The intersection of ADHD and motherhood brings both unique challenges and unexpected strengths. These reflections have become a part of my personal journey, and I know I’m not alone in this. 

For other ADHD mom therapists out there, maybe you’ll recognize some of these experiences, too.

The Energy Rollercoaster: ADHD, Executive Function, and Managing My Day

Before I got my ADHD diagnosis, I couldn’t put a name to the patterns I noticed in myself. There was always that nagging self-criticism, but I couldn’t pinpoint why it felt like I was constantly playing catch-up—whether it was keeping track of time, processing thoughts in real-time, or switching between tasks. 

What I now realize is that my energy, focus, and ability to manage executive functions fluctuate throughout the day. For instance, sleep (or lack thereof), nutrition, and the energy I get from interactions with others (or the lack of breaks between sessions) all affect my ability to keep up with the demands of my work. 

As much as I try to stay present and in tune with my clients, I can sometimes miss the mark. The processing lag I experience between words and emotions is real, and sometimes I don’t catch all the details until after a session has ended. And even then, it's not always clear whether I've gotten the full picture or simply needed more time to fully process.

Creativity, Flexibility, and the ADHD Brain: A Blessing and a Challenge

If there’s one thing I can rely on, it's that my ADHD brain is constantly generating ideas. My mind doesn’t just stick to one track; it’s jumping between ideas, themes, and connections in a way that feels natural, even if it’s a little chaotic. 

And honestly, that chaotic energy can sometimes be a gift in therapy, especially when I’m brainstorming solutions with clients or reframing challenges. I can pull from multiple threads at once, and that brings a richness to the work I do.

But in the same breath, there’s a downside. With all those ideas and thoughts bouncing around, it can be hard to judge the right pace—both for myself and for the client. If I move too quickly or share too many threads at once, I risk losing the momentum needed for meaningful processing. And if I move too slowly, I worry that I might not keep the energy up or get to the real work.

It’s a dance of balancing creativity with the need for reflection, but I’ve found that I can lean into that rhythm. My goal is always to keep it flexible, adapting as I go, but not rushing the process. 

Sometimes, though, I’m reminded of the delicate balance we must strike in therapy—between pacing and depth, between insight and pause.

Motherhood & ADHD: The Amplification of Executive Functioning Challenges

Becoming a mother shifted how I experienced ADHD in a big way. Suddenly, my already-challenged executive function had to work overtime. 

It’s one thing to manage time, priorities, and focus when you’re just balancing clients and personal self-care—but throw in the unpredictable nature of motherhood, and it becomes a whole new ball game. 
The constant juggling act—whether it’s packing lunches, finding time to connect with your Littles, or taking care of your own emotional needs—often leaves me running on fumes.

I’ve noticed that some days, the weight of it all can feel heavier because I’m trying to manage ADHD and the emotional load of motherhood. 

The executive functioning that gets me through a full day of therapy—keeping track of multiple conversations, remembering details, and staying organized—becomes exponentially harder when I’m also navigating the needs of my children and the unpredictability of family life.

But I’ve also found that ADHD and motherhood have shaped me in ways I didn’t anticipate. It’s deepened my empathy for clients who are also parents. It’s sharpened my creativity in finding solutions. And, it’s made me even more attuned to the importance of flexibility in the work I do, knowing that things rarely go as planned.

Reflecting on the Balancing Act: ADHD Therapists with Kids

For fellow ADHD therapists with young children, how do you navigate the tension between your own needs and the needs of your clients?

How do you balance the demands of therapy with the emotional labor of parenting? 

When does your ADHD become a source of creativity, and when does it feel like a barrier?

 I find that I’m constantly adjusting, re-evaluating, and experimenting with what works best for me. It’s not a perfect process, but it’s one that requires grace, self-compassion, and a lot of flexibility.

If you’re in a similar boat, I’d love to hear your reflections and how you manage this delicate balance. I know it’s not easy, but it’s a challenge that brings growth and learning every step of the way.