ADHD growth mindset self-improvement self-reflection: Personify your ADHD: ADHD is a collection of neurological differences that instigate and exacerbate emotions and physical feelings. Naming your ADHD emotions is probably not as effective as naming experience that come along with your ADHD and where you feel them in your body. Let’s walk through an exercise that might better acquaint you with your ADHD: use a metaphor to personify it. Apr-10-2023

Personify your ADHD

A common strategy in therapy is to name your feelings. “I feel frustrated.” “I feel betrayed.” “I feel elated!”

ADHD is a collection of neurological differences that instigate and exacerbate emotions and physical feelings. Naming your ADHD emotions is probably not as effective as naming experience that come along with your ADHD and where you feel them in your body.

#adhdtips

Let’s walk through an exercise that might better acquaint you with your ADHD: use a metaphor to personify it.

Use words to draw a picture of how you perceive your ADHD and how it interacts with you. If art is your outlet, draw a picture of your ADHD. You could even do a comic book or graphic novel page to tell the story. The important thing is to gain and share understanding of how you experience your ADHD.

For some folks, their ADHD is a pack of mischievous pixies that pop in and misplace or steal things from their mind. Others might experience a monster that slobbers on everything so they won’t want to interact with their thoughts and feelings. Some people have described their ADHD as a sticky, dark fog that covers everything and blocks the light of expression.

Everyone is unique and so is their ADHD personified

Once you can create your ADHD as a character in the story of your mind, it’s time to watch when and how it enters your mind. Does your ADHD tend to accompany specific emotions, situations, or activities?

Does the ADHD sneak in when you have left the door of thoughts open? Will it jump out from behind another thought and hijack your mind? When you feel anxiety over a conversation, does it Apparate like an evil wizard in Harry Potter? I’ve felt like I’m the ringmaster in a flea circuits. It’s ok if you don’t have an immediate description for how your ADHD enters your mind. Give yourself permission to experience your ADHD as an external bystander. Mindfully experience your ADHD in the moment.

Once you have observed it’s entry, look for clues to watch for so you can begin to predict its intrusion.

With a good descriptive metaphor for your ADHD and its entry into your mind, it’s time to start writing the script of how you’d like it to behave and interact with you. Your screenplay or script is your goal for how you want your ADHD to interact with you. It’s not an expectation of what happens at this point in your journey; it’s where you want to be.

Getting your personified ADHD to follow the script requires patience, perseverance, experience, and work. You probably won’t be able to force your ADHD to follow the screenplay at first and working with an ADHD coach or ADHD-trained therapist can help with the process.



marriage counseling and sex therapy will improve your relationship

Tommy Underhill TTCD, ASDCS, ASDI Sex, Adult ADHD & Adult Autism

Tommy specializes in working with adults with ADHD and autism through a neurophysiological lens for social, relational, and sex issues. He oversees the long-term and strategic management for Littleton Couple’s Counseling. His entrepreneurship and small business management and operations span more than 30 years. Tommy is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Psychosexual Therapy. In his spare time, he runs a halfway house for wayward and abused orchids.

https://creativecontinuum.biz


Questions Answered At a Glance

Discover what makes therapy work

What makes sex therapy different from “normal” therapy?

Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses specifically on communication, relationships, intimacy, and sex. We often discuss low libido, desire discrepancy, painful intercourse, non-traditional relationships, orgasm difficulties, and sexual preferences.

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps people deal with sexual problems and improve their sexual health and well-being. It’s important because we’re all sexual beings, and our mental health can affect our sexual desire and pleasure. Sex therapy can help people talk about uncomfortable things about sex, intimacy, and communication, but it’s important to remember that many sexual health problems could be solved if people talked openly about sex and their experiences.

Are you comfortable talking about ethical non-monagomy (ENM)?

Yes. Ethical non-monogamy (ENM) is a relationship style that focuses on honesty, openness, and mutual agreement when it comes to having multiple romantic or sexual partners. Whether you’re just starting to think about this idea or have been curious for a while, ethical non-monogamy can be a really liberating way to love and connect. But it’s important to know that this lifestyle might not be right for everyone. That’s totally okay. The real question is, does ENM fit with your values and emotional needs?

Can you help with struggles with sex and religion?

You might be confused about why feelings about sex are so tough when you believe “God made us as we are.” This struggle and doubt can make you feel even more ashamed and alone from your partner. You might even wonder if you’re going through religious sexual trauma, even though you were never physically abused in the church. This unwanted religious sexual dysfunction can strain your intimate relationships, and it might make the pain, guilt, and shame you’ve been carrying since you were a kid even worse. We can help.

Are our sexual wants normal?

It can be tough to figure out what’s “normal” when it comes to sex, because everyone’s different. Instead of trying to fit in with what others think is “normal,” it’s more important to listen to your own body and mind. Think about what makes you feel good and what you’ve been wanting lately. Comparing yourself to others or to porn can make you feel bad about yourself, but if you’re struggling with your sexual identity, know that you’re not alone.

My partner and I have mismatched desire. Are we normal?

A common concern is the struggle with low libido or decreased arousal. Many people experience fluctuations in their sexual desire—often due to medical conditions, stress, or other underlying factors. If your current arousal levels differ significantly from the past or from your partner, discussing it with one of our certified psychosexual therapists can help alleviate anxiety and provide guidance on how to address the issue.

How do I know when it’s time to talk to someone about my sexual issues?

If you’ve been looking for info about sex therapy and common sexual concerns, you’ve already taken a huge step towards acknowledging your worries. If your concerns keep you up a night, talking to a sex therapist could give you some clarity and help you find solutions.