ADHD Support
ADHD counselling that works with your brain, not against it
Neurodivergent-affirming counselling for adults with ADHD — online across the UK and face-to-face across England, at a pace that fits how you actually function.
NCPS Organisational Member
Therapists experienced with ADHD
Free 15-minute consultation
1,000+
People supported
90+
Qualified therapists
5 ★
Website Testimonials
20+
Counties across England
Part of ADHD Support — if you are pursuing or awaiting a formal assessment, you may want ADHD Assessment Support instead.
A starting point
If you have spent your whole life trying harder than people realise
Maybe you have known you have ADHD since childhood. Maybe you only began to suspect it last year, when something a friend posted online named the thing you had been quietly working around your whole life. Maybe you are on a year-long waiting list for an assessment. Maybe you have been formally diagnosed and are now trying to figure out what to do with that information. Or maybe you have decided not to pursue a diagnosis at all — and that is also a valid place from which to seek support.
Whatever brings you here, ADHD is not a personal failing, a motivation problem, or something you need to grow out of. It is a neurodevelopmental difference — the way your brain is wired to handle attention, emotion, motivation, time, and impulse. There is nothing wrong with the wiring.
But moving through a world built around neurotypical timekeeping, neurotypical productivity, and neurotypical emotional regulation is genuinely tiring. The cost of always running an internal workaround — of forgetting things despite trying so hard not to, of feeling rejection like a physical blow, of starting twelve things and finishing none, of being told you are bright but lazy when you are neither — that cost is real, and it accumulates.
Some things adults with ADHD often describe
- A persistent gap between what you intend to do and what actually gets done
- Hours lost to tasks that should have taken twenty minutes — and twenty minutes lost to tasks that should have taken hours
- Rejection sensitivity — small slights that feel disproportionately painful
- Emotional intensity that arrives quickly and is hard to regulate in the moment
- Time blindness — past, present, and future feeling like one undifferentiated “now”
- Forgetting things you genuinely care about, then feeling terrible about it
- The exhausting work of building scaffolding around your own brain
- Burnout cycles that look like procrastination from the outside
- Years of being called bright but lazy, capable but careless, “a bit much”
- The slow, accumulating weight of being misunderstood
Many of the adults who come to us for ADHD support are not in crisis. They are exhausted, often quietly, and they are tired of being told they just need to try harder.
Context, not pathology
Why so many adults with ADHD come to therapy
ADHD itself is not a mental health condition. It is a neurotype — a way the brain is wired to handle attention, motivation, emotion, and time. But research consistently shows that adults with ADHD are more likely to also experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, burnout, and difficult relationships with food, sleep, work, and other people. The reason for this is not the ADHD itself. It is what happens when an ADHD brain spends decades trying to function in environments that were not designed for it.
That friction shows up in lots of small ways and a few enormous ones. Schools that punish forgetting and reward sitting still. Workplaces that mistake rapid thinking for rudeness, or sustained focus on one thing for inability to do anything else. Friendships and relationships where the cost of forgetting a birthday or losing your phone again or zoning out in conversation has to be apologised for over and over. Years of internalising the message that you are the problem.
None of this is your fault. But the toll it takes is real — and that toll is often what counselling helps with.
What we often work alongside
Counselling does not aim to change how your brain works. It can offer a space to work through some of the experiences that often sit alongside ADHD for adults:
- Anxiety, panic, and chronic overwhelm
- Low self-esteem and a long-standing inner critic
- Rejection sensitive dysphoria and the impact it has on relationships
- Burnout — and learning to recognise it before it tips over
- Processing a late diagnosis: relief, grief, and the reframing of your own past
- Difficulties at work, including masking and the fear of being “found out”
- Relationship strain — including with neurotypical partners
- Shame about forgetting, missing things, or not finishing what you started
- Unhelpful coping strategies that have crept in over the years
If you are not sure what you want help with, that is also a fine place to start. A free 15-minute consultation gives you space to think out loud without committing to anything.
How counselling can help
A space that meets you where you actually are
Counselling cannot change your ADHD. It can offer somewhere you do not have to apologise for it.
