I Have ADHD Podcast

Do you feel like you received an ADHD diagnosis late in life? There is no clinical definition of “late.” Age plays no part in it. It is entirely based on your perception. If this is you, there can be a range of emotions and new stages of growth that you experience after gaining clarity in this area.You may have heard of the five stages of grief. Well, this episode covers the four stages, or emotions, of a late ADHD diagnosis. These include relief, confusion, grief, and restructuring.You could experience these in different orders and come back to some more than once. If you take nothing else away from this episode, please understand that however you feel is valid.No matter your age or season in life, it is a privilege to receive an actual diagnosis to better understand and embrace the fullness of who you are.If you are looking for a place to get started discovering this new side of you, come join my group coaching program FOCUSED.Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I’m going back to ADHD basics today by addressing how to cut down on the chaos of our everyday lives. As adults with ADHD, we know this is a regular problem for us. We may have an epiphany and simplify for a while, but inevitably, things pile up again and again and again.Why do we find ourselves in this cycle? Shouldn’t we know the answer by now to avoid so much stress? In this podcast episode, I dive into the neurodivergent struggles that influence us to say ‘yes’ too often. Unsurprisingly, it’s a long list! But hopefully it helps you feel seen and understood, instead of causing you to feel shame and guilt that the neurotypical world has often tried to place on us.Then comes the hard part - taking action to address and reduce the chaos. It may bring some pain, grief and a lot of FOMO, but I promise you’ll also finally be able to experience peace, rest, clarity and purpose.You don’t have to do this alone, though. If you join my group coaching program FOCUSED, you’ll receive support from peers going through the same thing and the training to get better at setting good boundaries.Hang out with me on Instagram HERE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever felt emotionally hungover? I think all of us adults experience this semi-regularly, especially if you have ADHD. When you have a full life of responsibilities, it can be challenging managing your energy and stewarding your capacity.In this week’s episode of the podcast, I am sharing a recording of my group coaching program FOCUSED, where I chat with three people who feel overwhelmed.Adult #1 is dealing with the grief of losing a loved one and feeling unable to move forward with their own life. Could perfectionism and excuses be keeping her from taking any action? Could the answer lie in starting small and simple? Adult #2 is physically, mentally and emotionally carrying burdens for herself, her family and her community. How does she decipher what her priorities are so she can do it all? Should she even be the one to do it all? Adult #3 feels like she is cheating her students by waiting til the last minute to create lesson plans. But if everyone is successfully learning and leaving positive feedback, is there even a problem to worry about?I hope you can take something from these coaching sessions and apply it to your own life to feel more regulated and in balance.Hang out with me on Instagram HERE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s my birthday week! I love birthdays, getting older, and celebrating life and growth. So for this special birthday episode, I’m sharing a comprehensive list of the books that have changed my life and the reasons why.Books that have changed my life:ADHD-focused:Taking Charge of Adult ADHD, by Dr. Russell Barkley Rethinking Adult ADHD, by Dr. Russ RamsayDelivered From Distraction, by Dr. Ned HallowellPersonal Growth:Essentialism, by Greg MckeownEffortless, by Greg Mckeown Atomic Habits, by James ClearAtlas of the Heart, by Brene BrownLoving What Is, by Byron KatieAdult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, by Dr. Lindsay GibsonRecovering From Emotionally Immature Parents, by Dr. Lindsay GibsonBoundaries:Boundaries, by Dr. John Townsend and Dr. Henry CloudSet Boundaries, Find Peace, by Nedra Glover TawwabNecessary Endings, by Dr. Henry CloudTrauma:The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der KolkWhat Happened to You, by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah WinfreyWas It Even Abuse, by Emma Rose ByhamHealthy Spirituality:Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter ScazzeroHonorable Mentions:A World Without Email, by Cal NewportDaring Greatly, by Brene BrownGood to Great, by Jim CollinsI’m also excited to announce that I am getting my trauma-informed coaching certification, which has been a major goal for me. If you aren’t already a part of my group coaching program FOCUSED, it’s a great time to join! Lastly, if you’d like to get me a little something for my birthday…*wink wink*...it would mean the world if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Thank you all. I hope you enjoy these books!Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I believe I have the best Mother’s Day gift ever for adult women with ADHD! There is a new study revealing that there is no connection to children developing neurological conditions or physical impairments whose mothers took ADHD medication when pregnant.This is huge news! Please see below for links to this study and two additional supporting articles. This episode is all about prioritizing your needs for mental and physical wellness. You deserve nurturing as much as your baby. There are enough pressures in this world on pregnant women and mothers, and I’m here to tell you that YOU MATTER TOO.Medication can and should be considered for pregnant women with ADHD that benefit from it. At the end of the day, the decision is yours. The responsibility to do the research and talk to your doctor is yours. But I’m so happy to see actual research out in the world today in support of ADHD medication for mamas that could really need it.You don’t have to go through this season alone. My group coaching program FOCUSED is filled with women, parents and adults with all kinds of life