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Counseling and ADD

How Can Counseling Help Those with ADD

By , About.com Guide

Updated February 13, 2009

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Counseling and ADD

Counseling and/or psychotherapy provides an individual with ADD / ADHD a place to process feelings and develop strategies for dealing with the effects of ADHD. ADHD often results in broken friendships, poor relationships, and a plunging self esteem. Though the terms "counseling" and "psychotherapy" are often used synonymously, the definitions differ slightly.

Counseling can be defined as a relatively short-term, interpersonal, theory-based process of helping persons who are fundamentally psychologically healthy resolve developmental and situational issues.

Psychotherapy refers to treatment of a behavior disorder, mental illness, or any other condition by psychological means.

Family Counseling

Often ADHD has a profound effect on the family. Getting the family together with a family counselor is a safe way to gain more insight into ADHD and its impact on the family and develop strategies for dealing with it so the family can function normally and happily.

Group Counseling

Group counseling is a great place to meet with other individuals who are wrestling with ADHD. A group can help an individual feel understood and accepted. It can provided a powerful support system, in addition to processing feelings, interpersonal relationships, and coping strategies.

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