Working with a counsellor who understands ADHD means starting from a different place than you might be used to. You do not have to explain why a 9am appointment is a different proposition for you than for other people, or why “just make a list” was never going to work, or why something small that happened in the office on Tuesday is still rattling around your head on Saturday. Your therapist starts from the assumption that your experience makes sense — and the work begins from there.
What that work looks like depends entirely on what you want. For some people, it is about untangling the anxiety and self-criticism that have built up over years. For others, it is processing a late diagnosis and what it changes about the story they have told themselves about who they are. For others again, it is grief, relationships, burnout, or the long shadow of rejection sensitivity — the same things many adults bring to counselling, but explored with someone who understands the ADHD context they sit inside.
Practicalities can be set up to suit how your brain actually works. Reminders the day before. A consistent session time. Permission to fidget, doodle, or pace. Written follow-ups if those help you hold on to what was discussed. Adjustments are not extras — they are part of how a session is built around you.
A note on confidentiality: Sessions are confidential. There are limited circumstances in which this may need to change — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or where we have a legal obligation to disclose. Your therapist will explain these limits clearly before you begin your work together.
What people often find helpful
Every counselling relationship is different. But many of the adults with ADHD we have worked with have found value in:
- Being able to think out loud without being told to be more concise
- Working at a pace that does not push past their capacity
- Understanding their burnout cycle, and learning to notice it sooner
- Making sense of a late diagnosis — and what it reframes, and what it does not
- Working on the inner critic that has been running the show for years
- Building a kinder, more workable relationship with their own attention
- Finding language for emotional experiences that have always felt outsized
- Letting go of the idea that the goal is to become more neurotypical
These are possibilities, not promises. What counselling helps with — and how much — varies between individuals, and depends on a lot of things including the right therapeutic match.
A note on confidentiality: Sessions are confidential. There are limited circumstances in which this may need to change — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or where we have a legal obligation to disclose. Your therapist will explain these limits clearly before you begin your work together.
Therapeutic Approaches
How we work with ADHD
Our therapists draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, matched to what feels right for you. There is no single “ADHD therapy.”
Our booking team and your therapist will discuss which approach — or combination — feels most appropriate for what you are bringing. You don’t need to know which is right before you start. If the first match doesn’t feel like the right fit, please tell us and we’ll find someone who does.
Client Experiences
What our clients say
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I had spent so long thinking I was just lazy and bad at being a person. My therapist helped me see what was actually going on, and let me bring all of myself into the room without feeling like I was being too much. It has changed how I talk to myself.
Client who sought support after a late ADHD diagnosis
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I used to dread the email reminder for my session, then arrive ten minutes late, then apologise the whole way through. With this therapist I never had to apologise for any of it. We just got on with the work. That alone was worth it.
Adult with ADHD, individual therapy client
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I came in completely burnt out and convinced something was wrong with me. We worked on the things underneath that — the perfectionism, the rejection sensitivity, the years of trying to mask. I do not feel fixed. I feel less at war with myself, which is what I actually wanted.
Client who came to us for ADHD-related burnout
Client experiences are unique. Results vary between individuals.
Getting started
What to expect when you reach out
Reaching out is often the hardest part. Here is exactly what happens — no surprises.
1
Book a free 15-minute consultation
This is a low-pressure conversation, not a therapy session. There is no pressure to have your thoughts in order or to know exactly what you want help with. If you would prefer to do this by email rather than by phone, just say so when you book — that is a completely reasonable adjustment to ask for.
2
We match you with a therapist
Based on what you have shared, our booking team will suggest a therapist from our team of 90+ whose experience working with ADHD, approach, and availability suit what you are looking for. If the first match doesn’t feel right, we’ll find someone who does — at no extra cost.
3
Your first session
Your first session is a chance to get a sense of each other. Your therapist will listen, explain how they work, and check in about anything that would make the sessions easier — including reminders, formats, the rhythm and time of week, and any communication preferences. There is no expectation that you arrive knowing what you want.
4
Ongoing sessions at your pace
Sessions are usually weekly, but other rhythms can work too. Online sessions are available throughout the UK via Zoom. Face-to-face is available across 20+ counties in England. If you miss a session, please tell us — we will work with that, not against it.
