ADHD: Why Both Medication and Counseling Matter

When helping our patients who are struggling with ADHD, these are my thoughts around stimulant medications and counseling.

Stimulant medications help patients “zoom into” their thoughts and feelings. This helps them take consistent action that leads to real impact in their lives.

But action alone isn’t enough.

Counseling supports the other side of the process — helping patients “zoom out,” just enough, to get clarity. It can involve defusion, mindfulness and metacognition. It gives people space to understand what really matters to them, what they can control, and what’s workable in their unique context.

It’s not about choosing one or the other. It’s about combining both — in the right balance — depending on the person’s needs and situation.

Because:

 
1. Clarity without action is a problem. You may know what needs to change, but you can’t follow through.
2. Action without clarity is also a problem. You may be doing a lot, but going in the wrong direction or burning out.

A metaphor I often use is this:

Medication gives you the fuel to go somewhere. Counseling helps you figure out where you want to go — or where you need to go.

So in managing ADHD, both medication and counseling are important tools. One sharpens your focus. The other helps you aim that focus at what truly matters.

The best results come when patients are supported to both think clearly and take meaningful action. That’s when things really start to change meaningfully and sustainably.