Behavioral Therapy for ADHD
What are the different kinds of therapy for ADHD?
And which one will work best for you?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based, goal-oriented approach uniquely powerful for adults with ADHD because it targets the crucial internal components: destructive thought patterns, emotional dysregulation, and the resulting avoidance. Unlike traditional behavioral therapy which focuses on external rewards, ADHD-specific CBT addresses the cognitive errors and internalized shame that paralyze executive function. By identifying the cycle where a task-related failure (behavior) triggers thoughts ("I'm a failure"), which then intensify feelings (anxiety, shame), CBT breaks the cycle. It teaches clients to challenge these distorted thoughts and replace them with factual, encouraging self-talk, effectively lowering the emotional barrier to task initiation.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for ADHD
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a highly structured and evidence-based approach, offers unique benefits for adults with ADHD, particularly those struggling with significant emotional intensity and relationship instability. While rooted in CBT principles, DBT is specifically designed to address severe emotional dysregulation—the intense, volatile feelings often experienced by adults with ADHD, including chronic frustration, overwhelming anxiety, and intense reactions like Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). DBT focuses on teaching clients four core skill modules: Mindfulness (to stay present and reduce impulsivity), Distress Tolerance (to survive crises without making things worse), Emotion Regulation (to understand and change intense feelings), and Interpersonal Effectiveness (to maintain healthy boundaries and relationships).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for ADHD
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful, evidence-based behavioral therapy that is exceptionally well-suited for the unique internal struggles of the adult ADHD brain. ACT moves beyond symptom management to foster psychological flexibility, helping clients engage with life despite the challenges of ADHD. The central goal is to close the Value-Action Gap: bridging the space between what you care about (your values) and what you actually do (your actions). ACT achieves this by teaching two key components: acceptance (non-judgmentally noticing difficult thoughts and feelings, like shame or anxiety, without letting them dictate behavior) and commitment (taking concrete, values-aligned action).