ADHD in Women Counselling in Cairns

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed in women. For many women, the diagnosis comes later in life, sometimes after years of struggling with feelings of being “too much” or “not enough.” ADHD in women can look very different than in men, which is why so many go unnoticed or misdiagnosed for years.

If you’re a woman living with ADHD, or exploring whether it might be part of your story, counselling can provide a safe and supportive space to better understand yourself, learn practical tools, and move beyond self-blame.

ADHD in women is often less about the stereotype of being “hyperactive” and more about:

• Inattention and overwhelm — difficulty focusing, getting easily distracted, or struggling to complete tasks
   
• Executive functioning challenges — problems with organisation, planning, prioritising, or time management
   
• Emotional sensitivity — intense feelings, rejection sensitivity, or difficulty regulating emotions
   
• Masking behaviours — working extra hard to hide struggles, leading to burnout
   
• Perfectionism and self-criticism — feeling “lazy,” “messy,” or “not good enough” when actually dealing with symptoms of ADHD
   

These challenges can impact many areas of life, from work or study to relationships, parenting, and self-esteem.

Many women with ADHD report:

• Feeling exhausted from constantly “masking” or trying to keep up
   
• Being misunderstood by family, colleagues, or partners
   
• Struggling with shame, guilt, or unhelpful thoughts about themselves
   
• Difficulty with self-care, routines, and nervous system regulation
   
• A sense of always being “behind” or “not reaching potential”
   

Counselling for ADHD is not about “fixing” you, it’s about understanding your brain, validating your experiences, and finding strategies that actually work for you.

In our sessions, support may include:

• Addressing unhelpful thoughts about your diagnosis or self-worth
   
• Executive functioning support — tools for organisation, time management, and reducing overwhelm
   
• Psychoeducation — helping you (and sometimes your family) better understand ADHD and how it shows up in women
   
• Nervous system regulation strategies — calming techniques, grounding, and EFT tapping to support focus and reduce stress
   
• Strengths-based focus — recognising your creativity, resilience, and unique ways of thinking
   
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) — reshaping negative beliefs that impact motivation and self-esteem
   

With support, many women find they can:

• Let go of shame and self-criticism
   
• Improve focus, organisation, and follow-through
   
• Create healthier boundaries in relationships
   
• Learn practical strategies to manage overwhelm
   
• Reconnect with strengths, creativity, and self-confidence
   
• Build a life that works with ADHD — not against it
   

Living with ADHD as a woman comes with unique challenges, but also unique strengths. With the right tools, compassion, and support, it’s possible to thrive.

Click the Book Now button below, to begin ADHD counselling in Cairns and take steps toward more confidence, clarity, and self-acceptance.