At the age of 16 it was suggested to me and my family that I might have ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). In later years, that diagnosis came to be confirmed. That condition has both affected and helped direct my life’s work, which has evolved from in-patient settings to over nine years with Edward “Ned” Hallowell, M.D., at the world-renowned Hallowell Center for ADHD in Sudbury, MA.

Therapy was a game changer for me personally. I saw my first family therapist when I was 16 and the course of my life was forever changed. Therapy has helped me be more self-aware and, therefore, capable of change.

Each of the therapists I saw over the years took the time to truly hear me and I find satisfaction and meaning in offering that same respect and caring to my clients. Therapy needs to take into account the distinct needs and strengths of each individual. The way we work must suit you and your situation.

Commitment and hard work are fundamental to therapy, but I enjoy life and I make sure to bring a measure of fun to the process of healing and learning.

My vocational path

My vocational path is a common one to many with ADHD. My early jobs involved everything from sharpening chainsaw chains to laying carpet, being a sous chef in a downtown Boston café and sorting computer chips. For four and a half years I worked with computers but, when I couldn’t sit quietly in a cubicle any longer, I decided that I needed a dramatic change.

In 1994 I returned to college to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work in order to become a psychotherapist. ADHD was a focus from the beginning. I worked in psychiatric hospitals and settings (for both children and adults) where ADHD was commonly an important piece of the diagnostic puzzle. I spent two years working at Westwood Lodge on their Special Care Unit, designed to help manage children 6 to 12 years old with significant behavior issues.

After graduation I worked with children, teens and adults with a wide variety of diagnoses, including ADHD, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder. I provided in-home therapy, crisis management to families, and outpatient services within a clinic.

In 2001, I began working at The Hallowell Center with Dr. Hallowell and his team. Dr. Hallowell is co-author of the critically acclaimed book about ADHD, Driven to Distraction. My work involved diagnosing and treating children, adolescents, adults and families with ADHD, anxiety disorders and/or depression.

Over the years I have worked with hundreds of individuals with ADHD. There is always more to discover and I continue to study processes that can enhance therapy and accelerate the pace of learning.