Dr. Judy Ho, a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist and tenured associate professor at Pepperdine University, dives into the intricacies of ADHD and self-sabotage. She highlights the connection between ADHD and self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of understanding brain dynamics. Dr. Ho shares powerful strategies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and mindfulness practices to improve focus and emotional regulation. Listeners will learn practical tips for managing procrastination and fostering self-compassion to thrive despite ADHD challenges.
Understanding ADHD's impact on self-esteem can help individuals reframe negative thoughts related to their perceived inadequacies and enhance self-worth.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers practical techniques to train attention, address procrastination, and improve focus for those struggling with ADHD.
Deep dives
Impact of ADHD on Self-Esteem
ADHD can significantly affect an individual's self-esteem, often leading to negative self-perceptions. Many children and adults with ADHD might label themselves as 'stupid' or 'incompetent' due to their struggles with attention and task management, despite being highly intelligent. This internal monologue, shaped by repeated failures or difficulties, can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, limiting opportunities and potential. Understanding ADHD can help individuals reframe their thoughts and recognize that their struggles are rooted in brain function rather than personal inadequacies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool for individuals with ADHD, as it provides practical skills to address attention challenges. By using structured techniques, individuals can train their attention as they would a muscle—starting with short intervals of focused work and gradually increasing duration. A key strategy involves jotting down distracting thoughts on a notepad, allowing individuals to acknowledge them without losing focus on their current task. This method not only enhances attention span but also helps clarify which thoughts are truly important to address.
Multimodal Mindfulness Practices
Multimodal mindfulness involves engaging multiple senses to enhance focus and productivity, which is especially beneficial for those with ADHD. Activities like reading can be made more effective by taking notes or using audio resources, creating a richer, more engaging experience. This form of mindfulness allows individuals to be fully present in tasks, minimizing distractions and enhancing enjoyment. Single-tasking and immersing oneself in activities like folding laundry or reading without multitasking promotes a deeper sense of accomplishment and relaxation.
Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination is a common challenge for those with ADHD, often stemming from unmet needs or underlying fears. Addressing the root causes of procrastination—such as anxiety or feeling overwhelmed—can help individuals take action. Self-reflection about why tasks are being postponed is crucial, as it allows individuals to recognize patterns and find strategies to move forward. Identifying and fulfilling these needs can break the cycle of procrastination and facilitate a more productive routine.
This week, I’m talking with Dr. Judy Ho, a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist with a PhD in clinical psychology. She focuses on mental health, ADHD, and various psychological disorders. She is triple board-certified and is a tenured associate professor at Pepperdine University, where she teaches graduate-level psychology.
In our conversation today, we talk about how ADHD can impact self-esteem, the importance of understanding your brain’s wiring, and practical ways to manage attention and relationships. Dr. Ho shares insights into how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help train your attention and how reframing your thoughts can reduce self-sabotage.
In our conversation, Dr. Ho also shares some of her favorite strategies for improving focus, managing emotional regulation, and mindfulness to tackle ADHD challenges. Whether you’re struggling with self-sabotage or finding it hard to keep up with tasks, this episode is packed with tips that will help you thrive with ADHD. If you’d like to send me a question answer on the show feel free to head over to hackingyouradhd.com/contact and click the orange button Support me on Patreon Ask me a question on my Contact Page Find the show note at HackingYourADHD.com/197 This Episode's Top Tips
Train your attention like a muscle. Use a simple task and set a timer for 15 minutes, gradually increasing the time to strengthen focus. You can also work on capturing distracting thoughts by keeping a notepad nearby while working, jotting down distractions without letting them derail your task.
Try using multimodal mindfulness, which involves engaging multiple senses to stay focused, such as reading or taking notes, and then combining those activities with visual or auditory elements.
If you’re procrastinating, ask yourself why and address the underlying reasons—whether it's fear of failure or overthinking. Often, procrastination is a sign that you have some need that is being unmet. Addressing that need can often help to get you unstuck.
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