Inside Group Therapy, Part 1: "I thought I was the only one this chaotic"
"I thought I was the only one this chaotic." Many people with ADHD know this sentence. It is not a real quote from a group, but a typical thought that we often hear in similar forms in ADHD group therapy. And it is usually many years old.
What lies behind the thought
Many adults with ADHD learned early on to hide their chaos. On the outside, everything looks under control. On the inside, unfinished tasks, forgotten appointments and shame pile up.
Living like this, you constantly compare yourself with others. And you only see their facade. That easily creates the impression: everyone else manages, only I don't. Professionally, this is easy to explain. ADHD affects self-regulation, such as planning, sense of time and attention. It is not a character flaw, but a different way the brain works.
How the group works with it
Something simple but powerful often happens in a group: you hear others describe very similar experiences. That brings relief. Psychotherapy calls this "universality", the experience of not being alone with a problem. It is considered one of the central therapeutic factors of group therapy.
The work builds on that. In our ADHD group therapy in Munich we focus, for example, on
- how ADHD works in the brain,
- how to deal with procrastination and time pressure,
- how to regulate strong emotions,
- and how to speak more kindly to your inner critic.
The group is small and meets in person at the practice. What is discussed there stays in the group.
What you can take away
Try one small step this week: when the thought "I'm the only one like this" comes up, consciously add to it. For example: "Many people with ADHD know this. My chaos has a reason." That won't change everything at once. But it takes some of the harshness out of the thought.
Would you like to learn more about the format first? Here you can read how ADHD group therapy works. No diagnosis yet? Then an ADHD assessment is a good first step.
Quick answers
Who is ADHD group therapy for?
For adults with ADHD who want to cope better with daily life, emotions and self-esteem. Before you start, we clarify in a personal preliminary consultation whether the group is right for you.
Do I have to talk about everything in the group?
No. You decide what you share. Many mostly listen at first, and that helps too.
Is the ADHD group held online?
No, ADHD group therapy takes place at the practice in Munich.
