If you’re tired of struggling and blaming yourself, there’s room for a different experience.
ADHD isn’t a character flaw or a lack of effort. Therapy helps you understand how your brain actually works, build systems that fit it, and set down the shame that piles up after years of being told to just try harder.
- Therapy for adults, teens, and couples affected by ADHD
- In person in Golden Hill, San Diego, or online anywhere in California
- Evening & weekend appointments · usually seen same week
Start with a free 15-minute call
No pressure. We’ll talk about what’s going on and whether we’re the right fit.
Or call (858) 208-0131. You don’t need a diagnosis to reach out.
Matthew Bishop, EdD, LMFT
Many people with ADHD who come to see me have spent years being told they’re not living up to their potential. Often, this leads to a harsh inner critic that leaves them feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, and stuck.
My work with people with ADHD combines my clinical training with my own experience of being diagnosed when I was 12.
I love helping people with ADHD shift how they see themselves and quiet that inner critic. I also love identifying their strengths and helping them recognize and appreciate those parts of themselves. The connection we develop is an important part of that work, because those strengths often come through in how we relate to one another.
I also get very practical and strategic, helping people find ways to work through everyday challenges and move toward what matters most to them. My hope is to help people build a life guided by their values rather than by the self-criticism that has shaped so much of how they see themselves.
You may also meet Monty, a certified therapy dog who has been part of our office for seven years. Plenty of clients find he makes it easier to settle in. If you’d rather he sit a session out, just say so.
Does any of this sound familiar?
“Five minutes” becomes an hour
Time slips away, then arrives all at once — usually right before a deadline.
Starting strong, then stalling
New projects light you up. Finishing them is another story.
The to-do list runs you
You know what needs doing. Getting yourself to start is the hard part.
Big feelings, fast
Frustration, overwhelm, or a sting of criticism hits harder and lingers longer than you’d like.
Working twice as hard to keep up
From the outside you look fine. Inside, it takes everything to hold it together.
It’s showing up at home
Forgotten plans, unfinished chores, “you never listen” — and a partner who’s running out of patience.
Many adults — especially women — aren’t diagnosed until their 20s, 30s, or later. Understanding your brain at any age can change how you see your whole story.
Developing a different relationship with yourself
Our work includes understanding how you see yourself, what makes it difficult to move forward, and what you want for your life. We’ll also get practical, finding ways to approach everyday challenges that fit your needs and circumstances.
Experience self-acceptance
Understand how ADHD has shaped the way you see yourself, reduce self-criticism, and develop more compassion for the things you find difficult.
Create realistic goals
Start with where you are right now. Together, we’ll identify what matters to you and set goals that account for your current circumstances, strengths, and challenges.
Work through apathy and fear
Explore what makes it difficult to care, try, or risk disappointment. We’ll work toward being more willing to take chances and pursue things that matter to you, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Bring your partner in
Help your partner understand your experience with ADHD and better understand how it affects them, too. Together, we’ll work on communication, expectations, and the places where you both feel stuck.
What we do — and what we don’t
We provide therapy for ADHD and the anxiety, stress, and relationship strain that often come with it. We don’t prescribe medication, but we’re glad to coordinate with your psychiatrist or physician if you’re working with one.
If you’re interested in exploring medication, we can also refer you to a trusted psychiatrist.
Self-pay. We accept HSA/FSA cards and can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.
Questions people ask us
Do I need an ADHD diagnosis to start?
No. Many people come in suspecting ADHD, or just knowing something has always felt harder than it should. We start with what’s getting in your way.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. We’re happy to coordinate with your prescriber if you’re taking medication. If you’re interested in exploring medication, we can refer you to a trusted psychiatrist.
Do you work with teens?
Yes, with teens ages [13+]. Parents are part of the process — especially at the start — so the strategies we build carry over at home and at school.
Does online therapy work if I have ADHD?
For many people, yes — it removes the commute and the scramble to get out the door. Others focus better in the room. We’ll help you pick what fits.
ADHD is affecting my relationship. Can we come in together?
Yes. We see couples where one or both partners have ADHD, using Emotionally Focused Therapy to break the cycle of frustration and withdrawal that often builds up.
You’ve been trying hard for a long time.
Let’s make it a little easier. A 15-minute call is enough to see if we’re a fit.