ADHD Therapy and Counseling in Gainesville
I provide in person therapy in Gainesville and telehealth therapy sessions anywhere in Florida
Start ADHD-focused counseling in Florida today.
What it actually feels like to have ADHD
Why Focus and Motivation Feel Hard
You might recognize yourself in some of these patterns:
• You know what you need to do, but you cannot get started
• You jump between tasks and lose track of time
• You freeze when a task feels big, unclear, or stressful
• You lose hours to scrolling or gaming
• You feel frustrated for falling behind
• You try to get organized, but routines do not stick
Many people also experience ADHD motivation and task paralysis, where getting started feels physically heavy even when the task matters.
These struggles are not character flaws. They are signs that your brain is working differently, which leads into the science behind ADHD.
The Science of ADHD and Why You Are Not Failing
ADHD is not a character flaw. It is a brain-based pattern that affects how attention, motivation, and emotional systems work.
Your brain works differently, not worse
Research shows differences in the prefrontal cortex, which handles focus, planning, and organization. ADHD also affects the brain networks that manage alertness and task initiation.
Dopamine plays a major role
People with ADHD often have lower, inconsistent dopamine levels, which means:
• boring tasks feel physically hard to start
• motivation doesn’t show up on command
• your brain chases stimulation just to stay balanced
Executive function is difficult when stressed
These abilities drop quickly when the brain feels overloaded.
That includes:
• remembering steps
• switching tasks
• managing time
• staying organized
When stress hits, these skills drop even more.
Emotions hit harder and last longer
ADHD brains feel emotions more intensely and take longer to return to baseline. This is not overreacting. It is how the neurological system processes emotional input.
The takeaway
If you procrastinate, lose focus, or feel overwhelmed easily, your brain isn’t failing.
Your brain is just having to work overtime.
How ADHD Counseling Helps
You do not need a diagnosis to start ADHD therapy. Many clients simply notice patterns that affect their daily functioning. Therapy helps you develop practical strategies for attention, follow through, and emotional balance.
Together we focus on
• task initiation
• improving focus and organization
• reducing overwhelm
• creating realistic routines
• managing procrastination
• breaking perfectionism cycles
• developing motivation skills
In-person counseling is available in Gainesville, and telehealth sessions are available throughout Florida.
Take the next step toward ADHD support
If you’re struggling with focus or daily structure, connect with me to schedule your first appointment or a brief consultation. I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions.
My Approach to ADHD Treatment
I use a combination of supportive counseling and practical, evidence-based techniques.
This includes
• CBT for thought patterns and self expectations
• DBT tools for emotional regulation
• executive function strategies for task planning
• time management systems that do not require strict discipline
• routines designed specifically for ADHD brains
• gentle accountability that helps you grow without pressure
You can learn more about how I use CBT for ADHD and how it helps with self talk, overwhelm, and task follow through.
I also explain DBT for ADHD in more detail, including how it helps with emotional regulation and impulsive habits.
My goal is to help you build skills that reduce stress and create real change in your daily life.
Support for Adults and Teens
ADHD affects adults and teens differently. I tailor therapy to meet each person’s needs.
If you want a deeper breakdown, I also wrote a full guide on how ADHD shows up in adults.
Support for adults
• work performance challenges
• unfinished tasks
• emotional intensity
• overwhelm and procrastination
• difficulty with routines
• distractibility at home and work
Support for teens
• school stress and organization
• screen time balance
• emotional intensity
• motivation struggles
• structure and routine building
• executive functioning tools
Whether you are an adult seeking support or a parent helping a teen, counseling can bring clarity and direction.
What to Expect in ADHD Therapy
Sessions are supportive and practical. You can expect
• tools for attention and organization
• emotional regulation skills
• gentle structure and accountability
• ADHD friendly planning systems
• improvements in daily functioning
• strategies you can use right away
Most clients begin noticing meaningful improvements within the first few weeks.
Do You Need a Formal ADHD Evaluation?
You do not need an evaluation to start therapy. If you decide you want testing, I can guide you toward qualified professionals in Gainesville or across Florida who perform formal ADHD assessments.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms match ADHD, I have a simple guide that explains the most common adult symptoms and what evaluation looks like.
Therapy supports your functioning whether or not you pursue a diagnosis.
About the Therapist
I specialize in helping adults and teens manage ADHD-related struggles, anxiety, and digital overwhelm. I help with stress, focus, and emotional health.
My approach is warm, structured, and practical. I focus on tools that help you feel more organized, calm, and focused in your daily life.
You can learn more about me here.
ADHD Therapy in Gainesville and Across Florida
I provide ADHD counseling for Gainesville residents in areas such as
• University of Florida and Midtown
• Haile Village
• Newberry Road
• Archer and Tower Road
• Tioga and nearby communities
Telehealth is available statewide.
Joseph Brooks, RMHCI
Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health || Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern: IMH28583
Brooks Counseling and Wellness
Gainesville Florida
Start ADHD-focused counseling in Gainesville today.
If you want support with focus, motivation, or daily structure, reach out to schedule your first session or a brief consultation.
In-person and telehealth sessions available.
ADHD and Technology Overload
ADHD brains are sensitive to stimulation, which makes gaming, social media, and constant notifications especially draining. You might notice
• losing time to screens
• struggling to stop scrolling
• difficulty focusing after high stimulation
• trouble transitioning off devices
Therapy can help you create healthier digital habits without shame or strict rules.
I also wrote a full guide on ADHD and technology overload that explains why screens feel so stimulating and why stopping can feel impossible.
FAQ About ADHD Support in Gainesville
Do I need an official ADHD diagnosis before starting therapy
You do not need a diagnosis to begin. Many people come in because focus, motivation, or organization feel harder than they should. Therapy can help right away. If you ever want formal testing, I can connect you with Gainesville providers who offer ADHD evaluations.
Can counseling help even if my ADHD symptoms are mild
Yes. Many adults and teens don’t fit the “classic” ADHD picture but still struggle with procrastination, overwhelm, or getting started. Therapy can help you build simple routines that make life easier.
What if I’m unsure whether it’s ADHD, anxiety, or both
This is extremely common. ADHD and anxiety often overlap, especially when life feels busy or chaotic. We will sort through your patterns so you understand what’s actually happening and what tools will help.
How does ADHD therapy work without medication
Therapy focuses on practical, real-life strategies. This includes breaking down tasks, supporting motivation, improving emotional balance, managing digital distractions, and building structure. Some clients use medication, some do not. Therapy supports whichever path fits you.
Do you work with adults, teens, or both
I work with adults and older teens who are dealing with focus challenges, routines that fall apart, or daily overwhelm. Sessions are available in person here in Gainesville or through telehealth anywhere in Florida.
How quickly do people usually notice improvement
Many people feel small changes within a few weeks. This might look like getting started sooner, finishing more tasks, or having fewer “I lost the whole day” moments. Progress builds steadily over time.
Can therapy help with phone use, social media, or gaming struggles
Yes. ADHD brains often get pulled into digital habits that feel impossible to control. We work on boundaries, habits, and tools that help you manage technology instead of feeling controlled by it.
Is ADHD something people grow out of
Symptoms can shift with age, but many adults still experience focus issues, emotional intensity, or difficulty with consistency. Therapy helps you understand these patterns and build long-term systems that support your brain.