ODYSSEYCounseling and Therapy                   Mike Binks, MEd, LPC, CADC 3

Constantly getting side-tracked, feeling restless, making more and more piles to stay organized, focusing on the small stuff, and spinning your wheels?

Who isn't, right?  We all have times and transitions in our lives when stress gets the best of us.  Add to that a culture built around soundbytes, fast tracks, bottom lines, quick fixes, and no waits.  Stress is inevitable! 

But you may have been making those confusing piles of papers and other items, getting side-tracked, intensely focusing on tiny details, and feeling like you "just can't get it together" for as long as you can remember.  If so, it may be helpful to do some research about adult ADD. 

What ADD is.

Informally called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), its more official name is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). 

ADD is real, and it can be painful.  It affects not only you as an individual, but also your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.  ADD is rooted in biology.  In a nutshell, it's about how the brain is wired to receive, process, and convey information.  Instead of quickly filtering and filing incoming information into predetermined categories, the brain allows more information to pass through fewer filters and to linger unfiled for a while.

This can lead to a sense of disorganization, disconnectedness, vague direction, and miscommunication.  When managed, it's also a framework for spontaneity, creativity, leadership, and fun.

What ADD is not.

Unlike what many people with ADD have been told, it has nothing to do with a lack of willpower, intelligence, or maturity.  Likewise, things don't get better by "just trying harder." 

Over time, these types of messages can lead to excessive and limiting self-doubts, shame, anxiety, and depression.  Looking back, you may even find yourself mourning those lost opportunities to fully express your talents.

But there's no time like the present to really let your talents thrive!  It's time to give yourself more credit! You can work with the wiring of your brain - not against it - to create more structure and tap its immense power.  

In counseling and therapy, expect to...

• Gain clarity about whether or not you have ADD
• Increase your knowledge about ADD and what you can do to more fully access your potential
• See yourself in a more positive light
• Create structure in a way that supports the way your mind works
• Receive encouragement and coaching
• Potentially connect to professionals who could assist with ADD medication management and/or naturopathic methods, if you decide to pursue this option 

Harness the power of your mind.

Some helpful hints for managing ADD and tapping into your potential:

• Involve a trusted friend or colleague.  Someone who can both cheerlead and pester you to keep going & stay on track.
• Educate yourself & then trusted others about ADD. The more they know, the more supportive they can be.  Be open to hearing their feedback.
• Make extensive use of lists, notes to self, predictable rituals for doing things, and reminders.  Make good use of technology to stay organized.                                                   
• With paperwork, try the O.H.I.O. principle: "Only Handle It Once."  If it goes into one of those "to do" piles, it probably won't get done.  Whenever possible, handle it on the spot or file it away permanently.
• Set deadlines, benchmarks, and time limits for your projects.
• Prioritize rather than putting it off.  Then just start working your way through the priority list.
• If you do your best work while doing two things at once (like talking and knitting or jogging and planning), then go for it!
• Give yourself permission to do what you're good at.
• Exercise regularly.  It's a great way to give your brain the stimulus it craves!
• Keep a pen and notepad (or better yet, your electronic planner/alarm clock) handy at all times - to plan, write down ideas, and set reminders for yourself.
• Recharge your mental batteries with planned downtime each day.

Questions?

Call or e-mail Mike to talk more! 

phone (503) 740-0573