I’m pleased to share that I’m now a member of the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) made up of physicians, psychologists, allied health care professionals, and researchers interested in ADHD. CADDRA’s education, guidelines, advocacy, and research will help me better support people with ADHD.

People of all ages come to art therapy with big issues disrupting how they would rather live their lives, and many either know they have ADHD or think it’s a possibility. That’s why I joined CADDRA. Relationship troubles, addictions, anxiety, low self-esteem and self-worth, dangerous or difficult behaviour, not doing as well as expected at work or school can all be part of the ADHD experience.

Art therapy is engaging and helpful for people with ADHD because creativity:

  • is a physically active process
  • exercises executive functioning (like the process to create a collage!)
    • planning, organization, starting tasks, focusing, managing time, problem solving, and controlling emotions
  • does not rely on words to communicate
  • externalizes emotions and experiences
  • anchors strengths-based accomplishments in the object that’s made
    • sense of self-mastery
    • improved self-awareness and understanding
    • a concrete record of progress
  • provides tools for self-regulation and stress relief
  • strengthens fine and gross motor skills

I’m looking forward to weaving what I learn through CADDRA into my art therapy practice.