Therapy
for ADHD

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA & ONLINE

How to Thrive with an ADHD-Brain

If you're struggling with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), you are not alone. It is a common reason people seek therapy. Although ADHD is usually found in adolescents, many adults realize later in life that their ADHD has gone undiagnosed.

Stimulant medications have become virtually synonymous with ADHD, but simply medicating without addressing nervous system patterns is a crude approach that creates ongoing dependency & undesirable side effects such as artificial energy patterns & diminishment in empathy, self-awareness, embodiment & access to intuition.

Thankfully, there is another approach that aligns with your neurodiversity & your nervous system. Whether on or off medication, somatic therapy helps you better understand how your brain works and to construct and tailor a life that works for you.

"Everyone shines, given the right lighting." - Susan Cain

You can learn to shift the underlying patterns of your nervous system to lower anxiety & increase attention span, distress tolerance & emotional range.

Common Symptoms of ADHD

Inattentive Type

Difficulty sustaining attention
Easily distracted
Poor organization
Forgetfulness & losing items
Avoidance of tasks requiring mental effort

Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

Excessive motor activity
Restlessness, fidgeting, or inability to remain still
Impulsive behavior without regard to consequences
Difficulty engaging in quiet activities
Excessive talking
Risk-taking behaviors, e.g. substance use or reckless driving

What is ADHD and What is Trauma?

ADHD is a neurobiological developmental disorder, meaning it relates to the brain, runs in families, and impacts developmental progress and ability to learn. At least 5% of people are diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives.

ADHD involves dopamine insensitivity, which drives short-term reward seeking and involves nervous system dysregulation, difficulty feeling strong emotions & difficulty soothing anxiety.

It gets more complicated because developmental trauma can produce similar symptoms to ADHD:

Hypervigilance & hyperarousal can mimmic distractibility & hyperactivity
Dissociation can mimmic inattention and “daydreaming”
Triggers & defensive responses can mimic impulsivity and aggression
Both ADHD & trauma affect brain areas responsible for emotional regulation, decision making, memory, social processing and concentration

There is overlap as most people with ADHD have at least some developmental trauma as well, e.g. bullying, illness, or being raised by a parent with ADHD or narcissism or who was misattuned or unavailable.

The differences & similarities between ADHD & trauma are illustrated below:

Source: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2016

Genetic research does indicate that ADHD exists outside of trauma. Certain brains are inherently more prone to risk taking, opportunism, and action. These traits must carry some evolutionary advantage, for example in hunting, war & exploration.

Unfortunately, the ADHD-brain is not catered to well in our one-size-fits-all modern civilized culture, particularly within schools & traditional work settings that require sustained concentration on tasks with low reward rates.

Treatment for ADHD

Two approaches are valid and come in handy in working with ADHD:

A neurodiversity perspective respects the underlying differences of an ADHD brain and strives to gain understanding and build a life that works well for this kind of brain.

A trauma-informed perspective looks for nervous system dysregulation & strives to lower anxiety & activation & increase emotional availability.

We show you a range of practices that soothe your anxiety and support nervous system regulation. These practices allow “triggered” or anxious energy to release from your body bringing you back to a restful, parasympathetic state. Over time, your nervous system learns to do this for itself and becomes self-regulating and able to withstand more distress & stronger emotional states without needing to employ its ADHD behaviors.

We help you to build a personalized tool-kit for managing your symptoms of ADHD to build a life that works for you.

Somatic Therapy for ADHD discharges activation in Los Angeles, California & online

Understanding ADHD from a Somatic Perspective

Hear What Clients Are Saying

Christina, Data Analyst, San Francisco

“From our first session I felt that we uncovered the root of my issues and that I was in good hands. Over the next year, I transformed completely. I went from having chronic pain that prevented me from continuing my career, to now entering that career path again. Look no further!”
David, Somatic Therapist, Kent

“My coach is a highly attuned listener, and processor. The way he holds 'space' is a splendid mix of wisdom, learning, guiding (to the outer edges of the comfort zone, and a little beyond) and support. He helps to shift my awareness and perspective in the most profound way. “
Declan, Software Engineer, London

“I've made actual progress rather than being stuck. Sor far, it’s the only therapist or coach I've had who's been able to talk about literature and art and all of the beautiful things that make up this world in a way that feels genuine. Our work has been very iterative and incremental. I got something in every session.”
Devon, Jewelry Designer, San Francisco

