ADHD Therapy in Calgary

ADHD can contribute to feelings of self-doubt, shame, confusion, and total exhaustion. You may regularly ask yourself questions like:

Why can’t I just do things the way other people do?

Is something wrong with me, or am I just lazy?

Why do I swing between being super motivated and totally stuck?

How can I focus on anything when my mind never stops racing?

Recognizing the Many Faces of ADHD

ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in Canada, with approximately 4-6% of adults being diagnosed and 5-7% of children. ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone. As the saying goes, “if you know one person with ADHD, you know one person with ADHD.”

Some people are constantly in motion, talking fast, or juggling multiple projects. Others seem calm on the outside but experience mental chaos internally. Many adults don’t realize they’ve had ADHD until later in life, after years of wondering why they struggle to stay organized, meet deadlines, or manage emotions the way others seem to be able to.

ADHD is often misunderstood as just being hyperactive or easily distracted, but it’s really about executive function challenges. It impacts the part of our brain that helps us plan, organize, start tasks, manage time, and regulate emotions. People with ADHD aren’t lazy or careless; their brains just process information and prioritize tasks differently, which can make everyday life feel chaotic, overwhelming, or exhausting.

For parents, ADHD can bring an extra layer of stress and guilt. You might worry you’re not doing enough to help your child succeed, or that you’re constantly in conflict about routines, homework, or impulsive behaviour. If you’re in a relationship with someone who has ADHD, you might feel unseen, frustrated, or burned out trying to keep things balanced.

Understanding how ADHD affects you, or someone you love, is the first step toward change. Therapy provides the space to slow down, explore patterns, and begin building strategies that actually fit with how your brain works.

The Role of DBT and Mindfulness in ADHD Support

DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) is one of the most effective frameworks for addressing the emotional side of ADHD. It teaches concrete skills in four key areas:

1. Mindfulness – learning to slow down and notice what’s happening in the moment, without judgment.
   
   

2. Emotional Regulation – because ADHD impacts the part of our brain we use to regulate our emotions, this is an important area of focus in ADHD therapy. Developing skills to recognize and manage strong emotions is essential.
   
   

3. Distress Tolerance – developing tools to handle frustration, boredom, anxiety or disappointment without reacting impulsively.
   
   

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – improving how you express needs, set boundaries, and maintain relationships.

Many clients find these skills transformative, not because ADHD disappears, but because they finally feel equipped to manage the ups and downs of daily life. When paired with mindfulness and problem-solving strategies, DBT becomes a powerful foundation for lasting change.