A note on reduced-rate sessions: If cost is a concern, reduced-rate sessions may be available with one of our trainee counsellors. Trainee counsellors are qualified to at least Level 5 in therapeutic counselling and work under regular qualified supervision. If you are matched with a trainee counsellor, you will be informed clearly before your sessions begin, in line with professional ethical standards.
Online or face-to-face?
All our therapists offer sessions online via Zoom. Many adults with ADHD find online sessions easier — no travel, no waiting room, no extra cognitive load on top of an already busy day. Others find that the structure of leaving the house and going to a physical space helps them stay present. There is no right answer; your consultation is a good place to talk about which would suit you.
A note on what we don’t do
We do not carry out ADHD assessments or formal diagnoses, and we do not prescribe ADHD medication — that work sits with specialist clinicians, usually a psychiatrist. We also do not provide crisis support or support for active self-harm or suicidality. If you need urgent help, the resources at the bottom of this page are the right next step.
Most clients hear back from us the same working day, and typically begin sessions within a week of the free consultation — depending on your preferences and therapist availability.
Standards you can trust
How we match you with the right therapist for ADHD support
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and we take time to get the match right.
A careful match, not a long list
Therapist availability changes from week to week, so rather than asking you to choose from a directory, we take time during your free 15-minute consultation to understand what you are looking for — and then match you with a therapist suited to your needs.
During the consultation, we will ask about:
- Your experience of ADHD — formally diagnosed, self-recognised, on a waiting list, or somewhere in between
- What you would like the work to focus on (anxiety, self-esteem, late-diagnosis processing, burnout, relationships, work, or something you cannot quite name yet)
- Whether you would prefer face-to-face counselling, online sessions, or a combination of the two
- Any preferences around therapy approach (counselling, CBT, compassion focused, coaching, or a blend)
- Day and time availability that works around your life
- Practical preferences — for example therapist gender, age range, or shared lived experience where that matters to you
All therapists we work with are qualified and registered with appropriate UK professional bodies, and we will confirm the most suitable options with you before any sessions begin.
Professional standards across our team
Hope Therapy & Counselling Services has been operating since 2014, and we hold Organisational Membership with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). We work in line with the NCPS Code of Ethics and BACP Good Practice, and our wider clinical standards include:
- Qualified, professionally registered therapists across the team — registrations vary per therapist and are confirmed before matching
- Ongoing clinical supervision in line with professional body requirements
- Continuing professional development to maintain and develop practice
- Clear confidentiality standards, with limits explained before sessions begin
- Client-centred, non-judgemental and inclusive practice across all areas of identity and experience
- Founder-led clinical oversight from Ian Stockbridge — MBACP (Senior Accredited) – who continues to lead the practice and oversee its standards
Whether you choose face-to-face counselling near you or online therapy from anywhere in the UK, you can expect to be matched with a therapist who is appropriately qualified and suited to the support you are looking for.
Transparent Pricing
Our fees
No hidden costs. Your therapist and fees are discussed during your free consultation.
ADHD Assessment Support Programme
From £280
Four-session programme
- Structured support while you await assessment
- Four 50-minute sessions with a defined focus
- No diagnosis required to access
- Online across England
Counselling & Psychotherapy
From £65
per 50-minute session
- Online via Zoom or telephone
- Face-to-face where available
- Mon–Fri, limited weekend availability
CBT (ADHD-aware)
From £85
per 50-minute session
- Adapted for ADHD brains
- Online or in-person options
- Useful for anxiety and self-criticism
Compassion Focused Therapy
From £65
per 50-minute session
- For shame and the inner critic
- Online or in-person options
- Often helpful after a late diagnosis
Coaching
From £65
per 50-minute session
- Practical strategies and systems
- Online or in-person options
- Often combined with counselling
Looking for a more affordable option? We may be able to offer sessions at a reduced rate — just ask during your free consultation.
London clients: Location-adjusted rates may apply. Please ask during your free consultation and we will confirm the exact fee before you commit to anything.
A printable overview of our ADHD counselling and support — useful to keep or share.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a formal ADHD diagnosis to access counselling with you?
No. You do not need a diagnosis to work with us. Many of the adults we see come for support before a diagnosis, while waiting on an NHS or private assessment, or after deciding not to pursue formal assessment at all. What matters is that the support feels right for you. Your free 15-minute consultation is a good place to talk through what would be most useful.