experiences ready to welcome you in our community with open arms. Come check us out! Pregnant Women with ADHD Can Breathe a Sigh of Relief - Mt Sinai Health System Pregnant Women with ADHD Can Breathe a Sigh of Relief - AARHUS University In utero exposure to ADHD medication and long-term offspring outcomes Come hang out with me on Instagram HERE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The last episode of the rejection series is a good one on how to respond to and soothe the pain from rejection. Like eating something super cold or hot with sensitive teeth, adults with ADHD tend to react more strongly to rejection than others. Due to repeated rejection, we’ve developed maladaptive coping mechanisms that do not benefit us in the long-run. Avoidance, people-pleasing and perfectionism are responses that many of us identify with as a way of limiting the amount of rejection in our lives. These serve us in the short-term, but they limit our growth potential and can be downright emotionally exhausting. These three coping mechanisms can be replaced with productive strategies, however, which I have double the options for! I even offer a free course on addressing perfectionism at ihaveadhd.com/perfect. The last, and perhaps the most important, of the productive strategies is to surround yourself with safe people. If you’re struggling with finding a strong, encouraging community, come join my group coaching program FOCUSED with similar adults working on becoming their best regulated selves.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Power of Therapy for Rejection SensitivityHelen Villiers is here with me again in this week’s podcast! You might remember Helen from Episode #200: Maybe I’m Not the Problem: Understanding Emotional Abuse with Helen Villiers and Katie McKenna. Helen is a psychotherapist and co-host of the podcast, In Sight - Exposing Narcissism. In part 3 of the rejection series, we talk about rejection trauma from the beautiful perspective of a therapist with ADHD. This episode is so affirming of my feelings and opinions shared last week on Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. Helen explains important terms such as toxic shame, moral defense, mirroring and stonewalling. We also learn how to identify if a therapist is a good therapist. But my favorite part is when Helen helps me identify why it can be so hard to not take rejection personally and why I look for mirroring in relationships to help me feel safe.The moral of the story is: therapy works! And immersing yourself in good education, encouragement and coaching in a group like FOCUSED can make a world of difference in dealing with rejection in everyday life.Hang out with me on Instagram HERE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I get bold and honest in this episode as I challenge “expert” opinion on Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). And honestly, I'm scared you're going to reject me for it. Most of us adults living with ADHD have many experiences from childhood onwards of being rejected due to our neurodivergence. We've grown up in families and systems that have indeed rejected us. OF COURSE this means that we're more sensitive to rejection. But I reject the idea that our ADHD itself is the genetic and neurological CAUSE of our rejection issues. No. Growing up in a world that constantly rejects us is the cause of our rejection issues. Yet there is one published ADHD expert who claims that RSD is genetic to those with ADHD and that the ONLY treatment is medication. He says that "psychotherapy does little to help" those with rejection issues.Well, I reject these statements as they lack the following:Any evidence at allAny mention of other supportive researchAny anecdotal confirmation from real life adults living with ADHDRejection is real. Those of us with ADHD have experienced and do experience a lot of it. That doesn’t mean we have genetic disorder giving us rejection sensitivity and that doesn’t mean that only medication can help us improve our sensitivity.Thankfully I’m not the only one who feels this way. Take a look in the references below and make your own best judgment based on the existing research, your personal rejection experiences, and what you know about the ADHD community.Rejection sensitivity IS REAL, and most of us ADHDers experience it. But I reject the term RSD, and I wonder if you'd like to reject it, too? Be in community with kind, like-minded individuals living with ADHD and join my group coaching program, FOCUSED.Referenced Articles:RSD: The Feelings are Real but the Cause is All Wrong Dodson's Additude Mag Article on RSD Medical News Today: RSD is ControversialCome hang out with me on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A brand new series is here, and it’s on everyone's favorite topic: rejection. From childhood to adulthood, we experience rejection in a variety of ways and learn how to respond to it. Those of us with ADHD often experience this frequently and at an early age. As a result, we tend to have heightened sensitivity to feelings of exclusion or dismissal. We react extremely or suppress our own desires in order to please the people around us whose love and approval we most crave.The first episode in this series involves a critical self-examination and reflection time to determine whether or not you may demonstrate rejection sensitivity. I discuss expert opinions on the relationship between having ADHD and experiencing rejection, how rejection can be perceived but not real and the importance of nurturing our psyches when we experience these strong feelings.While this episode may bring up some intense memories or emotions, I’m here to offer generous validation and grace so that listeners can better prepare for self-regulation in times of uncertainty.In addition to finding a good trauma-informed therapist for support, my group coaching program, FOCUSED, is a great, supportive community for other ADHDers learning how to harness our strengths and overcome our weaknesses. I hope you check us out!Hang out with me on Instagram HERE. Referenced Links: Experiences of criticism in adults with ADHDRejection sensitivity and the social brainRejection sensitivity and disruption of attentionPeer Functioning in Children