Danielson Therapy

06/23/2026

"Growing old is unavoidable, but never growing up is possible. I believe you can retain certain things from your childhood if you protect them." — Martin Luther King, Jr.

06/18/2026

"A daughter needs a dad to be the standard against which she will judge all men." — Gregory E. Lang

06/16/2026

06/11/2026

Couple Goals: "Walking through life side by side, hand in hand."

05/28/2026

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain handles attention, impulses, and activity levels. It’s not just “being distracted”, it can shape how you think, feel, and respond to the world. ADHD affects adults and children.

Common features include:
• Trouble focusing or staying organized
• Impulsivity (acting without thinking)
• Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
• Difficulty finishing tasks

People with ADHD are more likely to experience other mental health conditions, such as:
• Anxiety disorders, constant worry, overthinking, or feeling overwhelmed
• Depression, low mood, lack of motivation, burnout
• Low self-esteem, often from years of feeling “behind” or misunderstood
• Emotional dysregulation (big emotions that are hard to control)

Beyond the textbook symptoms, ADHD often comes with:
• Feeling mentally exhausted from trying to keep up
• “All-or-nothing” motivation (hyperfocus vs. burnout)
• Sensitivity to criticism (sometimes called rejection sensitivity)
• Trouble relaxing, even when you want to

Managing ADHD and mental health usually works best with a mix of approaches:
1. Structure that works with your brain
• Short task lists instead of long ones
• Timers (like 25-minute focus sessions)
• Visual reminders

2. Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with both ADHD and anxiety/depression
• Coaching focused on executive function skills

3. Medication (if appropriate)

• Stimulants or non-stimulants can improve focus and reduce overwhelm
• Often prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor (referrals)

4. Lifestyle basics (more important than they sound)

• Sleep consistency
• Regular movement/exercise
• Reducing overstimulation (noise, multitasking, etc.)

ADHD isn’t just about attention, it affects emotional health, stress levels, and self-image. When people only treat the focus side, they often miss the mental health side, which is just as important.

I treat and support adults and children. Let’s work together and bring light to ADHD.

Melissa Danielson, MEd, MS, LMFT
www.danielsontherapy.com
702-339-5663