Many children and teens are on medication for ADHD. It is essential for parents to understand that the medication will not change your child’s thought patterns. CBT works on looking at unhealthy thoughts that create unhealthy behaviors and emotions.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-established treatment approach for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). CBT for ADHD focuses on teaching children skills to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning. Here are some ways that a CBT therapist can effectively use CBT to facilitate change in ADHD behaviors:

1. Set clear treatment goals: The first step in using CBT to facilitate change in ADHD behaviors is to set clear treatment goals. Treatment goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable. The therapist and the child can work together to identify behaviors that need to be changed and set goals for the child to work towards.
2. Teach self-monitoring and self-regulation skills: Children with ADHD often struggle with self-regulation, meaning they have difficulty controlling their behavior, emotions, and attention. CBT can help children learn self-monitoring and self-regulation skills, such as recognizing when they are becoming distracted or impulsive, and using strategies to refocus their attention or calm themselves down. The therapist can work with the child to identify triggers for ADHD behaviors and develop strategies to manage them.
3. Use behavioral strategies: CBT for ADHD often includes the use of behavioral strategies, such as reward systems and behavioral charts. The therapist can help the child identify specific behaviors that need to be changed and develop a plan for rewarding positive behaviors. This can help motivate the child to engage in more appropriate behaviors.
4. Teach problem-solving and organizational skills: Children with ADHD often struggle with problem-solving and organizational skills, which can impact academic and social functioning. CBT can help children learn these skills by providing structured activities and strategies, such as breaking tasks down into smaller steps or using visual aids to organize information.
5. Involve parents in treatment: It is important to involve parents in the child’s treatment to ensure consistency across settings. The therapist can provide parents with education about ADHD and strategies for managing symptoms, and work collaboratively with them to develop and implement a treatment plan.
6. Use role-playing and modeling: Role-playing and modeling can be effective tools for teaching children new behaviors. The therapist can work with the child to practice appropriate behaviors in a safe and supportive environment. This can help the child feel more confident in their ability to engage in appropriate behaviors in real-life situations.
7. Provide ongoing support and reinforcement: Changing behaviors takes time and effort. It is important to provide ongoing support and reinforcement to help the child stay motivated and engaged in treatment. The therapist can provide regular feedback and encouragement, and work with the child to identify new goals as progress is made.

In summary, CBT can be an effective treatment approach for children with ADHD. A CBT therapist can effectively use CBT to facilitate change in ADHD behaviors by setting clear treatment goals, teaching self-monitoring and self-regulation skills, using behavioral strategies, teaching problem-solving and organizational skills, involving parents in treatment, using role-playing and modeling, and providing ongoing support and reinforcement. By addressing the child’s specific needs and providing them with the skills and strategies to manage their symptoms, CBT can help improve their overall functioning and quality of life.

David Abrams MAPC, LPC, CAGS has been providing therapy, counseling and coaching to ADHD and ADD children using CBT and a wide array of therapies and strategies for over 18 years for more contact David at Lifeworksaz.com