with ADHDPeer victimization in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity DisorderSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I’m so relieved to be wrapping up the last episode in the executive function series. This episode focuses on self-motivation, which is quite funny seeing as how I have felt very little of it to get this series done. The timing of this episode couldn’t be more perfect, however, because we are in the last few weeks before taxes are due! Many of you adults with ADHD may be especially struggling with the motivation to beat that deadline, and I’m here to explain why.It all comes down to our lack of dopamine, but that doesn’t mean we are lazy or a lost cause for productivity. A customized cocktail of support can help us improve in this impaired executive function.I provide several tips in the episode for improving motivation through determination. Three of these include:Talking to your doctor about medically increasing your dopamineSetting up rewards systems for yourselfJoining a coaching program, like FOCUSED Listen to this episode, and please share with a friend who could also benefit!Hang out with me on Instagram HERE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are now five down with one to go in my executive function series. Part 5 is on self-awareness - the ability to reflect, evaluate and ponder your thinking patterns. This executive function, also known as metacognition, is closely influenced by emotional regulation and working memory. For ADHDers, self-awareness can be a very uncomfortable thing to do and it might bring up a lot of shame and guilt. That’s why I offer six super helpful tips to implement that will create a safer space for you to examine your way of thinking and make a game plan for positive change.There is a significant shift within my group coaching program FOCUSED. I’m now offering the emotional regulation course in the first batch of courses now for all new participants! This is truly the foundation of our ability to make changes, and I’m happy to offer this at the beginning now. Listen in as I discuss what active mindfulness and compassionate self-reflection look like as we embark on a journey to be more self-aware.Hang out with me on Instagram HERE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My conversation with Dr. Lindsay Gibson generated pure gold in this week’s episode about emotionally immature parents. It’s important to note that this is in no way parent-shaming but instead illuminates how many people with ADHD were likely raised by emotionally immature adults (and perhaps perpetuating this behavior).We’re often led to believe that we ADHDers are always the problem. But maybe we were raised by adults that used manipulation and guilt to force us into people-pleasing and parentification to prioritize their needs and wants at all times above our own as children.While ADHD is hereditary, emotional immaturity can sometimes be passed down through generations as well. A cycle of neurodivergence coupled with emotional immaturity is not an ideal combination, so I invite you to listen in as we discuss how to identify this type of parenting, common coping mechanisms to avoid, and the pathway toward peace and freedom.Many of the participants in my group coaching program FOCUSED can relate to this and are in good company as we work towards being more emotionally mature adults. If you’d like to learn more about this topic, I encourage you to check out drlindsaygibson.com and read one of her many helpful books.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode, I’ve invited emotional abuse and relationship experts, Katie McKenna and Helen Villiers, to share their perspective on toxic relationships and how they affect ADHDers. You may know these incredible women from their podcast In Sight: Exposing Narcissism.With Helen being a fellow ADHDer and Katie deserving a gold medal for supporting neurodivergence, I’m in great company during this conversation as we learn definitions for emotional abuse, narcissism, gaslighting and even mysophonia. Many of us adults with ADHD were raised with neurotypical or even narcissistic parents who did not understand and accept us for our neurodivergence. As a result, we may be more susceptible to similarly toxic and abusive relationships with people who deny our feelings and needs.Please give this episode a listen and share with friends and family as you never know who may be suffering in an abusive relationship. I encourage my listeners to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233) if you feel that you are in danger and need help.I invite you to join my group coaching program FOCUSED, where adults like you receive regular coaching calls and have a supportive community with all the tools needed to thrive with ADHD. Hang out with me on Instagram HERE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Part 4 in the Executive Function Series is here, and I’m focusing on problem solving. This includes “fun” elements like planning, organizing and prioritizing that many ADHDers struggle with. The truth is, while those of us with ADHD may be good at solving big, complex problems, facing the breakdown of smaller situations can be a real challenge. In Episode 199, I share info from articles, books, and direct feedback from people in my group coaching program to help you understand why problem solving is so hard and what we can do to tackle it head-on. Problem solving shouldn’t be scary. It’s supposed to manifest like mental play, or a game of chess, with our brains simulating multiple scenarios with choices and actions and helping us decide the best course of action.Listen in on my basic tips for approaching and solving a problem, and don’t forget to check out my FOCUSED group coaching program to receive tools to keep you on track with accomplishing your goals.Here is the article I mentioned in this episode. Hang out with me on Instagram HERE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ll want to save this episode to re-listen and share with your neurotypical friends because Episode 198 is solid GOLD. In part three of my six-part series on executive functions, I’m diving into emotional regulation and how it’s impacted with ADHD. But the truth is, we