Three Case Studies of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy for Clients with ADHD

I have ADD which means I love working with other people with ADHD and seeing their lives improve. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often seen as something that can’t be changed, only managed. But what if there was a way to empower those living with ADHD to focus better, feel calmer, and make lasting changes in their lives? That’s exactly what Solution Focused Hypnotherapy offers—an approach that doesn’t dwell on problems or past struggles, but instead, focuses on solutions and the future.

In this post, I’ll look at three case studies of clients with ADHD who have benefited from Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. By using this approach, clients have been able to tap into their strengths, develop better focus, and improve overall quality of life.

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Struggle with Disorganisation / ADHD

Sarah, a 29-year-old teacher, came to me frustrated. Her ADHD made it difficult for her to stay organised, particularly when it came to managing her lesson plans, marking assignments, and keeping track of her responsibilities. She found herself missing deadlines, becoming easily distracted, and feeling overwhelmed by her to-do list.

The Solution Focused Approach with ADHD

In our sessions, we didn’t spend much time discussing past experiences or going into the difficulties she faced in school. Instead, we focused on Sarah’s goals. She wanted to feel more organised, improve her time management, and reduce the anxiety that came from feeling out of control.

We used a number of solution-focused techniques, such as:

• Setting clear goals: Sarah identified the areas of her life that felt most chaotic and set specific, achievable goals for improvement.

• Strengths-based focus: We discussed what she was already doing well in her life. Sarah realised she had great ideas and was highly creative in her teaching, but she just needed the right tools to stay organised.

• Visualisation: During hypnosis, Sarah visualised herself managing her tasks with ease, feeling confident in her ability to stay on top of her responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.

By the end of our sessions, Sarah felt more in control. She had developed a routine for managing her tasks, which included setting aside specific times for marking and planning. By focusing on small, manageable steps, Sarah’s ADHD no longer felt like an insurmountable obstacle. Instead, it was something she could work with, not against.

Case Study 2: James and His Struggles with Impulsivity

James, a 36-year-old marketing manager, had struggled with impulsivity and poor decision-making throughout his life. He’d often act on impulse, whether it was in his personal life or at work, and then regret it later. This led to tension in his relationships, and he felt frustrated with himself.

The Solution Focused Approach

Rather than rehashing his past mistakes or focusing on the things he couldn’t control, we chose to look at James’s strengths. He was naturally outgoing and enjoyed engaging with people, but he lacked the ability to pause and think things through before making decisions.

We used hypnosis to help James focus on the present moment and develop a sense of mindfulness and self-control. Here’s how we worked together:

• Future-focused visualisation: James was guided to visualise future scenarios where he remained calm and measured, making thoughtful decisions. We worked on developing an image of him pausing, taking a deep breath, and choosing a course of action with clarity.

• Positive reinforcement: During our sessions, I reinforced the idea that James had the capacity for change and that he could handle impulses in a calm and controlled way. By shifting his focus from his mistakes to his potential, James began to feel more confident in his ability to manage his impulsivity.

• Coping strategies: We introduced practical techniques, such as taking a moment to breathe or writing down his thoughts before making a decision. These techniques allowed James to feel more in control of his impulses and less reactive.

Over time, James noticed a significant reduction in impulsive behaviour. He felt more confident making decisions, whether it was choosing which projects to focus on at work or how to navigate a social situation. He was no longer overwhelmed by his ADHD symptoms, but instead, felt empowered to manage them.

Case Study 3: Claire’s Struggle with Low Self-Esteem and Focus

Claire, a 24-year-old graphic designer, struggled with low self-esteem, which was compounded by her ADHD symptoms. She found it difficult to focus on her work for long periods and felt as though she couldn’t complete projects to the best of her ability. This led to frustration, and ultimately, she began doubting her own talents and skills.

The Solution Focused Approach

In our sessions, we focused not on the difficulties Claire was facing, but on what she could achieve. We set a clear intention: Claire wanted to feel proud of her work, finish projects with a sense of accomplishment, and recognise her worth.

Using Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, we worked on:

• Shifting the focus to strengths: Rather than focusing on her struggles, we spent time identifying Claire’s strengths. She was highly creative, had great attention to detail, and loved learning new things. By reminding her of these qualities, Claire began to feel more confident.

• Visualisation for success: We used hypnosis to help Claire visualise herself completing projects successfully and receiving positive feedback from her peers. This visualisation helped her strengthen her belief in her ability to focus and complete tasks.

• Goal-setting and accountability: Claire was encouraged to set small, realistic goals for herself. With the help of hypnotherapy, she was able to prioritise her tasks and focus on completing one project at a time without becoming overwhelmed.

As Claire’s self-esteem improved, so did her ability to concentrate and complete work. She began to recognise her own value and the progress she was making, no longer comparing herself to others. The solution-focused approach allowed Claire to feel empowered in the present, rather than feeling trapped by her past or overwhelmed by her ADHD.

Why Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Works for ADHD

These three case studies illustrate the power of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD. Here’s why this approach is so effective:

• Focus on solutions, not problems: Solution Focused Hypnotherapy encourages clients to look forward, not back. This helps individuals with ADHD to identify practical strategies that are manageable and sustainable.

• Empowerment and self-awareness: By emphasising strengths and setting achievable goals, clients develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and empowerment. They begin to recognise their potential, rather than feeling defined by their symptoms.

• Confidence-building: Hypnotherapy provides a powerful tool for reinforcing positive behaviours and building confidence. The deep relaxation in hypnosis enables the subconscious mind to absorb new, helpful ways of thinking, leading to lasting changes.

• Practical techniques: The approach also includes easy-to-implement techniques, such as time management strategies and mindfulness practices, which can help clients improve focus and reduce stress.

ADHD doesn’t have to be a barrier to living a fulfilling life. With Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, individuals with ADHD can develop practical strategies, build confidence, and make lasting changes. By focusing on strengths, solutions, and a positive future, people with ADHD can learn to thrive—no matter the challenges they face.

If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD and looking for a fresh approach to managing symptoms, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy might be the key to unlocking greater peace, focus, and self-esteem.

Would you like more information on how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy could help you or your friends or family? Contact me today to discuss how we can work together towards achieving your goals.