top of page
Dr. Carole Goguen ADHD therapist for women

ADHD Therapy for Women

Online Therapy Based in Los Angeles and Across California

Ready to
Quiet the Chaos?

ADHD is a whirlwind, a relentless, chaotic current that pulls you in a million directions. Navigating a world designed for a different pace is exhausting. Focusing, organizing, and regulating emotions is a constant battle, making daily life feel like an uphill climb. The relentless stream of thoughts and impulses can be overwhelming, leading to frustration, despair, and even feelings of hopelessness.​

 

Now imagine staying focused on the task at hand, completing it efficiently and on time. Daily routines are predictable and go smoothly. Time management comes naturally. Be fully present during conversations, listening deeply and respond thoughtfully with stronger, more connected relationships. Focusing, organizing, and following through with a sense of accomplishment and living in alignment with your goals and aspirations. 

Paper with information about therapy for ADHD

"For me, it’s an ever-present nagging feeling that something is just ‘not right.’ I can never really, truly ‘make it right.’ I have to learn to live with the all-consuming feeling of mental discomfort.”

 

— Laura McCarthy

The Female Face of ADHD

Stereotypical Symptoms: Traditional ADHD research often focused on hyperactive symptoms, which are more common in boys. This can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment for women whose symptoms are more subtle, such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and disorganization.

Masking and "Keeping It Together."  You find yourself "masking" your symptoms—hiding your forgetfulness, disorganization, or emotional overwhelm—just to meet societal expectations. This means spending hours preparing for a meeting that others seem to breeze through or staying up late organizing your home so others don't see the mess.

Struggling to Say “No.” Many women are taught to be agreeable, nurturing, and accommodating, which can make it difficult to set boundaries. With ADHD, this often leads to overcommitting yourself—whether it’s agreeing to take on extra projects at work or saying yes to every social event. You find yourself stretched thin, trying to please everyone while neglecting your own needs.

Menstrual Cycle Mood Swings. In the days leading up to your period, you notice a sharp increase in irritability, frustration, or emotional sensitivity. What felt manageable last week now feels overwhelming. Tasks that usually take some effort suddenly feel impossible, and the emotional rollercoaster makes it hard to stay focused or organized. You find yourself more reactive in relationships, snapping at loved ones or withdrawing due to feeling emotionally flooded.

Disrupted Sleep Patterns During Menopause. Nighttime hot flashes and insomnia, which are common during perimenopause and menopause, can wreak havoc on sleep quality. For women with ADHD, already prone to disrupted sleep patterns, this can further deteriorate your ability to function during the day. The lack of rest leads to heightened ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, irritability, and lack of focus, making daily tasks feel monumental.

Postpartum Overwhelm. After giving birth, the sudden drop in estrogen can leave you feeling more mentally scattered than ever. Combined with sleep deprivation, this hormonal shift can make it difficult to focus, manage time, or stay on top of daily tasks. You forget feeding schedules, lose track of doctor’s appointments, or struggle to balance baby care with personal self-care. The added mental load of new motherhood, paired with ADHD, feels like you’re drowning in the smallest tasks.

Communication Difficulties: Women with ADHD might struggle to express themselves clearly or listen attentively, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts in relationships. They may also have difficulty staying on topic or avoiding tangents during conversations.

Emotional Regulation: Fluctuating emotions, common in ADHD, can be challenging to manage in relationships. Women with ADHD may experience sudden mood swings or outbursts, which can strain their connections with loved ones.

The Pressure to “Do It All.” Society often expects women to juggle multiple roles—whether it’s excelling in their careers, maintaining a home, managing family life, or social relationships. For a woman with ADHD, this "superwoman" expectation can feel impossible to meet. You find yourself overwhelmed trying to keep up with everything, feeling like you’re falling short in all areas—missing deadlines at work, forgetting family obligations, or not having the energy to maintain a spotless home. The constant juggling act leads to guilt and burnout.

Here's How I Can Help

When navigating the complexities of ADHD, gaining a thorough understanding of how it uniquely affects you is essential. ADHD is not just about inattentiveness or hyperactivity; it encompasses a wide range of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

 

By exploring your individual experiences together, we can uncover the specific ways ADHD influences your daily life, relationships, and self-perception. This deep dive into your ADHD will help you become more aware of how it impacts various aspects of your life and how you can manage it more effectively.

A Tailored Approach for Women with ADHD

Women with ADHD often face daily challenges that can differ significantly from those experienced by men. Intense emotions, masking symptoms to fit societal norms, and hormonal fluctuations are just a few examples. In our sessions, we will address these specific challenges head-on.

 

We'll explore how societal expectations and cultural pressures can shape your ADHD experience and work towards strategies that empower you to break free from these constraints. Understanding these gender-specific nuances will enable us to develop a more personalized and effective approach to your therapy.

Joining Forces to Learn New Skills and Strategies

Together, we'll work on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to procrastination, disorganization, and low self-esteem. We'll focus on practical techniques to help you prioritize tasks, manage clutter, and stay on track with deadlines. You can discover practices to improve your focus, reduce impulsivity, and manage stress effectively.

​​​

office for ADHD therapy
Peaceful scene while getting ADHD therapy for women

Developing the Ability to Pause and Think Before Acting

This skill is vital for managing impulsivity and making more thoughtful decisions. Additionally, we'll work on strategies to overcome procrastination and maintain focus until tasks are completed. Recognizing and understanding your emotional triggers and responses will be another important area of focus. By gaining insight into these triggers, you can be better equipped to manage your reactions and maintain emotional balance.

Working Together to Develop Effective Communications

 

We'll work on helping you express your needs and desires clearly and respectfully. You can also learn skills for handling disagreements and resolving conflicts constructively. These communication skills will enhance your relationships and help you navigate social interactions with greater confidence and ease.

Preparing for Unexpected Challenges

Life is full of unexpected challenges, and being prepared for them is crucial. Together we'll explore strategies for anticipating potential obstacles and finding practical solutions. This proactive approach will help you feel more in control and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

Unlock Your Focus
Ignite Your Brilliance

It's important to remember that ADHD therapy is a process that takes time. Progress may be gradual, and it's essential to be patient with yourself and the therapeutic journey. As we work together, you can learn to navigate this journey more effectively, leading to better outcomes and an improved quality of life.

You're not alone in this. I'll be with you every step of the way, providing support, guidance, and encouragement. Together, we can work towards managing your ADHD and helping you achieve your goals. Your path to empowerment and self-discovery starts here, and I'm committed to walking it with you.

ADHD therapy growth butterfly
bottom of page