ALL can use help getting our emotions under control sometimes.Emotional regulation directly impacts how productive we’re able to be because how we feel drives our actions. While ADHD inhibits our ability to self-regulate, leading us to react poorly at times, there are so many useful tools we can use to regain control of our body’s response to external stimuli.While I myself even get worked up a bit in this episode, I cover my frustrations with clinicians for not sharing more info about this executive function after diagnosis, the biological differences between ADHD brains and neurotypical brains, and how to SURF our emotions in the moment instead of avoiding them.The 37 minutes of this episode are chock full of good info, but if you’re looking for even more training on emotional regulation, you can receive a full course on this topic after completing three months of my group coaching program FOCUSED!Hang out with me on Instagram HERE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Part two of my six-part series on executive functions is all about inhibition. This one’s a little heavy and a little scary. Those of us with ADHD can attest to how debilitating it is to not have strong, internal self-restraint that can protect us from automatic urges and impulse decisions. From interrupting conversations to cutting in line to leaping before we look, life with impaired inhibition can be daunting. In episode 197, I share the four types of inhibition (including cognitive, behavioral, and emotional motor) that impact our reactions and decision-making. I also offer tips on how we can keep this impairment in check and guard ourselves against making hasty choices.While there are some ADHD tools out there to support children, adults continue to need help understanding a new diagnosis or just managing day-to-day life. That’s why I started my group coaching program FOCUSED, and I invite you to sign up today and learn how to practice inhibition with a supportive and encouraging group of people just like you.Hang out with me on Instagram HEREReferenced Links: What is Inhibitory Control? and How is it Related to ADHD?Inhibitory capacity in adults with symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Episode 196, I am kicking off the anticipated Executive Function series! I’ll be breaking down the six key executive functions that are impacted by ADHD. Today’s focus is all about Working Memory. Working memory is a temporary storage system that allows you to hold information in your mind long enough to do something with it. I like to think of working memory as an internal bulletin board where sticky notes get posted temporarily. Did you know there are two types: verbal and non-verbal? Join me as I dive into understanding the mind’s voice and the mind’s eye that are both necessary to picture the steps involved in a task and get it done.This is an easy one to give ourselves a hard time about. We think we SHOULD be able to do XYZ from start to finish, and we shame ourselves when we don’t. As you’ll find out in the podcast, my biggest lesson here is to embrace acceptance of our impairment and learn how to externalize these plans of action to help us accomplish them. Ready to make a game plan for yourself to improve life with ADHD? I invite you to join my group coaching program FOCUSED, where adults like you receive regular coaching calls and learn how to hold themselves accountable in a loving but firm way.Hang out with me on Instagram HERE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 195 welcomes Daniel Jones from The Aspie World as a special guest! PLEASE NOTE: There is strong language used in this one. Daniel has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2), ADHD, OCD, and Dyslexia. He’s especially passionate about providing education, support, and diagnosis access to any and everyone. In this special episode, we chat through the differences and similarities between ADHD and Autism. Daniel shares tips for tricking the ADHD side of his brain into staying focused for longer periods of time and expresses why it’s so important to love each other and not feed dissension amongst our neurodivergent community.You can find Daniel across all your favorite social media channels @theaspieworld. My group coaching program FOCUSED is a great place for folks with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, and we believe we’re better together!Hang out with me on Instagram HERE. #adhd #adhdawareness #adhdsupport #lifecoach #adhdcoach #adhdproblems #adhdadult #adhdlife #adhdcoaching #adhdexplained #adultadhd #adhdsymptoms #adhdinfo #adhdlife #adhdtips #adhdexplained #adhdtribe #adhdsolutions #adhdhelp #adhdtreatment #adhdstrategies #adhddiagnosis #ocd #dyslexia #autism See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is a very vulnerable podcast for me. I made a goal to talk about one thing, told myself it would be easy, then procrastinated and realized it was more work than I was ready to handle. My mind originally had me living in this fantasy world, and I left it before thinking through the logistics and effort required to get it done and do it right. Have you been here before?At this point in January, many of you may be starting to feel the same way about those New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you’re bored. The ideas just aren’t flowing anymore, and now you realize it is not going to happen unless you take significant action.Sometimes even the things we love most in life are going to feel like drudgery and mundane work. In Episode 194, I share how this is one of the hardest things about dealing with ADHD for me personally.So here we go! I’ll talk through the things I did wrong this week, the steps I skipped, and the danger of excitement that I floated on instead of facing reality. Let’s learn together, and I hope I can help you avoid the pain I went through with this good but difficult goal.Maybe you are struggling with this as well and know you need an intervention to keep you on track. I invite you to join my group coaching program FOCUSED, where I help other ADHDers set goals and follow through with them. We'd love to have you!Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resources.Hang out with me on Instagram HERESee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As an adult with ADHD, I know how hard it can be to fight the way my brain works and spend too much energy shaming myself and wishing I was different. But in Episode 193 of the podcast, I coach three separate, amazing adults dealing with very different life challenges and help them embrace and accept who they are and find ways to live their best lives alongside ADHD.The first coaching session focuses on how to tackle a new, unstructured career by building in the accountability and framework needed to manage new challenges with patience and gentleness.The second session deals with parent/child dynamics between spouses where one has a neurotypical brain and the other has ADHD. I coach on how to surf reactionary emotions, take stock of the message of trauma or justified need that your brain is sending you, and how to set appropriate boundaries to protect your autonomy.Finally, in session three, I support a newly diagnosed ADHDer in accepting their brain’s differences, educating their loved ones on how to accept it, and finding peace amidst all the distractions. If you loved listening in on these coaching sessions and would like my support for yourself, come join my group coaching program, FOCUSED. You’ll be in great company! Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERESee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the first episode of 2023, I'm chatting with Felicia Broccolo, Director of Operations at I Have ADHD, about impossible goals. This time of year, everyone is setting resolutions — something that can be especially hard for those diagnosed with ADHD.An impossible goal doesn’t have to be something huge and scary though. It can be as small as finishing work every day when you say you’re going to or waking up at the first alarm without hitting snooze. The goal itself isn’t often what’s out of reach, it's our mindset about ourselves and negative self-talk that holds us back. The truth is, setting and working towards goals of any size helps us with our emotion management and facing failure head-on. Because we tend to be our own worst critics, finding a supportive coach and community is super essential to keep positive forces around us that don’t let us self-sabotage ourselves. That's exactly what you get when you become a part of my group coaching program, FOCUSED.Plus, members who have completed one full year get access to tons of additional resources, including an Impossible Goals course. Click here to join FOCUSED today and start working towards your goals of all shapes and sizes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barbara Arrowsmith-Young overheard her first-grade teacher telling her mom, “Barbara really isn’t going to amount to much.”Growing up, Barbara struggled to learn to read and write. Back then, there was no such term as “learning difficulty” — the understanding was that your brain was fixed forever. To Barbara, it felt like a life sentence.Today, she is known as “the woman who changed her brain.” After years of living with a diagnosed “mental block,” Barbara set out to understand why parts of her brain weren’t functioning the way they should.What she discovered changed her understanding of the brain entirely, and she knew it was her life’s work to help others overcome the learning difficulties that might be holding them back.The Arrowsmith Program is helping thousands of people worldwide reduce the factors in their life causing negative neuroplasticity so they can become effective, confident, and self-directed learners.Learn more about The Arrowsmith Program by visiting their website. Be sure to take the free questionnaire to get a snapshot of your own cognitive profile. I help people struggling with learning difficulties regularly in my group coaching program for adult ADHDers. Click the button below to learn more.>>FOCUSED<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The only way to be a perfect parent is to toss out the word "perfect" altogether. Our expectations and emotions can easily get in the way of effective parenting when we make things all about US instead of all about what our kiddos need. In episode 190, I'm serving some spicy advice on ways we can all grow and improve as moms and dads to our little ones. You'll find that my tips don't have a lot to do with the actual kids, and that's because there is work we as adults need to do before we expect things from our children. It doesn't have to be right 100% of the time. You can begin to develop skills that will build connections with your kiddos and make your job as a parent feel so lovely. It can actually be fun. Listen in with your partner or when you have a quiet moment alone to yourself. And if you'd like to join a supportive community to help get you through the day-to-day, I'd love for you to become a part of my coaching group. >>FOCUSED<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you or do you not have the extra cash to spend on holiday gifts this season? Episode 189 includes a recorded excerpt from the FOCUSED ADHD group coaching program with tough questions to ask yourself ASAP in order to properly prepare for holiday gift-giving without going into debt or feeling shame.Those of us with ADHD know how easy it is to overspend due to feelings of guilt and/or anticipation. This happens especially around this time of year when regulation and routine seemingly fly out the window.In this episode, I talk about managing emotions when it comes to your finances and how to approach holiday spending from a grounded, reality-centered place. I'm proud of you for listening to this podcast and seeking out growth. Keep up the moment by joining my group coaching program, FOCUSED, so you can gain more tools and a strong support system.