When you think of ADHD, mindfulness and CBT might not be the first therapeutic tools that come to mind.
Many clients with ADHD – and therapists too – find traditional approaches frustrating. They might struggle with structure, repetition, or demands to “do the work” between sessions. But what if the problem isn’t the tools themselves, but the way they’re offered?
In my latest podcast episode, I spoke with Liezl Laidlaw of Rewire Therapy – a CBT therapist and Mindfulness teacher with lived experience of ADHD, who’s developed a thoughtful, flexible approach that combines curiosity, autonomy, and compassion.
Here are some of the key insights from our conversation. Listen to the full episode for further discussion:
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Adapting Mindfulness for ADHD Brains
Many ADHD clients find traditional mindfulness inaccessible. The idea of “clearing your mind” or doing the same practice every day at the same time can feel impossible – and invalidating.
Liezl shared how mindfulness can be adapted:
- Using movement-based or tactile practices like touching parts of the body or using a breathing bead
- Giving permission to be inconsistent, rather than failing at rigid routines
- Emphasising self-kindness over performance – noticing, rather than achieving
Making CBT Work for ADHD Clients
CBT can be difficult for ADHD clients – often because of its demands for “homework” and structured plans
Liezl talked about reworking CBT so it supports autonomy rather than demanding compliance. That means:
- Shifting from “you should” to “you could”
- Collaboratively agreeing on tiny, doable next steps (and scaling them back if needed)
- Using real-life events as opportunities for gentle noticing, not pressure to perform
How Mindfulness Supports Therapy with ADHD Clients
One of the most practical takeaways from our chat was how Liezl uses mindfulness herself between sessions – especially as an ADHD therapist.
By building in small moments of grounding, she’s able to return to her clients with clarity and focus, rather than carrying the residue of the last session or slipping into “performing therapist” mode.
Simple tools like breath-focused touch or sensory beads help her reset – without needing to sit cross-legged for 20 minutes in silence.
Therapists with ADHD – Using Mindfulness to Refocus
If mindfulness isn’t your thing, or you worry about “doing it right,” this episode might shift your thinking.
Mindfulness in therapy can be as simple as:
- Helping a client notice their physical state in the moment
- Inviting curiosity rather than judgment
- Offering moments of reflection, without requiring a full practice
Final Thoughts: Rethinking CBT and Mindfulness for ADHD
What stood out to me most in this conversation was Liezl’s blend of gentleness and playfulness – qualities that so many ADHD clients benefit from. She models a way of working that’s compassionate, flexible, and grounded in the client’s lived experience.
Whether or not you use CBT or mindfulness regularly, this episode is full of ideas to adapt your practice in a way that supports neurodivergent clients – and maybe yourself too.
There’s real power in discovering that others are figuring it out too. Therapy Growth Group is full of thoughtful, values-led therapists, including many who are neurodivergent themselves. We help you to discover how to market yourself in a way that suits you, knowing that your way of doing things is valid.
If you’d like support, ideas and a community that gets it, come and join us.
Find out more about Therapy Growth Group HERE.