
ADHD Counselling & Support in Surrey
Helping Children, Teens & Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that often begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. It is characterised by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can make everyday life, school, work, and relationships more challenging.
Research suggests that around two-thirds of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms as adults. While many people with ADHD are creative, energetic, and highly driven, the condition can become problematic without the right coping strategies and support.
Types of ADHD
There are generally two recognised types of ADHD, though many people experience a combination of both:
- Inattentive ADHD – difficulty focusing, paying attention, or following through with tasks.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD – restlessness, impulsive decision-making, and difficulty sitting still.
In the past, ADHD was often referred to as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), but today ADHD is the accepted term.
ADHD Symptoms
Common symptoms of ADHD include:
- Poor impulse control and acting before thinking
- Difficulty paying attention or staying focused
- Hyperactivity and restlessness (squirming, fidgeting, difficulty sitting still)
- Trouble with organisation and completing tasks
- Speaking or laughing too loudly, or overreacting emotionally
- Struggling to wait for their turn (children) or making impulsive decisions (adults)
- Restlessness in teens and adults, often leading to job changes or financial issues
ADHD is believed to run in families, though the exact cause is not fully understood.
ADHD Support for Parents
Parenting a child with ADHD can feel overwhelming. There is no single approach that works for every family, but some key tips include:
- Work with your child’s natural rhythms – e.g. night owls may not respond well to early bedtimes.
- Choose your battles – focus on the most important goals first.
- Self-care is vital – just like the “oxygen mask” rule on airplanes, parents must look after themselves in order to care for their child effectively.
- Find a routine that works – whether structured or flexible, consistency helps children feel secure.
- Positive reinforcement – praise and encouragement build confidence.
- Channel energy productively – encourage sports, art, or music to help children express themselves.
- Nutrition & lifestyle – reduce processed sugar and caffeine, increase fresh fruits, vegetables, protein, and hydration.
Working with a family therapist can also help create a plan that supports your child while balancing the needs of the whole family.
ADHD Help for Adults
Many adults with ADHD continue to face challenges, especially with work, relationships and daily organisation. Practical strategies include:
- Developing a daily routine and sticking to it
- Designating spaces for important items (keys, phone, wallet)
- Using lists and reminders to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps
- Practising time management with alarms and schedules
- Creating coping tools and stress management techniques
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, rest and minimal caffeine or alcohol
How The Practice Can Help with ADHD
At The Practice, our experienced therapists offer compassionate, confidential support for children, teens, and adults with ADHD. Services include:
- ADHD therapy for children and teenagers
- ADHD counselling for adults
- Family therapy and parenting support
- Specialist assessment referrals
- Coping strategies and emotional support
With accessible therapy rooms in Weybridge, Guildford, and East Molesey, we provide expert support across Surrey and South West London.
Call us today on 0333 0096 321, complete our contact form or email us to take the first step in getting the help and support you or your loved one need.
Useful Articles
Here's a list of articles on ADHD you might find helpful.
Heredity, A major factor in ADHD, binge eating and alcohol dependence
It is mostly hereditary factors that lie behind adults with ADHD often developing alcohol dependence and binge eating, concludes new research. Since heredity plays such a large role, it is important that ADHD is treated at an early stage, and that measures are taken to prevent individuals developing these disorders later in life.
Scientist studly link between unhealthy pregnancy diet and ADHD
A diet high in fat and sugar during pregnancy may be linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children with behavioural problems early in life, experts have found.
ADHD: Paying Enough Attention?
A Research paper on ADHD in the UK
ADHA Epidemiology
The epidemiological rates for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) vary considerably throughout the world. This is thought to be due to environmental and behavioural changes, in addition to differences in diagnostic criteria used throughout the world.
UK children less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than US children
New research suggests that children are far less likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the UK than they are in the US. However, the same study suggests that autism diagnosis is still rising.
TED Talk: Ken Robinson: Changing education paradigms
In this talk from RSA Animate, Sir Ken Robinson lays out the link between 3 troubling trends: rising drop-out rates, schools' dwindling stake in the arts, and ADHD. An important, timely talk for parents and teachers.
Powerful Quotes and Poems to inspire you
Dare we hope? We dare.
Can we hope? We can.
Should we hope? We must, because to do otherwise is to waste the most precious of gifts given so freely by God to all of us. So when we do die, it will be with hope and it will be easy and our hearts will not be broken.
Andy Ripley – England and Lions rugby legend, often described as one of the most colourful personalities in the history of English rugby
Helpful articles often written by our fabulous practitioners.