Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, organisation, impulse control, emotional regulation and day-to-day functioning. ADHD is often associated with childhood, but many people do not recognise their symptoms until adolescence or adulthood.
Psychologists consulting at The Victorian Psychology Clinic provide ADHD therapy for children, adolescents and adults in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and via telehealth. Support may be helpful for people experiencing difficulties with focus, procrastination, time management, emotional overwhelm, impulsivity, restlessness, school or work demands, or maintaining routines.
ADHD is not about laziness or a lack of effort. It reflects differences in how the brain processes attention, motivation and regulation. Therapy can help people better understand their ADHD-related strengths and challenges, build practical strategies and develop more supportive routines.
VPC also offers ADHD assessments for children, adolescents and adults. To learn more, visit our ADHD, Autism and Cognitive Assessments page.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD can present differently from person to person. Some people experience more difficulties with attention and organisation, while others experience more hyperactivity, impulsivity or emotional regulation difficulties. Many people experience a combination of these.
Common ADHD symptoms in adults may include:
- difficulty focusing on tasks, especially those that are not highly stimulating
- chronic procrastination or trouble starting and finishing tasks
- forgetfulness, disorganisation or difficulty managing time
- feeling restless, internally driven or unable to switch off
- impulsive decision-making, spending or interrupting conversations
- difficulty following through on projects, learning tasks or responsibilities
- feeling overwhelmed by routines, paperwork, study or work demands
- emotional sensitivity, frustration or difficulty calming after distress
Common ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents may include:
- difficulty staying seated or focused in class
- frequently interrupting conversations or blurting out answers
- difficulty following instructions or completing homework
- forgetting schoolwork, lunches or other daily essentials
- fidgeting, tapping or excessive movement
- difficulty waiting their turn or managing frustration
- emotional outbursts or seeming easily overwhelmed
- challenges with organisation, planning or transitions
ADHD can look different across age, gender and environment. Some people appear outwardly restless or impulsive, while others mainly experience internal restlessness, distractibility, forgetfulness or emotional overwhelm.
How ADHD is Managed
ADHD support is not one-size-fits-all. Therapy can help people better understand how ADHD affects their daily life, build practical coping strategies and develop routines that support school, work, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Support may focus on improving organisation, planning, time management, emotional regulation, communication, self-compassion and follow-through with daily tasks. For children and adolescents, therapy may also involve parent support, behavioural strategies and collaboration around school-related challenges where appropriate.
Psychologists consulting at VPC may draw on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, executive functioning coaching strategies, behavioural interventions, parent support, mindfulness-based strategies and emotional regulation skills.
Medication may also be part of an ADHD care plan for some people. Psychologists do not prescribe medication, but where appropriate, psychologists consulting at VPC may work alongside general practitioners, paediatricians, psychiatrists or other treating professionals involved in a person’s care.
How We Can Support You
Psychologists consulting at VPC support children, adolescents and adults with ADHD across different life stages. Therapy is tailored to the person’s needs, goals and daily environment, whether the main challenges are at school, university, work, home or in relationships.
Therapy may help with:
- improving focus, organisation and planning
- building routines that are realistic and sustainable
- managing procrastination and task avoidance
- strengthening emotional regulation
- supporting communication and relationships
- developing practical strategies for school, study or work demands
- building self-understanding and self-compassion
VPC also offers ADHD assessments where appropriate. If you or your child are experiencing ADHD symptoms and would like support, you are welcome to contact VPC to discuss therapy or assessment options.