Can a counsellor diagnose ADHD or prescribe medication?
No. Counsellors and psychotherapists are not able to diagnose ADHD, and we do not prescribe ADHD medication. A formal diagnosis and any medication decisions sit with specialist clinicians — typically a psychiatrist. We can talk with you about what next steps might look like if you are exploring assessment, but the diagnostic and prescribing pathway sits outside our scope.
What is the difference between ADHD coaching and ADHD counselling?
Coaching tends to focus on practical strategies — building systems, managing time and priorities, working with how your brain actually functions. Counselling tends to focus more on the emotional layer — anxiety, self-criticism, processing a late diagnosis, the impact of years of being misunderstood. The two often overlap, and many people benefit from both. We can discuss what would suit you during your free consultation.
Is online counselling a good option for adults with ADHD?
For many adults with ADHD, yes — online sessions remove a lot of the executive load that comes with in-person therapy: travel, parking, remembering to leave on time, navigating an unfamiliar building. All our therapists offer sessions online via Zoom. Others find that the structure of physically going somewhere helps them stay present and engaged. There is no single right answer — your consultation is a good place to think it through.
Is ADHD support confidential?
Yes. Sessions are confidential. There are limited circumstances in which this may need to change — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or where we have a legal obligation to disclose. Your therapist will explain these limits clearly before you begin your work together.
I have ADHD and I’m worried I won’t follow through with sessions. Is that a problem?
You are not the first person to ask this, and it is not a problem. The pattern you are describing is one of the things we are used to working with. Your therapist can help you set up the practicalities — reminders, formats, session rhythm — in ways that suit how your brain works. If you miss a session, we will not write you off. Showing up imperfectly is still showing up.
How much does ADHD counselling cost?
Individual counselling sessions start from £65 per session, CBT from £85, and compassion focused therapy and coaching from £65. Everything is discussed clearly during your free consultation before you commit to anything. A reduced-rate option may be available with one of our trainee counsellors — please ask during your consultation if this would be helpful.
Related
Related conditions and experiences
Therapies we use with adults with ADHD
Resources
Further reading
Emotional Regulation in ADHD and Autism: Why Feelings Can Feel So Big
Written by Simon Hughes: Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) In the previous…
Working Memory and ADHD: Why You Forget Things (and What Helps)
Understanding memory, attention, and everyday challenges in executive functioning Written by Simon Hughes: Registered Member of the British…
Executive Functions in ADHD and Autism: A Complete Guide
Understanding executive functioning skills, everyday challenges, and how therapy and support can help Written by Simon Hughes Executive Functions…
Meet Our Founder
Built by someone who saw the need from the inside
★
SCoPEd Band C
MBACP & SNCPS Senior Accredited
“Having worked for more than 25 years in senior management, I saw the same thing repeatedly — people struggling with mental health and relationship challenges, and so often struggling to access the right support when it was needed. It was out of this recognition of human need that Hope was born.”
Ian Stockbridge founded Hope Therapy after 25+ years leading large commercial teams – watching colleagues carry stress, anxiety, and personal difficulty with nowhere to turn. He retrained rigorously, now holding Senior Accredited status with both the BACP and NCPS, alongside SCoPEd Band C — the highest independent competence verification in the UK counselling profession.
He remains a practising therapist, clinical supervisor, published author of PMDD Uncovered, and co-presenter of The Talk Room Podcast. Hope Therapy was built on the things he saw were most broken – and designed, from the ground up, to do better.
MBACP (Senior Accredited)
SNCPS (Acc)
SCoPEd Band C
BSc (Hons) CBT
PGCert Supervision L7
Quality Award 2024 — 95%+
You do not have to be more organised before you reach out
A free, no-obligation 15-minute conversation. No pressure, no script — just a chance to be heard, ask questions, and see whether we feel like the right fit.
Get in Touch
Start your enquiry
If a phone call feels like too much, sending a written message is completely fine. A member of our team will get back to you, usually the same working day. All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“From the very first phone call, I felt heard. They didn’t rush me — they helped me work out what I needed.”
Hope Therapy enquiry feedback
NCPS Organisational Member
Est 2014
90+ Qualified Therapists
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies
Individual registrations vary per therapist. Last reviewed: May 2026.