• CBT, a form of counselling with good evidence for effect in ADHD

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or as it’s more commonly known, CBT – is a scientifically proven method of counselling, shown to work and quite quickly. In particular it can treat adhd by helping patients learn to be more focused, to recognize when patients are ‘bull-shitting’ themselves in believing ‘if I don’t do it today, I’ll get round to it tomorrow’.

Research suggests that CBT has to be aimed at a specific problem. Treatment for anxiety isn’t necessarily going to help ADHD and visa versa – so just because you’ve seen a counsellor in the past, does not mean you have had treatment for ADHD.

There’s good evidence to support group therapy but it’s rarely offered and for many of my patients, the real barriers are not only cost but also accessibility outside of work hours. But if you can afford it, it’s a worthwhile investment.

CBT is not the only evidence based counselling, just one of the most well known.

Therapists I have worked with and can recommend include:

Southport Psychology Group – at the SW corner of MacLeod and Southland Drive. In my family practice days, I became involved in the Shared Mental Health Care programme in which counsellors are teamed with family physicians. In those days, the format was for the family doctor and counsellor to see a patient together for an hour once a week. I was very fortunate to have as my assigned behavioural health consultant Dennis Pusch. We worked together for more than 10 years and I learned a lot about the effectiveness of counselling and of Dennis’ skills in particular.

Dennis introduced me to other members of the group and they all have helped my patients.

I asked Dennis for the name of someone he could suggest, in the north west of the city, and with experience in managing emotional trauma. He recommended kate Nielson.

Kate Nielsen, a psychologist who has a practice in the NW in Tuscany. (Website: www.nielsenpsychology.com Ph: 587-847-5471). She has advanced training and interest in trauma work with both adults and young people (trauma focused CBT, advanced EMDR training).

Carmen Dodsworth – is near Mount Royal College. She’s referred some ADHD patients to me and we started communicating and I liked what she was saying and what patients have said about her as a counsellor.

Shannon Jones and Rachael Martin are counsellors I have worked with a lot. Originally at Southport Psychology, they now work at Clearstream Psychology.

Sheryle Sherwood – is a therapist particularly interested in helping those with ADHD. Her office is at 2640 30th St SW. and the phone number is 403-592-8768

A patient recently recommended Heather Wax for kids – and when I know more I’ll update this.