ADHD in Adults: Understanding, Managing, and Thriving

Counselling & Support in West Kelowna | Orchard Valley Counselling

Adult ADHD — practical help and counselling in West Kelowna

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) doesn’t stop at childhood for many people — it can continue into adulthood or be first recognised later in life. Adults with ADHD commonly struggle with attention, time management, forgetfulness, impulsivity, and emotional reactivity — but with the right supports, people learn systems and strategies that make work, relationships, and daily life much easier.

How ADHD commonly shows up in adults

Adults with ADHD may:

• Miss important details, forget appointments, or lose items.
• Struggle with starting or finishing projects, especially boring or repetitive tasks.
• Feel restless, make impulsive choices, or have emotionally intense reactions.
• Experience anxiety, low mood, or relationship strain related to chronic overwhelm.
  If you’re noticing these patterns interfering with goals or relationships, a thorough assessment and tailored plan can help.

Evidence-based treatments & supports

Effective ADHD care is often multi-pronged: psychoeducation, medication (when appropriate), skills-based therapy (like ADHD-adapted CBT), coaching, and workplace/organisational supports. Psychological treatments — particularly CBT adapted for ADHD — and coaching focus on building routines, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and reducing self-criticism; medication can reduce core symptoms for many people and is commonly used alongside therapy. A collaborative plan with a clinician and/or physician gives the best outcomes.

Practical strategies you can start using today

• Use short timed work blocks (25–45 minutes) with a visible timer.
• Create a single “launchpad” for keys/wallet/phone and a daily top-3 task list.
• Automate routine tasks (bill pay, calendar reminders) and simplify decisions (capsule wardrobe, set meal plan).
• Try a weekly planning session to break larger projects into specific next steps.
  These small habits compound quickly and reduce the daily friction ADHD creates.

When to seek assessment or counselling

Consider professional assessment or counselling if ADHD-like patterns cause repeated problems at work, school, or in relationships, or if you suspect co-occurring anxiety or depression. Clinicians at Orchard Valley Counselling provide assessment, ADHD-informed CBT, coaching referrals, and strategies tailored to your life stage.

Local help in Kelowna and West Kelowna

Orchard Valley Counselling offers trauma-informed, individualized therapy and coaching referrals in West Kelowna and Kelowna. Book a free 20-minute consult to discuss assessment, CBT for ADHD, coaching options, or medication referral pathways. Contact Us

If you are in crisis: If you or someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 9-1-1 or Canada’s suicide crisis line (dial or text 9-8-8) for 24/7 support. In BC you can also access 310-6789 (no area code) for immediate mental health support.