“My therapist is very open and very kind. He's really perceptive and good at listening and honoring where a person is at or what they're feeling and what they might need in that moment. He makes people feel comfortable and safe and fosters a space that felt open and comfortable.”
Faisal, Incoming MD Candidate, DC

“My therapist was instrumental to my growth and coming of age in college, and he has continued to follow-up with me ever since. This is not a business for him. This is his life's calling, and you can feel it. Our sessions have been transformative and lasting.“
Jacob, Scientist, Boston

“I found my coach engaging and curious. He's very unique and he's up to something, I think good! I feel less isolated and more heart-open and connected. I can really see myself in others. I am more in tune now, not just with people but also with animals and trees.”
James, Creative Director, Grand Rapids

“I'm better equipped to handle circumstances and better see how things work. Techniques are sticking. If you look at my brain before we started the work and now, I think there are some new neural pathways, and others that are less entrenched. Our relationship has made a big difference in my life.“
Jorge, Psychology Student, LA

“I met my therapist on a whim at one of the lowest points of my life and have since reached heights of peace, stability and self-advocacy I didn't think possible. Through Beyond, I’ve changed in resounding and permanent ways. I'm ever grateful and can't recommend the care I've received enough.”
Joshua Horsley, Podcaster, Reno

“Beyond has made a huge impact in my life. I instantly connected with my coach and I look forward to our weekly sessions. Now, when I’m stuck or ruminating I often think “what would my coach say to me?” and it really helps me tackle problems on my own. Highly, highly, recommend Beyond!”
Kim, London

“I find my coach to be a really calming and non-judgmental presence. He is very present for you when you're in a session, which I think is really important. I found it really useful and enriching to have more frameworks with which to understand myself and other people.”
Kirby, Meditation Teacher, Vancouver

“Beyond is doing such significant and special work in the world that it is difficult to tame into words. My coach has the rare ability to walk with you down the darker trails of your psyche with warmth. He holds safe and generous space. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Kris, Documentary Filmmaker, LA

“I’m a huge fan of Steven and the team at Beyond Psychology! I had a super illuminating and impactful experience. It helped unlock some personal insights and healing that had otherwise been hard to access. I would definitely recommend working with them, and personally hope to do so again in the future!”
Kuljit, Leadership Coach, DC

“I’ll be bold and say the modalities don’t matter as much as my coach’s presence. His calm and connected way of being facilitated my awareness and processing. It amplified my sense of safety and served as a mirror to reflect what was emerging within me. This allowed me to be more embodied in my experiences, which was the next step in my healing journey.”
Kyle, Actor, Bay Area

“My therapist at Beyond is amazing, it’s been really easy for me to talk out my thoughts and have assistance whenever I’ve been in a rough patch or whenever I’ve just been unsure of what to do or what steps to take with a situation. He is also very fun to talk to and very funny!”
Lisa, Psychologist and Researcher, Gothenburg

“My coach at Beyond is genuinely sincere and perceptive, and his deep passion for healing work is palpable. From our very first encounter, I sensed his non-judgmental nature. I wholeheartedly recommend working with him, as it has been an immensely positive experience.”
Osiris, Yoga Therapist, LA

“I feel like I've made real progress in my healing journey. I'm so grateful to have found someone like my Beyond coach. I highly recommend Beyond to anyone who is struggling with stress, anxiety, or other nervous system issues. Thank you for all that you do!”
Paula, Ocean Scientist, Honolulu

“My Beyond coach is deeply knowledgeable and passionate. His holistic and creative approach resonated with me and not only opened new ways of understanding, seeing and experiencing myself but also sparked my own creativity. I could relax into myself and feel connection with others without feeling judged.“
Raquel, Personal Assistant, LA

“I had such a sense of holding, safety and support that let me feel comfortable, seen and held.. My words for him are: safe, connecting, caring, and understanding. I feel grateful now and that I'm still growing and discovering different parts of me. I now have some real tools in case I hit potholes out in the world.”
Tom, Senior Product Manager, London

“My coach is really friendly and creates an open environment where it’s really easy to talk. I'm super grateful for all the work that I’ve done with him and can’t rate him highly enough. I definitely could not be where I am now without him. Thank you!”