Fourth year clinical psychology doctoral student here. I'll try and answer some of your questions.
There are many differences between childhood and adult therapy. In fact, therapy should be tailored to the individual's needs. While therapy (in all senses) shares underlying traits, the interactions between the goals of the client, the client's worldview, the therapists theoretical orientation, etc. result in each individual client-therapist relationship being different. Children differ from adults in many ways, and therefore therapy needs to use strategies that appeal to these developmental differences. For instance, children can often speak through play, so therapists will use play with them rather than speech.
How can you find out more? I like the previous reply that suggested you go to a general practitioner. That individual could probably give you a few screeners and give you a diagnosis, but if it's a wealth of knowledge you're looking for then ask to be referred to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist has specialized in these kinds of disorders and will have much more information for you.
The last line of your post is different. To me, it indicates you're looking for more than just how to understand your ADHD symptoms. If you're searching for ways that you can better yourself through understanding and actions as a person, then I suggest you see a counselor/psychologist. As stated above, if you're communicative with this individual then this experience can be full of self-exploration and discussions about ways you can manage these symptoms. You might learn a whole bunch of other stuff while you're at it.
sup. We're on the same team, professionally. You may not hear it enough, but thanks for all you do, along with everyone else working in mental health specialties.
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u/FatShiaLaBeouf May 30 '17
Fourth year clinical psychology doctoral student here. I'll try and answer some of your questions.
There are many differences between childhood and adult therapy. In fact, therapy should be tailored to the individual's needs. While therapy (in all senses) shares underlying traits, the interactions between the goals of the client, the client's worldview, the therapists theoretical orientation, etc. result in each individual client-therapist relationship being different. Children differ from adults in many ways, and therefore therapy needs to use strategies that appeal to these developmental differences. For instance, children can often speak through play, so therapists will use play with them rather than speech.
How can you find out more? I like the previous reply that suggested you go to a general practitioner. That individual could probably give you a few screeners and give you a diagnosis, but if it's a wealth of knowledge you're looking for then ask to be referred to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist has specialized in these kinds of disorders and will have much more information for you.
The last line of your post is different. To me, it indicates you're looking for more than just how to understand your ADHD symptoms. If you're searching for ways that you can better yourself through understanding and actions as a person, then I suggest you see a counselor/psychologist. As stated above, if you're communicative with this individual then this experience can be full of self-exploration and discussions about ways you can manage these symptoms. You might learn a whole bunch of other stuff while you're at it.