Working with ADHD Clients as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist

Working with ADHD Clients as a Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist: Skills, Challenges, and Supervision

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) presents unique challenges for both clients and therapists. Whether working with children or adults, solution-focused hypnotherapy (SFH) offers a strengths-based approach that empowers individuals to harness their abilities rather than focus solely on difficulties. However, working with ADHD clients requires specific skills, patience, and adaptability. It can also bring frustrations for both the therapist and client, making professional supervision an invaluable resource for reflection and support.

Understanding ADHD from a Solution-Focused Perspective

ADHD is often framed as a deficit, but many individuals with ADHD possess remarkable strengths, including creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills. A solution-focused approach shifts the narrative from "fixing what’s wrong" to "building on what works". By helping clients recognise their successes and develop strategies that suit their unique thinking patterns, hypnotherapy can be an empowering tool.

However, the process isn’t always smooth. ADHD affects attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation, meaning clients may struggle with engagement, consistency, or belief in their ability to change. This can lead to frustrations for both parties.

 
The Skills Needed to Work Effectively with ADHD Clients

1. Flexibility and Adaptability
ADHD clients—both adults and children—may struggle with focus, fidgeting, or impulsivity. A rigid, traditional therapy structure may not work, so the therapist needs to be adaptable. Sessions may require movement breaks, interactive elements, or shorter, more dynamic trance work.

2. Clear and Engaging Communication
Keeping instructions and discussions simple and engaging is crucial. Using metaphors, stories, or visualisations can help ADHD clients process information more effectively. Asking clear, direct questions also helps them stay on track.

3. Patience and Non-Judgement
Clients with ADHD often feel like they have "failed" in various aspects of life due to forgetfulness, impulsivity, or difficulties with organisation. A non-judgemental approach that acknowledges their efforts rather than their struggles is key to building trust.

4. Strength-Based Focus
Instead of emphasising the challenges ADHD brings, solution-focused hypnotherapy encourages clients to recognise their strengths. This might include their ability to think outside the box, hyperfocus on topics they love, or their energy and enthusiasm when engaged in the right task.

5. Helping with Routine and Structure
One of the biggest challenges for ADHD clients is creating structure and sticking to routines. Hypnotherapy can help clients visualise their ideal day and establish small, achievable habits that work for them. This might include using reminders, alarms, or breaking tasks into manageable steps.

6. Managing Frustrations – For Both Client and Therapist
ADHD clients may struggle with completing tasks, following through on agreed-upon strategies, or even attending sessions consistently. This can be frustrating for the therapist, who may feel like progress is slow or inconsistent.

From the client’s perspective, they may feel frustrated that their brain doesn’t work the way they want it to. They may struggle with feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or self-critical. Solution-focused hypnotherapy helps reframe these frustrations by focusing on small wins and reinforcing positive change rather than perceived failures.

Working with Children vs. Adults with ADHD

Children with ADHD
May struggle to sit still or follow session structure.
Need interactive elements—games, storytelling, or movement.
Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing positive changes at home.
Hypnotherapy can help with emotional regulation, anxiety, and confidence-building.

Adults with ADHD
Often have years of frustration from feeling misunderstood or struggling with traditional work and school environments.
May benefit from hypnosis for stress reduction, focus, and self-belief.
Need practical strategies for structuring their day and managing distractions.

 
The Importance of Supervision in ADHD Hypnotherapy

Because working with ADHD clients can be unpredictable, therapists benefit greatly from supervision with an experienced professional. Supervision provides:

• A space to reflect on challenging cases without frustration affecting the therapeutic relationship.
  
• Practical strategies for managing session flow when a client is highly distracted.
• Support in managing therapist frustration, ensuring sessions remain productive and positive.
• Fresh insights from a more experienced perspective to fine-tune approaches.
  
  A good supervisor helps solution focused hypnotherapists stay grounded, maintain their own well-being, and continue growing in their work.

Final Thoughts

Working with ADHD clients in solution focused hypnotherapy is rewarding but requires patience, flexibility, and a strengths-based mindset.

By focusing on what works, helping clients build structure in a way that suits their unique brains, and managing frustrations with empathy, hypnotherapists can create a positive impact.

Regular supervision ensures therapists remain supported and equipped to handle the unique challenges ADHD presents.