What should the goals for counseling be when the patient has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Every therapist will have their own opinions, but I'll give you some of my thoughts.
First, it is important to teach the child or teen with ADHD how to recognize problems and how to solve problems. There are many good problem solving techniques that young people can quickly learn, and these are great tools to teach them.
Second, it is important to teach the child or teen how to think before they act, how to be less impulsive, how to have greater self-control. Without good internal controls the natural tendency toward impulsive behaviors will cause the ADHD person many heart aches.
Third, it is important to teach the child or teen with ADHD to respect others, and other's property, as well as to respect himself and his property.
Fourth, it is important to teach the child or teen to monitor his or her thoughts. It has been reported that the thoughts of ADHD kids are Off-Task at least 60% of the time compared to non-ADDers at only 20% of the time. ADHD kids also tend to have more negative thoughts. Teach the child to be aware of his or her own thoughts, and to control them to be on-task more and to be more positive.
Fifth, teach the child social skills as needed. Some kids have great social skills, some do not. Moral reasoning often needs to fit into here as well. It is odd to say, but there are some kids that I see who seem as if they have no conscience whatsoever. Moral reasoning is often more important than just the social skills training. Many sociopaths have great interpersonal skills, but without the morals or values to guide them.
Finally, anger management training and relaxation training as needed. I'm sure there are many other goals which are equally noble, and which ought to be mentioned. But this was my list of thoughts, and I think each goal listed above is important to deal with and achieve in counseling/therapy. If I could accomplish the above list with a client, then I would consider the therapy to have been a success.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
In today's fast-paced society, many families depend on some form... Read More
Several similar terms describe the central attribute of a character... Read More
It can be hard being a parent with a teen... Read More
The Internet, is magnificent in its resources for families. Educational... Read More
As a mom of 4 who's youngest child is about... Read More
"Where did he come up with that?" Kids often amaze... Read More
Do you ever wonder what is behind the occasional nasty... Read More
So you want to be a mum? Every time you... Read More
Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More
Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More
Every summer our daughter goes to summer camp. She looks... Read More
Arabella Greatorex, owner of The Natural Nursery, reports on the... Read More
Detox To Conceive.. If you're having trouble conceiving... Read More
So you're pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change... Read More
Do you want your child to cooperate with you more?Children... Read More
Despite serious reductions in funding for arts programs in... Read More
Not too long ago my teenage daughter approached me with... Read More
According to researchers, most children enter school with a good... Read More
Bullies are an ugly but very real part of childhood.... Read More
Most of our Founding Fathers, including Ben Franklin, Sam Adams,... Read More
Hints from Ruowen Wang? Keep a small basket filled with... Read More
Have you heard the song; "I Hope You Dance"? It... Read More
This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't... Read More
My cousin boasts five names and I confess that when... Read More
When was the last time you and your kids rolled... Read More
Parents, when you help your children learn to read, you... Read More
There are some grounds to assume that a cognitive dissonance... Read More
College is one of the largest expenses through the course... Read More
"Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
Being consistent when children are less than perfect can make... Read More
Once upon a time there was a beautiful bird whose... Read More
It can be difficult on all family members to have... Read More
Depending on where you live school will be starting this... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
Do you feel like someone has abducted your sweet, innocent... Read More
The initial state of happiness about an own child is... Read More
For troubled teens who are struggling with drug abuse, depression... Read More
Q. What is the best way to teach safety awareness... Read More
Do you know what these famous people have in common?Alexander... Read More
So you're pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change... Read More
There are many reasons for treating your twins as individuals... Read More
Vacations are fun ! Weekends with the family are nice.... Read More
Q. We are getting to the stage with our kids... Read More
We know that you want your little guy or gal... Read More
Are men to blame for the divorce problem in this... Read More
Quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike,... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
Q. My daughter is a junior in high school and... Read More
What is the mystery of motherhood? I know that when... Read More
College is one of the largest expenses through the course... Read More
As a parent, you can learn a lot about your... Read More
It's back to school time again. Does the thought of... Read More
Although it's hard to say when the first stuffed dogs... Read More
It's no surprise that the self-image and self-esteem of overweight... Read More
People always ask my wife and I: "How did you... Read More
There's a phrase that's become popular over the past few... Read More
I never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
Despite the theory that people have kids because they want... Read More
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More
Ah, potty training! Go to a local bookseller and you... Read More
You are at the grocery store with your daughter and... Read More
Most of us when asked what we want our children... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
A sure way to double the joys of parenthood is... Read More
Identity and Your Fraternal TwinFor the most part, throughout this... Read More
Parenting |