CBT for Distress Associated with ADHD in Cheadle Hulme & Online
When your mind feels busy and life swings between doing everything and feeling unable to start, it can be hard to feel in control. You may also be carrying anxiety, self-doubt or the feeling that you should somehow be coping better.
I offer neurodiversity-affirming CBT for distress and difficulties associated with ADHD. Together, we can make sense of what is happening and develop practical strategies that fit the way your brain works.
You do not need a formal ADHD diagnosis to explore support with me.
When ADHD-Related Distress Starts to Get in the Way
You may recognise some of these experiences. Not every example will fit, and we will take time to understand what is happening for you:
- Your mind feels busy or restless, jumping between thoughts, ideas and worries, especially when you're trying to rest.
- You know what you want to do but find it hard to get started, then feel frustrated with yourself.
- You swing between bursts of intense focus or energy and periods of exhaustion or shutdown.
- Criticism or a sense of being rejected hits very hard, and the feeling can stay with you for a long time.
- You feel less in control of your time, your plans or your day than you'd like, and worry about letting people down.
- At work or university, you might cope through last-minute pressure and then feel drained and anxious afterwards.
- For children, distress might show up as frustration with homework, upset after being told off repeatedly, or feeling "naughty" or "different" from classmates.
- For teenagers, it may involve growing self-criticism, conflict over organisation and school demands, or feeling misunderstood by adults.
Making Sense of ADHD-Related Distress Together
ADHD is part of how your brain works. Many people with ADHD describe real strengths, such as creativity, energy and deep focus on what interests them. ADHD can also bring real challenges in a world that often expects steady attention, careful organisation and sitting still.
Much of the distress people bring to therapy comes from the effort of managing those expectations. Repeatedly missing deadlines, being told to "just try harder" or losing track of plans can gradually lead to beliefs such as "I'm lazy" or "I always mess things up." These beliefs can bring anxiety, low mood and harsh self-criticism, which can make getting started even harder.
For example, someone might leave a task until the night before because starting earlier feels impossible. They get it done in a rush, then feel exhausted and ashamed, promising themselves next time will be different.
Together, we can look at how your attention, energy and emotions work, the demands you face and the beliefs you've built up about yourself. We can then explore practical, compassionate approaches that fit how your brain works. This isn't about changing who you are. It's about reducing the distress and making daily life feel more manageable.
Sessions Shaped Around You
Therapy is shaped around you. In our first session, we explore how you think, communicate and learn, what feels comfortable, and what you would like support with. Adjustments are available to everyone, whether or not you have a diagnosis.
We can vary the pace, take breaks, use visual tools or written summaries, and consider sensory needs. Between-session tasks can be broken into realistic steps. If you are Autistic or have ADHD, we also consider how your experiences, attention, energy and environment affect the work, without expecting you to fit one way of doing therapy.
For children and young people, I consider developmental needs from the beginning so that materials and the approach are suitable, and review this as we work together. Parents are an essential part of therapy for younger children, helping reinforce new ways of thinking and regulating; their involvement varies with need.
My experience
I am Zach Cairns, a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. My nine years of experience span residential care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and private practice. I take time to understand the whole person and agree the work together.
Location, Fees & Common Questions
Sessions are weekly, last 50 minutes and cost £85. We can meet in person in Cheadle Hulme or online where suitable. Payment is by bank transfer within 24 hours after your session.
In-person sessions are at 11 Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5AF. The room is quiet, has low-level lighting and is wheelchair accessible using a lift. Parking is free for up to three hours at the ASDA next door. You are welcome to bring sensory supports.
How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy depends on your needs and goals. We agree an initial plan and review the work together, rather than giving everyone the same number of sessions.
Can I come without a diagnosis?
Yes. We can work with the distress and difficulties you are experiencing whether you have an ADHD diagnosis or suspect you may have ADHD. I do not provide diagnostic assessments. Therapy can sit alongside other support; decisions about medication or diagnosis belong with the appropriate healthcare professional.
Do you work with younger children?
I work with young people from age six. Parents are an essential part of therapy for younger children. I generally recommend meeting in person for this age group, and we can discuss your child’s needs during the consultation.
A free 20-minute telephone or video consultation gives you space to share a little of what you are experiencing, ask questions about the process and explore your next steps.
Arrange a Free 20-Minute Consultation