Here are the Practitioners responses to some of your questions, feel free to ask more and we will try to respond as soon as possible!

My child has moderate ADD, will they develop the tools to cope naturally as they grow or will therapy be needed? If it is needed which is the best for ADHD?

“It’s important to first understand whether your child has ADHD—a neurodevelopmental condition—or behaviours that resemble it. This distinction matters because the support needed is different.

If ADHD is present, structural brain differences shape how a child experiences life. Therapy or training won’t change that, but it can help them develop self-efficacy—the belief in their ability to handle challenges—which improves self-esteem and nurtures strategies that make daily life easier. It will
also foster self respect and love.

If the behaviours are ADHD-like but not due to a neurodevelopmental difference, a more behavioural approach focusing on habit formation and modification may be more effective.

To me, the work of a psychologist isn’t just about supporting mental health when it struggles—it’s about equipping people with the tools, knowledge, and wisdom to navigate difficulties and challenges.

For ADHD, I’d recommend therapy approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation. However, it’s crucial that these are provided by an ADHD specialist, as they need to be tailored to neurodivergent needs.

Some level of structured input can be invaluable—not to fix a problem, but to help your child build confidence and thrive in their own way.” Dr Ute Liersch, Chartered psychologist and psychotherapist

I’ve been through some trauma that I find really hard to talk about. I’m not sure I feel comfortable opening up about it in therapy. How can I start to heal if I can’t talk about it?

“It’s about feeling safe with an empathic witness. Acknowledging that something is coming up for you that needs addressing can be enough for now. Feeling safe is crucial, and I can work with you to calm your nervous system until you are ready for me to witness your story. Trauma is stored in the body, and we can listen to it to understand its messages. This will be a gentle process.” Nicola Wilkins, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, Somatic Therapist

“I think it is firstly it is important to acknowledge that it is really hard to talk about. Sometimes, directly approaching it and diving in can be threatening. The idea would be to create an environment and a therapeutic relationship built on trust and safety, which includes not being judged, evaluated, or to be directed, but rather to facilitate that sense of safety and contained security with another. This would be the focus at first and throughout our work together. When a person feels ‘safe enough’ to begin, we can start to approach the traumatic material tentatively at the clients pace and always, always with the option to retreat to a place of safety within oneself and with a therapist who genuinely cares and seeks to empathically understand their world and experiencing. Polyvagal will certainly help to attune and track where we are in this sense of safety and regulation.” Piers Wilson, Psychotherapist 

My ADHD seems to affect my relationships a lot. What can I do to fix this?

“Thank you for your question. ADHD is a condition that can run in families and cause disruptions in relationships and other areas of life, particularly in relation to focus and concentration. Medication can help manage some symptoms, but talking therapy is also beneficial. It helps you navigate the difficult aspects of the condition and provides a confidential space to share your experiences and the consequences of living with ADHD.

In talking therapy, sessions offer a space that is entirely yours. We explore your experiences of life and relationships, think about and consider them, and discover resolutions to challenges. This approach can greatly help improve your relationships and overall well-being.” Ann-Louise McCarthy, psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapist 

I’ve been really struggling with my grades lately. I tend to either procrastinate or overwork myself into a state of anxiety. How can I strike a balance between taking care of myself and working hard?

“Struggling with grades often stems from factors like the desire to please others, feelings of self-worth, anxiety about uncertainty, financial worries, and competitiveness. In therapy, we explore these thoughts and introduce habit-changing techniques. This helps you develop a balanced attitude of self-care and hard work, reducing the likelihood of regression.” Dylan Peters, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

How can therapy improve my self-esteem after being abused?

“Abuse can really damage a person’s sense of self-worth and identity. Rebuilding that sense of self takes a lot of care, with gentleness and acceptance being crucial. If you’ve survived abuse, my main priority is to provide you with a safe, warm, and secure space where you can be seen and heard. Over time, we’ll explore how your experiences have affected your current life and relationships. We’ll work at your own pace to develop beliefs and behaviours that help you live a loving, creative, and meaningful life. My trauma-informed approach focuses on integrating rather than erasing your past experiences, allowing you to carry your whole story in a way that empowers you rather than holds you back.” Alexa Edelist, Psychotherapist and Couple Counsellor

HARVEST THERAPY
44 Russell Square,
London WC1B 4JP
United Kingdom

Phone Number:
020 8962 6247
email: info@harvest-therapy.co.uk

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