ADHD Therapy in Ottawa for Kids, Teens and Adults
The superpowers of ADHD
Our clients with ADHD—whether children, teens, or adults—often wear their hearts on their sleeves. Many are deeply empathetic, kind-hearted, and emotionally aware. They’re passionate, imaginative, and gifted at thinking outside the box. While they may struggle with focus, emotional regulation, time management, or impulsivity, they also bring high energy, creative thinking, and a strong sense of justice to the world around them. These ADHD superpowers can shine in fast-paced, dynamic environments—especially when they feel supported, understood, and empowered.
Finishing projects or staying on top of deadlines can be an ongoing challenge for adults with ADHD. You may start a task with good intentions but quickly get sidetracked by distractions. Some of our clients tell us they did complete that work report or email—but forgot to send it.
Struggles with time management, procrastination, and executive functioning often lead to chronic stress and frustration. Starting a task—like doing dishes, replying to messages, or paying bills—can feel like climbing Mount Everest.
Emotional dysregulation can also be part of the ADHD experience. Emotions can go from 0 to 100 in seconds, sometimes creating tension in close relationships. Many of our adult clients seek therapy after a partner or spouse notices how ADHD symptoms—like forgetfulness, impulsivity, or difficulty listening—are impacting their connection.
For children and teens with ADHD, everyday schoolwork can feel overwhelming. Assignments get started but not finished—or completed and forgotten in a backpack. Tasks that should take 15 minutes get delayed for hours due to procrastination or difficulty focusing.
Parents often say they need to give their child endless reminders just to complete simple routines. It’s not that their child doesn’t know what to do—they just struggle to actually do it.
Teachers may point out that your child is disorganized, struggles to pay attention in class, or becomes a social butterfly when it’s time to focus. These challenges with attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation can also affect friendships and family dynamics.
If you’re parenting a child or teen with ADHD, you might feel like you’re always reminding, redirecting, and repeating yourself. You see how smart and capable your child is—but it’s hard when they forget to hand in assignments, lose things constantly, or meltdown over small frustrations.
You might notice:
- Homework time causes stress or conflict
- Simple instructions need to be repeated multiple times
- Emotional outbursts happen quickly and intensely
- Teachers are raising concerns about attention, focus, or organization
It’s also completely normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or frustrated as a parent. When your child is often running late, missing instructions, or needs constant reminders, the pressure can build—leading to tension at home, power struggles, or even self-doubt about your parenting.
At Sherwood Psychology, we understand the ripple effects ADHD can have on the whole family. That’s why our ADHD therapy supports both children and their caregivers. We help kids build the skills they need to succeed—and we help parents feel more confident and supported, with practical tools to reduce stress and create more cooperation at home.
We’re here to help you understand what’s going on and support your child in building the skills they need to thrive—at school, at home, and with friends.
What does ADHD look like for adults?
What does ADHD look like for kids and teens?
What Are Parents Noticing?
How can I overcome the challenges of ADHD? Our Approach
Let’s be honest—living with ADHD can feel overwhelming at times. But with the right support, structure, and tools, people with ADHD can absolutely thrive.
At Sherwood Psychology, we offer ADHD therapy in Ottawa that is tailored to your unique brain and life.
For younger clients, we integrate movement, creativity, play, drawing, and interactive games to keep sessions engaging. Therapy shouldn’t be boring; it should feel motivating and doable.
Above all, we take the time to really get to know you. We tailor therapy to your specific needs and strengths so that you feel seen, supported, and understood.
Our approach can help:
At Sherwood Psychology, we offer ADHD therapy in Ottawa that is tailored to your unique brain and life.
For younger clients, we integrate movement, creativity, play, drawing, and interactive games to keep sessions engaging. Therapy shouldn’t be boring; it should feel motivating and doable.
Above all, we take the time to really get to know you. We tailor therapy to your specific needs and strengths so that you feel seen, supported, and understood.
Our approach can help:
- Children and teens succeed at school and feel more confident
- Adults with ADHD improve productivity and self-esteem
- Families create more peace and cooperation at home
- Individuals develop tools for emotional regulation, resilience and happier relationships
- Parents feel calmer and more connected to their kids
Your therapist acts as your ADHD coach, helping you (or your child) create a personalized game plan for success. We provide structured, research-based support that’s tailored to the unique way your brain works.
Whether you’re struggling with executive functioning, procrastination, or relationship challenges, we’re here to help you strengthen those muscles—one small win at a time.
At our practice, ADHD therapy goes beyond just managing symptoms.
Here’s a breakdown of the components of ADHD therapy at Sherwood:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns while building practical coping skills.
- Mindfulness and Stress Management: Teaches techniques to improve focus and manage emotions effectively.
- Executive Function Coaching: Provides strategies for school success, time management, and organization.
- For Child and Teen clients: Parent Coaching: Helps families create a structured and supportive home environment.
FAQs
ADHD presents differently across the lifespan. In children, it might look like difficulty sitting still, frequent interrupting, impulsivity, or trouble following instructions. Teens may show signs like emotional outbursts, missed assignments, time management issues, or social challenges. Adults often describe chronic disorganization, forgetfulness, and feeling scatterbrained or overwhelmed.
What are the signs of ADHD in kids, teens, and adults?
Does Sherwood provide ADHD assessments or diagnosis?
Yes, we offer psychoeducational assessments for children and teens (ages 6-19). These evaluations provide insight into learning styles, attention challenges, and can help guide school support. For adults, we can refer you to trusted providers for diagnosis and begin therapy based on symptoms and lived experience.
Can therapy help if I (or my child) already take ADHD medication?
Absolutely. Research shows that therapy and medication often work best together. Medication can enhance focus, but therapy provides the strategies to manage time, regulate emotions, and build routines that stick.
What’s the difference between ADHD, Anxiety, and Autism?
While these conditions may overlap, they each involve different areas of functioning. ADHD impacts attention and executive function. Anxiety is rooted in worry and fear. Autism involves social, sensory, and behavioral differences. We often support clients with co-occurring ADHD, anxiety, and autism, and therapy is always tailored to the whole person.
How can ADHD affect relationships?
ADHD can affect how people connect and communicate. In couples, symptoms like forgetfulness or emotional reactivity can cause misunderstandings. Parents may feel exhausted by school struggles and emotional outbursts. Therapy can help improve
communication, empathy, and connection.
communication, empathy, and connection.
When should I seek therapy for ADHD?
If ADHD symptoms are affecting daily life—school, work, routines, relationships, or self-esteem—it may be time to reach out. You don’t have to wait until things feel out of control. Small changes can create big improvements.