>>FOCUSED<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Facing the holiday season can be intimidating. Normal everyday life is complicated enough living with ADHD, and yet so much more is expected of us in the last few months of the year.Our inner child may have this beautiful fantasy of a perfect holiday season, but we feel let down when it doesn’t all go according to plan. So how can we approach this year differently to make sure we make the most of all the magic without getting swallowed by it?In episode 188, I offer a strategic plan for managing your expectations and capacity in order to face this time with intentionality and prioritization. By staying grounded in reality and sitting in the driver’s seat of how we want this season to go, we can avoid those icky feelings of shame, exhaustion, disappointment, and stress while embracing real connection, rest, and genuine joy!If you want to set yourself up for success before it gets hard with a fantastic support group, I invite you to join my group coaching program, FOCUSED. All month long, I’ll be focusing on ways to manage the holiday season, and I’d love to take you along with us.>>FOCUSED<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This one’s for all the neurotypical friends and family who have a loved one living with ADHD. There are SO many misconceptions about this diagnosis, and it can be super challenging for us to communicate our experiences to you effectively.Societal shame and childhood upbringings have played a huge role in diminishing the voice of ADHDers. But there are so many things we’d like you, our friends and family, to know about us! Thanks to the input of several friends in the community, I’m sharing 3 things we wish you knew about ADHD and 3 things we’d like to ask from you.Without giving away too much, it’s crucial for you to start by understanding how hard it is for us to share our struggles and ask for help. THANK YOU for taking the time to listen to this episode and for being our support system!Another helpful thing you can do for a loved one living with ADHD is encourage them to get support. My group coaching program FOCUSED offers a supportive community and the tools needed to thrive with ADHD. >>FOCUSED<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re guilty of adding too many tasks to your to-do list and then feeling guilty for not completing them, this message is for you! To-do lists are meant to be useful for prioritization and recollecting what needs to get done — but it’s easy to lose ourselves in the list itself and struggle to cross anything off at all, leading to procrastination, dread, and shame.It may sound scandalous, but you should consider the email concept of “archive all” to cleanse the clutter in your brain and let yourself off the hook! To those of us living with ADHD, this may sound terrifying… impossible even. But the only way to make progress is by taking one step at a time, tackling items one by one.In this episode, I’m divulging why I relish archiving ALL THE THINGS that take up too much brain space and how it helps me be *more* productive in the long run. It’s time to let go of the unnecessary weight you’ve been carrying for far too long. Archive it all — with no strings attached!Want to start tackling your to-do list? Check out my coaching program for adults with ADHD >>FOCUSED<<.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big, impossible goals are sexy. That’s what the world wants us to think. We have to do all of the things and be great at each one. But unrealistic goals are a challenge for adults with ADHD, and they set us up for failure.Michelle Carter is an American shot putter and three-time Olympic athlete who took home a gold medal in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. But more importantly, she’s an adult with ADHD who’s achieved some pretty amazing things by giving herself the space to choose what’s a priority to her and working on her goals one step at a time.Michelle shares what she learned about ADHD that’s helped her identify and achieve her goals in a way that works for her — plus, we discuss the emotional moment she realized she’d won gold at the Olympics.Learn more about Michelle here and be sure to follow her on Instagram.—Want help achieving your own goals? Check out my group coaching program. >> FOCUSED <<Hang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're an adult with ADHD who struggles with hobbies, all I have to say is, "SAME!" I find that a lot of us ADHDers struggle to rest and play, and we have all the drama about participating in activities that are not 'productive.' Want to stop over-working and actually get a hobby? I've got 7 doable steps for you! You'll learn why we struggle to have hobbies and how to go out and actually find something that you enjoy doing (and yes, I include a LONG list of hobbies for you to try!).Books featured in this episode:Adult Children of Emotionally Immature ParentsChildren of the Self AbsorbedYou're Not Crazy, It's Your MotherDr. Ramani's YouTube ChannelWas It Even Abuse? Restoring Clarity After Covert AbuseVisit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We end our relationships series by circling back to the most important relationship: the one we have with ourselves. Dr. Russell Ramsay is here with us to chat about why self trust is especially difficult for adults with ADHD, and what we can do to build it.Dr. Russell Ramsay is co-founder and co-director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program and a professor of clinical psychology in the department of psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He’s authored several books on ADHD including one that that I reference often called Rethinking Adult ADHD: Helping Clients Turn Intentions into ActionsLearn more about Dr. Russell Ramsay here!Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Saying no can be very difficult for any human, but I believe it's especially hard for adults with ADHD. In this episode you'll learn: Why saying no is hard for us What executive functions are involved in saying no Practical tips on exactly HOW to say no ADHDer, the more you say no when you want to, the more you are in the driver's seat of your own life. Enjoy!Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ADHDers are notoriously bad at setting boundaries. So many factors go into this, but I believe it’s mostly because we feel poorly about ourselves, we don’t have a lot of self-trust, and we are embarrassed about our annoying ADHD symptoms. The result of this is that we ADHDers often don’t believe we even deserve to set boundaries. Additionally, many of us were not raised in families that talked about or even allowed boundaries to be set…so, it comes to boundaries, most of us are floundering. A big part of having healthy relationships is being able to express our own personal boundaries. But, how? Like actually, HOW? I am by no means an expert on this topic, so I invited an expert on to share her wisdom with us: best-selling author, licensed therapist, and sought-after relationship expert, Nedra Glover Tawwab. Nedra has practiced relationship therapy for 15 years and is the founder and owner of the group therapy practice, Kaleidoscope Counseling. Every day she helps people create healthy relationships by teaching them how to implement boundaries. Her philosophy is that a lack of boundaries and assertiveness underlie most relationship issues, and her gift is helping people create healthy relationships with themselves and others. This episode has the potential to change your life, so enjoy it! Nedra’s book, "Set Boundaries Find Peace" and the accompanying workbook are available on amazon, And I highly recommend that you visit her website to take her boundaries quiz…this will help you to determine your next step when it comes to boundaries.Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are on a mission to improve all of our relationships, and today we discuss the difference between someone who is safe verses someone who is unsafe. This has been a critical (and truthfully, painful) exercise that I have gone through in my own life that has improved my experience of every single relationship that I have. Tune in to hear why it's important to understand safety in relationships and exactly what makes someone relationally safe verses someone who is relationally unsafe. Click here to read the Psychology Today article that I reference in this episode.Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resources.Hang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we talk about surrounding ourselves with people who are willing and able to meet our needs. AND we talk about the importance of being willing and able to meet THEIR needs, too. It's both/and. You'll learn my 4-tier system for prioritizing relationships and I'll give you permission to let some relationships go. If you want to take these concepts deeper, join my coaching program FOCUSED.Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most ADHDers struggle with relationships, and I am no exception to this. In the last 3 years, I've done a TON of work in therapy and in coaching, and I've really changed the way that I view relationships. In this 4-part series, I'll share everything I've learned about healthy relationships with you so that you can change your relationships, too.Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's that time of year when I want to set 100 goals. BIG GOALS. I want to do all the things and I want to do them all perfectly. On today's episode, we talk about why ADHDers struggle to set realistic goals, and how to make sure that we don't set ourselves up for failure by setting outlandish, unreachable goals. You'll walk away with a more grounded sense of how to set goals that you can actually accomplish! Let's go.Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today you'll hear from 3 of the coaches that I trained this year. They tell you about their experience, why they decided to become coaches, and what they loved/hated about my program.Interested in training with me? Go to www.ihaveadhd.com/coach for all of the information!Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For all information, click HERE!If you want to be an ADHD coach and you like my approach, I would love to train you as a coach!Part 1 and Part 2 of this series are so important for you to listen to as you make your decision of what coach training program to invest in.Applications go out on September 15, 2022 to Focused members only. Email [email protected] or DM me on Instagram if you have any questions!Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resources.Hang out with me on Instagram HERESee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For all information, click HERE!Buckle up, my friends! In this episode I dish all of my thoughts on ADHD coaching and the coaching industry. I let you know what I think is awesome, and what I find annoying, and I tell you how I'm going to solve the problem: By training ADHD coaches myself.The coach training programs out there are notoriously not ADHD-friendly. I wanted to create a training program for the ADHD brain, and I did.The type of coaching that I practice with my clients (causal coaching) is not something that many ADHD coaches are currently being trained in, and I want to fill that void.Tune in for all the details!Testimonials from Focused ADHD Coaches:"I'm so glad that I took the leap, it was manageable, and I got so much out of it. If you want to be the kind of coach that Kristen is, it's the perfect next step." - Kyla Roma"The Focused ADHD coach training program is excellent. I feel completely confident in being able to coach anyone with ADHD on what's holding them back, or how to live the full life they're dreaming of. I feel like I can support any clients - and especially neurodivergent clients - in an affirming, supportive, motivating way that puts them in touch with their own resourcefulness." -Erin King"I have zero regrets with my choice to take the Focused ADHD Coach Training program. I honestly feel I am well prepared to coach people with and without ADHD. Kristen shared her knowledge AND experience with us in a way that supported my ADHD brain and let me learn in a way and at a pace that felt comfortable." Dylan M."This is the best investment for yourself. Even if you're unsure about being a coach full time, you will leave equipped to apply this training into your personal life and your work life." Jenni N"The philosophy of ADHDers supporting other ADHDers to succeed is at the core of why Focused works and why this coaching program appealed to me. The approach is fundamentally grounded in respect and a deep understanding of what the coachee experiences and struggles with, because the coaches-in-training have the same struggles. I don’t think most life coach training programs can offer that perspective or opportunity to consider both sides at once." Briony KiddVisit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is a compilation of a few coaching conversations I’ve had in the last couple of weeks in my coaching program, FOCUSED. I am sharing it with you because I truly believe that while you listen, you will relate to each person I speak with and you’ll be able to have life-changing transformation.Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's episode is one that every ADHD needs: a fun and simple lesson in how to be productive. I'll take you through the 5 steps that I teach all of my clients when we talk about productivity: Constrain your list down to just 1 or 2 things, decide ahead of time what you're going to do, schedule everything on your calendar, take massive action (no more researching!), and then evaluate how you did and make any adjustments for tomorrow. It may sound complicated, but really these steps are simple if you're willing to feel terrible and TRUST yourself to implement the steps. Buckle up for an episode that just might change your life forever.Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It can be hard to decide whether or not you should share your ADHD diagnosis with the people in your life. Is it their business to know? Will it help or hurt the relationship? This is one of the questions that we get asked most often, and so I wanted to share some tips to making the decision!Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you feel like you're always taking 2 steps forward and 3 steps back, this episode is the antidote to that. In it, I teach you WHY ADHDers often self-sabotage, and exactly how to stop. You're not going to want to miss this life-changing episode!Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resources.Hang out with me on Instagram HERE!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you have ADHD, you struggle to go to bed...it's a whole thing for us. This episode will provide you with 10 doable tips for getting your sweet little ADHD butt to bed at the time that you SAY you're going to go to bed.Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram HERESee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ADHD entrepreneurs face a specific set of challenges, and I know exactly what it takes to run a successful business with a distracted brain. Spoiler: It doesn't take being consistent! I've created a mastermind group for established ADHD entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses without being shamed for how their brain works.You'll learn how to make your business more ADHD-friendly so that your brain and your biz are not constantly in a fight.You'll learn how to set boundaries and protect the ebb and flow of your energy so that you can follow your calendar and work muuuuuch more efficiently.You'll learn how to lead your team even though you're the messiest person in the room.And, you'll learn that you're not alone. Entrepreneurship is isolating. ADHD entrepreneurship can be excruciating. This mastermind is the antidote.We're going to get rolling with or without you, but I would LOVE for you to be a part. Click here to apply.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all know that getting and staying organized is a MAJOR challenge for adults with ADHD. This is like saying the sky is blue or the grass is green. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly why organization is hard for us, why it’s so important we divorce our ability to organize from our self-worth, how our spaces are a direct reflection of our minds, and exactly HOW to organize.Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resources.Hang out with me on Instagram here!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Adults with ADHD struggle to make decisions. We don't trust ourselves and we tell ourselves that we don't know what to do. When it's time to make a decision, we often spin out in confusion and overwhelm. We delay and procrastinate and don't think things through clearly, and this makes it so that we struggle move forward in our lives. THIS EPISODE IS THE ANTIDOTE TO THAT. In it, I give you 6 solid tips on how to make a decision that feels good to you and is in line with your values. I teach you how to do this quickly and in a way that is not paralyzing. The best part? I will teach you how to make a decision that you don’t beat yourself up for – no matter what the outcome. This episode will help you to become a decision-making MACHINE. Enjoy!Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resources.Hang out with me on Instagram here!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raise your hand if you still beat yourself up for things you did DECADES ago. Most ADHDers shame themselves relentlessly, and on today's episode I am going to teach you how to let go of your past mistakes. Ironically, holding onto the past is one of the best ways to REPEAT the past (ever feel like you make the same mistakes over and over??). In order to move into a different future, you've got to unshackle yourself from the past, and that's what this episode is all about! Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more information.Hang out with me on Instagram here!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're an ADHD Entrepreneur who struggles to understand your business's finances (raises hand) and conceptualize what EXACTLY to do with your revenue (raises both hands), this episode is going to rock your world. Mike Michalowitz is a highly successful entrepreneur who is here to share the brilliance from his best-selling book Profit First. This book changed my life, and I think it'll change yours, too!Learn more about Mike HERE!Visit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resourcesHang out with me on Instagram @i.have.adhd.podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this DELICIOUS episode you will learn how rest and play are connected to your business's bottom line $. Africa Brooke is a coach, consultant, strategist and seasoned entrepreneur...and did I mention she's MY coach? She's here to teach you all of the things I've learned from working with her over the last year.Learn more about Africa hereVisit www.ihaveadhd.com/focused for more resources.Hang out with me on Instagram @i.have.adhd.podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.