ADHD Counselling in West Moors & Ferndown (BH22) - Support for Adults with ADHD
- James Rolph
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
What Is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning.
Common behaviours include:
Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
Forgetfulness and losing items frequently
Impulsive decision-making
Restlessness or difficulty remaining seated
Interrupting others during conversations
Living Without a Diagnosis – The Hidden Struggles
Living without an official diagnosis can be isolating. Without formal recognition, others may not fully understand your challenges. This lack of understanding can lead to self-blame, low self-esteem, and questioning why you feel different.. without realising it’s due to a neurodevelopmental condition.
It’s common for adults with undiagnosed ADHD to feel they are “failing” at life’s basic expectations. Loved ones may misinterpret behaviours as laziness, carelessness or selfishness, when in reality they are symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD in Education and Early Life- How it can affect confidence and self-esteem
ADHD can make school life extremely challenging. Some children struggle to sit still, pay attention or complete homework. This can result in detentions, exclusions, or being labelled as “naughty” rather than understood. If it's literally a case that the child can't control their impulses this can further damage confidence and self-esteem.
However, ADHD is not always obvious in education. Some individuals perform well academically because they have developed coping strategies or because they can hyperfocus on subjects they enjoy. This means ADHD can be overlooked for years, leaving struggles unrecognised, untreated and essentially leaving people living sometimes a chaotic life until adulthood with no understanding of what is driving the challenges.
ADHD and Behavioural Challenges
The impulsive nature of ADHD can lead to risky behaviour.. saying things without thinking, interrupting, acting before considering consequences. This can create conflict with loved ones, friends, teachers, partners and colleagues etc.
In some cases, poor impulse control and emotional regulation can result in arguments, aggression or getting into trouble with the law. Research shows that individuals with ADHD are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, often because they acted in the heat of the moment or struggled with authority figures.
ADHD and Relationships – When Love Meets Frustration
ADHD can put significant strain on relationships. Forgetfulness, distractibility, and inconsistent focus can make loved ones feel ignored or undervalued. Emotional regulation issues may lead to frequent arguments.
It’s also common for ADHD'ers to be able to focus for hours on stimulating activities this is often referred to as hyperfocus and makes ADHD even more difficult to pinpoint.. like video games, while neglecting tasks their partner sees as important. This isn’t a sign they don’t care; it’s part of how someone with ADHD craves dopamine and affects the brain’s reward and motivation system.
Emotional Regulation, Overwhelm, and Impulsivity
Many adults with ADHD become overwhelmed by tasks others see as simple, such as paying bills, tidying up or completing paperwork. This “overwhelm freeze” is linked to differences in executive functioning.
Impulsivity can lead to regrettable decisions, financial problems or heated confrontations. Some ADHD'ers turn to stimulants, caffeine, nicotine, narcotics and alcohol. Some seek risky behaviours as a coping mechanism to boost dopamine and focus temporarily. Region-specific data in the UK show around 25% of prisoners in England & Wales may have ADHD The Guardian. Ministry of Justice figures suggest that out of approximately 85,000 people in custody as of December 31, 2024, a 25% prevalence rate would equate to over 21,000 prisoners with ADHD
How BCW Counselling Helps Adults with ADHD in West Moors, Ferndown, BH22 & Christchurch, BH23
At BCW Counselling, we offer practical and emotional support for adults navigating life with ADHD- diagnosed or not. Our approach includes:
Executive Functioning Support – Building strategies for planning, organisation and time management
Emotional Regulation Skills – Learning tools to manage anger, frustration recognising when overwhelmed
Relationship Support – Helping partners and family members understand ADHD’s impact and improve communication
Behavioural Strategies – Practical steps to reduce impulsivity and improve self-control
Grounding Techniques – Evidence-based tools to increase focus and resilience
Take the First Step – ADHD Support Is Available
If you’re living near West Moors, Ferndown, BH22 or Christchurch BH23 and are struggling with ADHD, diagnosed or not- BCW Counselling is here to help. Whether you need personal coping tools, relationship guidance, or a space to understand yourself better, we can work together to build a more balanced and fulfilling life.
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