ADHD Therapy for Adults
Online CBT for adults with ADHD who want practical support with procrastination, routines, overwhelm and emotional regulation.
Specialist online CBT · Across the UK
Understand the pattern.
Build real choice.
CBT for adults living with ADHD, addiction and emotional overwhelm, helping you understand the cycle underneath the behaviour and build steadier ways forward.
BABCP-accredited CBT therapist with 15 years experience in various clinical roles.
BABCP-accredited CBT therapist specialising in ADHD, addiction and emotional overwhelm.
BABCP-accredited CBT therapist with 15 years experience in various clinical rolesOnline appointments across the UK
Patterns therapy can help you understand
When ADHD and addiction overlap, the difficulty is rarely just the behaviour.
It is often the pressure underneath: the need for relief, the crash after coping, the shame of starting again, and the fear of not being able to manage without the pattern.
Why specialist therapy matters
ADHD changes how relapse, avoidance and emotional overwhelm are maintained.
Many people are told to simply stop the behaviour, try harder, or be more disciplined. But ADHD can affect inhibition, planning, emotional regulation, reward sensitivity and the ability to pause before acting.
Therapy needs to work with those patterns rather than against them.
Specialist therapy
For adults navigating ADHD, addiction, impulsive behaviours and emotional regulation difficulties.
Many people come to therapy feeling stuck in cycles of shame, self-sabotage, substance use, gambling, compulsive spending, emotional overwhelm, or dopamine-seeking behaviours. ADHD and addiction therapy offers a space to understand these patterns and develop practical CBT strategies without judgement.
- ADHD and impulsive behaviour
- ADHD and emotional dysregulation
- Shame and self-criticism
- Difficulty managing urges
- ADHD and alcohol or other substances
- ADHD and gambling
- ADHD and compulsive spending
- Struggles with routines, planning, and follow-through
- Feeling misunderstood or judged
Before therapy
What Clients Often Tell Me Before Starting Therapy
Many people arrive feeling tired of blaming themselves, but unsure how to explain what is happening.
“I feel overwhelmed.”
“I keep repeating the same patterns.”
“I don't understand why I do this.”
“I've spent years blaming myself.”
“I keep saying I will stop tomorrow, but I never do.”
“I have tried everything and I realise I cannot do it alone.”
How I work
What It's Like to Work With Me
Therapy is warm, structured and collaborative. We work at a pace that feels manageable, while still keeping the work practical and focused.
Warm and collaborative
We build a shared understanding together, so therapy feels like something we do with you rather than to you.
Non-judgemental
The aim is to understand patterns clearly without shame, blame or moralising.
Practical CBT strategies
Sessions include tools you can practise between appointments, with small steps that fit real life.
ADHD-informed
We look at executive functioning, reward-seeking, emotional regulation and addictive behaviours together.
Tailored support
Therapy is adapted around your goals, energy, risks, strengths and the patterns you most want to change.
Clear and compassionate
We keep compassion and accountability together, so change can feel possible rather than punishing.
Specialist focus
Why I Specialise in ADHD and Addiction
My specialist interest is the relationship between ADHD, addiction, addictive behaviours and emotional regulation difficulties. Alongside private therapy, I have worked extensively within mental health and substance misuse services, supporting people experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties.
This overlap became a central professional interest because it is so often misunderstood. My work focuses on helping clients understand the function of behaviours, reduce self-blame, and build practical CBT strategies that create more choice in difficult moments. I also offer aftercare and relapse-prevention support for individuals leaving residential rehabilitation or detox services.
Why Farrer Therapy
Clinical experience with the nuance of ADHD, addiction, and comorbidity.
15 years experience in various clinical roles
Mental health and substance misuse work across NHS, third-sector, and specialist addiction settings.
BABCP and BACP credentials
Cally Farrer is a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and BACP-registered Counsellor.
Neurodiversity-affirming
Support that respects ADHD differences rather than treating them as character flaws.
Shame-sensitive
Therapy keeps compassion and accountability together, without judgement.
Therapy goals
What Clients Hope To Gain
Therapy does not promise a quick fix, but it can offer a structured place to understand what keeps happening and practise different responses.
RegulationBetter emotional regulation and more ways to settle after overwhelm.
ChoiceReduced impulsive behaviour and more space between urges and action.
InsightGreater self-understanding and less shame around repeated patterns.
ConfidenceImproved confidence, healthier coping strategies and clearer next steps.
Client feedback
Anonymised Client Testimonials
These comments are shared anonymously and with permission.
“Cally helped me understand patterns I had been stuck in for years. I feel more grounded and capable than I ever have.”Anonymised client feedback
“I finally feel like someone understands how ADHD and addiction interact. Therapy has changed the way I see myself.”Anonymised client feedback
“Working with Cally has been life-changing. I genuinely feel that therapy with her saved my life.”Anonymised client feedback
“I feel a sense of freedom that I did not know existed, and I cannot thank you enough for how much you have helped me.”Anonymised client feedback
“I had therapy before, but this has been transformational.”Anonymised client feedback
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can ADHD cause addiction?
ADHD does not automatically cause addiction, but traits such as impulsivity, reward-seeking, emotional dysregulation and self-medication can increase vulnerability to addictive or compulsive patterns.
Can CBT help with ADHD and addiction?
CBT can help you understand triggers, urges, thoughts, emotions and behaviours, then build practical strategies for emotional regulation, relapse prevention and more flexible coping.
Do I need an ADHD diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You can start therapy whether you have a diagnosis, are waiting for assessment, or are exploring whether ADHD traits may be part of the pattern.
Do you work online across the UK?
Yes. Cally Farrer offers online CBT for adults across the UK, so you can attend from a private space that feels manageable for you.
Free 15-minute consultation
A specialist conversation can be a steady first step.
You are welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation and explore whether this approach feels right for you.