Can Hypnotherapy Really Help with ADHD Symptoms? Unlock Focus and Calm

Introduction

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions, making it challenging for individuals to focus, manage impulses, and regulate emotions. Traditional ADHD treatment options like medication and behavioral therapy are common, but more people are turning to alternative treatments, such as hypnotherapy for ADHD. At NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy, Dr. Deborah Teng and Dr. Kimberly Fishbach specialize in treating ADHD using a comprehensive approach that combines evidence-based therapies like DBT, CBT, mindfulness, and hypnosis. In this post, we explore how hypnotherapy can benefit individuals with ADHD and help them lead more balanced lives.

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Understanding ADHD

ADHD disrupts daily life by affecting one’s ability to focus, stay organized, and control impulses. It is one of the most common neuro-developmental disorders,  impacting approximately 6 million children in the U.S., with many adults receiving diagnoses later in life. Effective ADHD treatment plans often include medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes, but managing ADHD symptoms requires a holistic approach that addresses both emotional and psychological effects.

As Dr. Deborah Teng explains, “ADHD is a disorder of self-regulation or executive functioning, which is the brain's ability to monitor itself. According to Thomas Brown's model of ADHD, the disorder impacts attention, action (behavior), tasks, information (working memory), effort, and emotion, which are all executive functioning-based tasks. These are the things that the ADHD brain is trying to manage in our day-to-day lives. So, imagine the stress levels that impact the daily lives of a person with ADHD, when they are trying to manage those tasks at a decreased level of efficiency. I mention all of this to point out that studies have suggested that mindfulness practices improve attention and have shown to reduce stress levels and anxiety. Anxiety, by the way, is a common coexisting condition with ADHD. Mindfulness is a useful tool to supplement the standard ADHD treatments.”

This insight emphasizes the importance of addressing both the cognitive and emotional aspects of ADHD to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

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What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation to access the subconscious mind, allowing individuals to modify behaviors and manage emotions. Unlike stage hypnosis, therapeutic hypnotherapy is a safe, collaborative process where the client remains fully in control. It has long been used to treat anxiety, stress, and other conditions, and is now gaining attention for its ability to help individuals with ADHD improve focus and emotional regulation.

As Dr. Kimberly Fishbach notes, people with ADHD often find themselves naturally slipping into trance-like states, whether lost in a movie or daydreaming during a dull conversation. This capacity can be harnessed in hypnotherapy for ADHD to promote deeper relaxation and focus. Learn more about how hypnosis works in this related article.

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How Hypnotherapy Can Help with ADHD

Hypnotherapy for ADHD can be especially beneficial for those with ADHD by:

• Improving Relaxation and Focus: Guided relaxation helps calm the mind, making it easier to concentrate on tasks and manage ADHD symptoms.
• Managing Impulsivity: Hypnotherapy helps individuals become more aware of their emotional triggers and impulsive behaviors.
• Regulating Emotions: Techniques like guided imagery assist in controlling emotional responses and enhancing self-regulation.

Many clients at NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy have experienced improvements in focus and emotional regulation after integrating hypnotherapy into their treatment plan.

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Research and Evidence

Research on hypnotherapy for ADHD has shown promising results. A six-month follow-up study found that adults with ADHD who underwent hypnotherapy experienced better long-term outcomes compared to those who received Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The study demonstrated that hypnotherapy was particularly effective in improving focus, reducing impulsivity, and helping individuals manage symptoms more sustainably over time.

These findings suggest that hypnotherapy is a valuable alternative or complementary treatment for adults with ADHD, especially for those seeking long-lasting improvements without relying solely on medication.

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Considerations and Limitations

Although hypnotherapy offers many benefits for ADHD treatment, it works best as a complementary treatment alongside traditional options like medication and behavioral therapy. It is essential to work with a qualified hypnotherapist who understands ADHD and has experience integrating hypnotherapy with evidence-based methods.

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How We Work with ADHD

At NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy, we tailor hypnotherapy sessions to meet the unique needs of each individual with ADHD. Our approach focuses on helping clients develop greater focus, emotional regulation, and impulse control through a combination of hypnotherapy and evidence-based modalities like DBT, CBT, and mindfulness. We collaborate closely with clients to create personalized treatment plans that address their specific challenges and empower them to thrive. To help you explore whether hypnotherapy aligns with your needs, we offer free 15-minute phone consultations, providing an opportunity to take the first step toward meaningful change.

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