Attention Allies
Therapists for ADHD in BRISTOL
How building autonomy, competence and connection can protect ADHDers from RSD
At Attention Allies we know that RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) is an overwhelming challenge for many ADHDers. However, our founder Duncan E. Stafford suggests that by focusing on autonomy, competence and relatedness (the three basic psychological needs outlined in self-determination theory (SDT)) we can begin to build resilience against the intense emotional pain of RSD. (6 minute read) If you live with ADHD, you may have experienced the intense, sometimes overwhelming, set of emotions known as RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria). Although RSD doesn’t yet constitute a formal diagnosis, it’s a term that resonates deeply within the ADHD community. RSD is […]
ADHD and addiction: How alcohol masked my ADHD
Relational counsellor Becky Gant brings a personal voice to the discovery that lurking under a presenting story of addiction there might well be an ADHD diagnosis. (5 minute read) About a year before I stopped drinking, a friend of mine suggested I look into ADHD. I’d been sharing honestly about my struggles to keep on […]
Your ADHD doesn’t need fixing
Relational and integrative counsellor Cat Chappell argues that it’s not ADHDers that need fixing but a variety of aspects of society and its provisions that should alter to enable those with ADHD to thrive. (5 minute read) As more information and understanding of what ADHD is, and what it means to have it becomes available, […]
Bruised/RSD
Although Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is yet to be formally recognised as a diagnosis by the medical professions, many people who have ADHD – or know an ADHDer – will have some awareness of the difficulties RSD can bring to a person’s life and relationships. In her gut-punching verse, poet Jackie Fernandez lets us take […]
From the Space Race to Ritalin
Our founder, psychotherapist, counsellor and ADHD coach Duncan E. Stafford brings you the first of our ADHD express reads series in which he highlights the fascinating connection that can be drawn between the Sputnik panic of 1957 and Methylphenidate. (2 minute read) From the early to mid-20th century, educators, doctors and politicians were, according to […]
ADHD therapy: Systems, structure and creativity
Get ready to find some direction. Counsellor and creative therapist Rich Hayden suggests that ADHDers can be naturally drawn to work more comfortably in therapy with some flexible systems, structure and the use of all forms of creativity. Engaging our “right brain” in this way might eventually help us to find peace and harmony in […]