How come most adult thearpist dont seem familiar with adhd.?

Question

Do most of them not know and care to treat adhd. Are they all useless want to hear stories and dont care if you have adhd.

Answer 1

Most therapists will be more knowledgeable about one subject more than others....for example, some will know a lot about anxiety and depression, but not as much about the rest of the mental disorders.

Depending on how they were trained, they may not know very much about any mental disorder (which is alarming, I know!).

Your best therapist tend to be those in private practice...and that is why they cost a lot of money...most will have a PhD!

Its not that the therapist doesn't care about ADHD, but it may not be their speciality. Some therapist do specialize in ADHD.

Remember-therapy has structure and meaning. The point of it is to set goals and work toward obtaining those goals. If the therapist has a psychodynamic orientation than it may seem like aimless wandering because they do something called free association and they think that everything you say has significance. However, most therapists will want to hear stories that have meaning and will move you toward accomplishing your goals.

Of course, there are patients who talk and have the wandering mind...in these scenerios the therapist will want to try to redirect you and try to get you to focus on the goals. If done well, it is usually subtle and effective.

A good therapist cares if you have ADHD...if they don't consider it a real disorder or believe it has a significant impact on your life, RUN FAR AWAY because that is probably a very ignorant therapist!

On the other hand, the therapist will not want to operate in a way that makes it seem like all your problems can be attributed to ADHD...because life is not that simple.

Answer 2

Many are from the old school of thinking that children outgrow ADHD. You may have to continue to "shop" for a therapist who has knowledge of ADHD in adults. I would recommend you start with one who says they specialize in family therapy, especially those children with ADD.

Make sure you only use a licensed therapist, i.e. social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist. You may want to call your local medical society for the name of the psychiatrist who specialists in ADHD. And there is a state licensing board for social workers and psychologists.

Because a person hangs a "shingle" and open for counseling, does not mean they are qualified.

Answer 3

Therapy is about talking and honesty. From that grows more. It requires patience. And, no, most therapists probably are not specifically trained to deal with ADHD. I also have the impression that you are not really willing to try it their way long enough to figure out if they are. So, specifically look for one that specializes in ADHD and then commit to giving them a legitimate shot.

Answer 4

Maybe your therapist is trying to determine if there are certain factors in your life that could be contributing to your adhd. Once he figures that out perhaps he'll be able to help you deal with your problems without taking the easy way out of drugging you.