Psychological Counselling for ADHD: A Lifeline for Children and Parents
If your child has been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization, around 5–7 % of children worldwide live with ADHD, and India reports similar numbers. While medication is often discussed first, psychological counselling for ADHD is the quiet engine that drives long-term success—helping children build focus, confidence, and resilience. At Cadabams CDC, our child-centric programmes combine therapy, parent coaching, and school collaboration so that every child can reach their full potential.
Why Psychological Counselling Matters for ADHD
ADHD is not just about short attention spans. It influences emotions, social skills, learning, and family life. Counselling addresses these ripple effects by:
- Teaching self-regulation techniques in age-appropriate language
- Reducing parent stress through guided support groups
- Improving academic performance with organisational skills training
- Lowering secondary issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem Research from the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry shows that children who receive behavioural therapy in tandem with parent training achieve better long-term outcomes than those relying on medication alone.
How Cadabams CDC Designs Personalised ADHD Counselling Plans
Every child is unique, so Cadabams CDC starts with a 360° assessment that includes:
- Clinical interviews with parents and teachers
- Standardised rating scales (Conners-3, Vanderbilt)
- Classroom observation when possible
- Sensory and executive-function profiling From there, we craft an individualised care plan that blends multiple evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Core Therapeutic Approaches We Use
Behavioural Therapy for ADHD
- Focuses on immediate, observable behaviours
- Uses reward systems and clear consequences
- Progress is tracked weekly—visible to children and parents
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Children
- Helps children identify “thought traps” (“I always fail maths”)
- Replaces them with balanced self-talk (“I can improve with practice”)
- Includes fun worksheets and role-play to keep sessions engaging
Social Skills Training
- Small-group settings with peers who also have ADHD
- Modules on turn-taking, reading body language, and handling teasing
- Real-time feedback and video modelling for faster learning
Parent Management Training (PMT)
- 8–10 session programme for parents only
- Teaches consistent routines, token economies, and calm-response scripts
- Offers WhatsApp support groups moderated by Cadabams CDC counsellors
Signs Your Child May Need ADHD Counselling
| Age 3–6 | Age 7–12 | Age 13–18 |
|---|---|---|
| Constant motion, climbing on furniture | Frequent careless mistakes in homework | Chronic procrastination on projects |
| Difficulty following two-step instructions | Interrupting teachers and peers | Risky driving or impulsive spending |
| Extreme tantrums over minor changes | Trouble keeping friends | Low self-esteem, comments like “I’m stupid” |
If two or more boxes feel familiar, early intervention through psychological counselling for ADHD can redirect the trajectory of your child’s life. The symptoms of ADHD can vary significantly across age groups, from kids to teens.
What to Expect in a Cadabams CDC Session
Initial Intake (60 minutes)
- Friendly, toy-filled rooms to reduce anxiety
- Joint parent–child interview followed by separate conversations
- Clear explanation of confidentiality limits and session goals
Weekly Therapy (45 minutes)
- 10-minute mood check-in using emoji cards
- 25-minute skill-building game or worksheet
- 10-minute parent debrief and homework assignment
Progress Reviews (Every 6 weeks)
- Visual graphs of behaviour frequency at home and school
- Adjustment of reward systems and academic accommodations
- Optional teacher conference call to maintain consistency
Success Stories: Children Who Soared
Arjun, age 9
- Challenge: Daily tantrums during homework, falling grades
- Intervention: 12 sessions of CBT + parent training
- Outcome: Self-monitored homework for 30 minutes nightly; grades improved from C to B within one term Meera, age 14
- Challenge: Severe social anxiety linked to ADHD impulsivity
- Intervention: Social skills groups + CBT to manage negative thoughts
- Outcome: Elected class monitor; reduced panic attacks from weekly to once a month Parents consistently report that Cadabams CDC’s holistic approach restores harmony at home and confidence in their children.
Tips for Parents Supporting Therapy at Home
- Create micro-routines: 5-minute “reset” breaks after every 20 minutes of study
- Label praise: Instead of “Good job,” say “I love how you packed your bag without reminders.”
- Use visual schedules: Colour-coded magnets on the fridge reduce morning chaos
- Join our parent circles: Monthly meet-ups at Cadabams CDC share fresh ideas and empathy. Comprehensive parental support is key to success.