ADHD Psychologist
Highett | Hampton | Melbourne
Bayside & Telehealth

Understanding ADHD

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterised by challenges with attention, concentration, and impulse control. The condition affects people of all ages and significantly impacts the individual’s day-to-day life.

While ADHD is often associated with hyperactivity in childhood, many adults experience symptoms more internally. This can include chronic overwhelm, racing thoughts, difficulty prioritising tasks, forgetfulness, emotional sensitivity, procrastination, or feeling unable to “switch off.”

For many people, ADHD can go unrecognised for years, particularly in women and individuals who have developed strong coping strategies.

ADHD can affect:

• Attention and concentration

• Time management and organisation

• Emotional regulation

• Motivation and task completion

• Self-esteem and confidence

• Relationships and communication

• Stress tolerance and burnout

• Work, study, and daily functioning

Types of ADHD

ADHD symptoms can present differently between individuals. Some people experience primarily inattentive symptoms, while others experience hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of both.

A diagnosis of ADHD requires that several symptoms are present, in two or more settings (e.g. home and work, home and school) and that they started before the age of 12 years. 

Inattentive Type

The individual is easily distractible but displays no signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity.

Symptoms may include:

• Struggling to concentrate, remain focused, or complete tasks once started

• Procrastination, especially when activities require sustained effort

• Easily distractible

• Forgetfulness 

• Daydreaming

• Difficulty following instructions

• Difficulty focusing on repetitive tasks or those they are uninterested in

• Difficulty organising time, belongings, or tasks

• Tendency to lose things

• Lack of attention to detail/making careless mistakes

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

The individual displays hyperactivity and impulsive behaviours.

Symptoms may include:

• Restlessness/fidgeting

• Difficulty sitting for long periods

• Interrupting or talking excessively

• Difficulty waiting for a turn

• Answering questions before they have been fully asked

• Impulsive actions without consideration of consequences

• Difficulty engaging in quiet activities

• Constantly seeking stimulation as boredom is intolerable

• Prioritising immediate gratification over larger, delayed rewards

• Engagement in risky/dangerous behaviours

• Persistent reliance on others to meet their needs/desires

Combined Type 

Displays a mixture of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Some people with ADHD remain undiagnosed, and it is only when they seek help for unrelated symptoms that the condition is recognised as an underlying or contributing factor. As many as 75% of adults with ADHD also experience other coexisting mental health concerns. 

These may include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Learning difficulties 

• Substance abuse issues/addiction

• Eating disorders – You can read more about the relationship between ADHD and eating disorders here. 

ADHD Treatment: How Evidence-based Approaches Can Help

At Reach Psychology, ADHD treatment focuses on helping clients better understand their symptoms while developing practical strategies to manage attention difficulties, emotional overwhelm, impulsivity, disorganisation, and burnout. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to support adults with ADHD, particularly when symptoms coexist with anxiety, depression, stress, sleep difficulties, emotional overwhelm, or low self-esteem. CBT can help clients develop practical strategies for organisation, task management, emotional regulation, and unhelpful thinking patterns.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports clients in developing psychological flexibility and healthier ways of responding to difficult thoughts, emotions, and frustration. ACT can help reduce self-criticism, perfectionism, avoidance, and emotional overwhelm while supporting meaningful and values-based action.

Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy can be particularly helpful for adults with ADHD who experience longstanding feelings of inadequacy, failure, shame, or self-criticism. These patterns are often shaped by years of misunderstanding, criticism, masking difficulties, or feeling “different.” Schema Therapy helps clients identify and challenge deeply held negative beliefs while building confidence and self-compassion.

DBT-informed strategies

DBT-informed approaches can help individuals strengthen emotional regulation, distress tolerance, impulse management, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. These strategies can be especially helpful when ADHD symptoms contribute to emotional intensity, frustration, relationship conflict, or shutdown.

Psychoeducation and executive functioning support

Psychoeducation helps clients better understand ADHD and how it affects attention, motivation, emotions, routines, and daily functioning. Therapy may also focus on executive functioning skills such as planning, prioritising, organisation, time management, and creating more sustainable systems and routines.

ADHD Psychology Appointments in Melbourne Bayside & Telehealth

At Reach Psychology, ADHD support is tailored to each person’s unique profile, strengths, challenges, and goals. Whether you are seeking support following a recent diagnosis, exploring whether ADHD may be contributing to longstanding difficulties, or looking to develop practical strategies for managing ADHD in daily life, Reach Psychology can help.

Sessions are available in person in Highett, Melbourne Bayside, and via Telehealth across Australia.