What Is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition often experienced by both children and adults. While ADHD is commonly identified in childhood, many people continue to experience symptoms into adolescence and adulthood. ADHD can affect focus, organization, impulse control, and emotional regulation, which can make everyday tasks feel more difficult or overwhelming.
Although ADHD is often associated with children, Karen Geren regularly works with adults who struggle with ADHD in ways that impact work, relationships, and self confidence. Many individuals are motivated and capable, yet still find it challenging to follow through consistently despite their best efforts.
How ADHD Can Show Up in Daily Life
Living with ADHD may often feels chaotic or exhausting. You may begin tasks with focus, only to become distracted moments later. Staying organized, managing time, and keeping up with responsibilities can feel draining, even when you truly want to succeed.
ADHD may affect school and work environments where sustained attention and structure are expected. It can also impact relationships. Forgetfulness, difficulty listening, or feeling mentally overwhelmed may lead to frustration or misunderstandings with others. Over time, these experiences can contribute to feelings of shame, insecurity, or low self esteem.
Types of ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can look different from person to person. While the core features are similar, ADHD is commonly understood in three primary presentations, each with its own challenges:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Often associated with difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, disorganization, and trouble following through on tasks. Individuals may appear daydreamy, overwhelmed, or mentally scattered rather than hyperactive.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Characterized by restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty sitting still, frequent interruptions, and acting without fully thinking through consequences. This presentation is more commonly recognized in childhood but can persist into adulthood.
- Combined Presentation: Involves a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Many children and adults with ADHD fall into this category and experience challenges related to focus, organization, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD can affect attention, behavior, emotions, and daily functioning. Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention or following through on tasks
- Disorganization and trouble managing time or responsibilities
- Forgetfulness and frequently misplacing items
- Impulsivity or acting without thinking
- Restlessness or feeling internally “on edge”
- Emotional overwhelm or difficulty regulating emotions
- Procrastination and avoidance of tasks that require sustained effort
- Low self esteem related to repeated struggles or perceived failures
- Challenges in school, work, or relationships
Sometimes, individuals experience ADHD-related challenges without having a formal diagnosis, or symptoms may be overlooked, especially in adults or those with inattentive presentations.
How ADHD Therapy Can Help
At my practice at KG Counseling, I offer personalized ADHD therapy in St. Louis for children, adolescents, and adults. Rather than trying to change who you are, I focus on helping you develop tools that support focus, organization, emotional regulation, and follow-through.
Through our work together, I help reduce overwhelm and create strategies that feel realistic and sustainable. My approach to ADHD therapy may focus on:
Meet Your St. Louis ADHD Therapist
I, Karen Geren, am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults navigating ADHD, trauma, anxiety and related mental health challenges. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Purdue University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.
At my practice at KG Counseling, my approach to ADHD therapy is warm, collaborative, and personalized. I work closely with each client and family to create a supportive treatment plan that builds practical skills, strengthens emotional regulation, and honors individual strengths. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or for your child, I strive to meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels respectful, manageable, and supportive.
A Supportive Space for All
My practice is grounded in compassion and inclusivity, and I strive to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for individuals and families from all backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. ADHD affects people across all ages and walks of life, and I am committed to providing affirming, supportive care to anyone seeking help.
My Approach to ADHD Therapy
My approach to ADHD therapy is grounded in collaboration, flexibility, and compassion. I believe effective therapy begins with understanding how ADHD uniquely affects each person’s daily life, relationships, and sense of self.
Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I work with clients to:
- Identify patterns that contribute to overwhelm or avoidance
- Recognize individual strengths alongside challenges
- Develop practical strategies that feel achievable and meaningful
I approach ADHD therapy with an emphasis on skill building, emotional regulation, and self understanding. Sessions may focus on:
- Supporting focus, organization, and follow through
- Addressing emotional responses such as frustration, shame, or self doubt
- Creating systems that align with real life demands
For adolescents, I often involve caregivers to help create consistent structure and support beyond the therapy room. For adults, therapy focuses on building confidence, reducing overwhelm, and developing tools that support daily functioning.
Start ADHD Therapy in St. Louis
If ADHD is affecting your life or your family member’s well-being, I am here to help. Through therapy, I support clients in better understanding ADHD, developing practical tools, and moving forward with greater confidence.
Reaching out for help is an important first step. ADHD therapy in St. Louis at KG Counseling is available to support you on your path toward greater balance and clarity.
