Overwhelm and escape
When feelings become too intense, alcohol, gambling, spending, scrolling or other compulsive behaviours can feel like a quick way to switch state.
Online CBT for ADHD UK
ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation
Specialist online CBT for adults with ADHD who struggle with overwhelm, anger, rejection sensitivity, shame spirals or impulsive emotional reactions.
Understanding emotional regulation
ADHD emotional dysregulation can feel intense, fast-moving and hard to recover from.
In adult ADHD, emotions can arrive quickly, feel overwhelming, and take longer to settle. This can show up as anger, shutdown, shame spirals, rejection sensitivity, impulsive reactions, anxiety, emotional outbursts, or difficulty calming down after a trigger.
These reactions are not character flaws. ADHD emotional regulation therapy can help make sense of the pattern, reduce self-blame, and build practical ways to respond differently when emotions feel too big.
ADHD and impulsive behaviour
Emotional dysregulation can feed addictive or compulsive cycles.
Rejection sensitivity
Perceived criticism or disconnection can trigger strong shame, anger or anxiety, making urges harder to pause and reflect on.
Shame spirals
After an outburst or impulsive reaction, self-criticism can increase distress and make the next urge to escape even stronger.
How CBT can help
CBT helps you recognise patterns, manage triggers and build self-regulation skills.
CBT can help you map what happens before, during and after emotional overwhelm. Together, we look at triggers, body cues, thoughts, urges, avoidance, impulsive responses and the situations where shame tends to take over.
The work is practical and compassionate. Therapy may focus on noticing early warning signs, slowing down reactions, managing triggers, improving self-regulation, reducing shame, and developing coping strategies that work with ADHD rather than against it.
Specialist online therapy
Support with Cally Farrer, BABCP-accredited CBT therapist.
Cally Farrer is a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist with 15 years experience in various clinical roles, including mental health and substance misuse services. Online CBT therapy is available across the UK for adults looking for specialist support with ADHD emotional dysregulation, ADHD and impulsive behaviour, and overlapping addictive or compulsive patterns.
- online CBT for ADHD UK
- ADHD emotional regulation therapy
- ADHD and addiction therapy
- Overwhelm, anger and shutdown
- Rejection sensitivity and shame spirals
- Practical self-regulation strategies
Free 15-minute consultation
A first conversation can help you decide what support might fit.
You are welcome to get in touch without pressure or judgement.