What Is ADHD & Neurodivergence Therapy?
ADHD and neurodivergence therapy is specialized psychotherapy designed to address the unique emotional, relational, and functional challenges that come with a differently wired brain. This is not about fixing you — it's about helping you understand how you're built, what your nervous system actually needs, and how to build a life that works for who you are.
At Believe Therapy & Coaching, we take a strengths-based, affirming approach. We work with adults and teens (13+) who may have a formal ADHD diagnosis, are awaiting one, or who identify as neurodivergent in other ways — including autism, sensory processing differences, anxiety that presents differently, and more.
Signs You Might Benefit from This Support
- You've been told you're smart but you can't seem to follow through
- You're exhausted from masking and managing how you come across
- You struggle with emotional dysregulation — big feelings, fast reactions
- Time blindness, task initiation, and "the wall" are a daily reality
- You've internalized years of "lazy," "too much," or "not trying hard enough"
- Relationships are hard in ways that feel confusing or unfair
- You've developed anxiety, depression, or burnout alongside your ADHD
What We Work On Together
Sessions are collaborative and adapted to your needs — that includes structure, pacing, and how we show up. We don't use a cookie-cutter protocol.
- Understanding your nervous system and how it drives your patterns
- Emotional regulation and distress tolerance
- Shame reduction and rebuilding self-worth after years of negative feedback
- Executive function strategies tailored to how you actually work
- Relationship dynamics, communication, and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)
- Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Identity work — understanding yourself beyond the diagnosis
Our Approach
We integrate evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, mindfulness-based approaches, and somatic awareness — all adapted for ADHD and neurodivergent nervous systems. Sessions are structured but flexible.
Robin Atkinson, RP(Q) has specialized training in neurodivergence through an M.A. in Applied Disability Studies and brings deep expertise in ADHD, autism, and the intersection with anxiety and burnout. Amelia Dowell, RP also works with neurodivergent adults and has extensive experience with co-occurring presentations.
Do You Need a Diagnosis First?
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access therapy. Many clients come to us while awaiting assessment, after a late-in-life diagnosis, or because they recognize neurodivergent traits without having a label. Therapy can begin wherever you are.
In-Person and Virtual Sessions
We offer in-person sessions at our Westboro, Ottawa office and secure virtual sessions for clients across Ontario. We understand that getting to a physical office is a real challenge for many people with ADHD — virtual is a fully supported option, not a lesser alternative.