Control: Practicing mindfulness and implementing “pause strategies” to avoid acting on emotional or impulsive decisions.

5. Coping with Depression

Therapy provides a safe space to address feelings of sadness or hopelessness tied to ADHD struggles. Therapists can help identify underlying triggers, build positive routines, and create actionable goals to foster motivation and confidence.


ADHD and Autism: Dual Diagnosis Strategies

Many individuals with ADHD also fall on the autism spectrum (AuDHD). This dual diagnosis presents unique challenges, such as sensory sensitivities, social difficulties, or rigid thinking patterns. Therapists specializing in neurodivergence can provide tailored strategies to manage overlapping symptoms and play to your strengths.


Managing ADHD After Pregnancy, During Menopause, and Later in Life

ADHD symptoms can evolve with life stages, presenting new challenges:

  • Post-Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts can amplify ADHD symptoms, making it harder to manage stress, organization, or emotional regulation. Therapy provides support in building flexible routines and managing overwhelm.
  • Menopause: Declining estrogen levels often exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women. Therapy can focus on coping with memory issues, emotional shifts, and maintaining self-esteem during this stage.
  • Late-Onset Diagnosis: Adults diagnosed later in life often grapple with the emotional impact of finally understanding their struggles. Therapy can provide clarity, helping you unpack past experiences and build a new sense of self-awareness and empowerment.

Why Therapy Is Essential for Managing ADHD Symptoms

Therapy isn’t about “fixing” ADHD—it’s about equipping you with tools to harness your unique strengths and manage challenges more effectively. By addressing the root causes of imposter syndrome, anxiety, negative thinking, and perfectionism, therapy helps individuals with ADHD redefine their relationship with themselves and the world around them.


Take the Next Step Toward Managing ADHD Symptoms

You don’t have to navigate the complexities of ADHD alone. Whether you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or managing ADHD after life changes, therapy can help you build the skills and confidence you need to thrive.

Victoria Prisco, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Special Education Teacher, specializes in ADHD and autism therapy. Through her virtual sessions, available to residents of Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona, and Virginia, Victoria provides practical strategies tailored to your unique needs.

Ready to take control of your ADHD symptoms?
Contact Victoria today to schedule your first session and begin your journey toward greater focus, emotional balance, and self-confidence.

  • Email: vprisco@victoriaprisco.net
  • Phone: 215.280.4090 (text me if you want an insurance quote)
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vprisco@gmail.com

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