Terry Huff, LCSW
Presentation Title:
“When Your Client with an Eating Disorder has ADHD”
Presentation Overview:
Co-existing conditions are common with ADHD, as they are with eating disorders. Professionals treating one disorder might neglect to see the other unless they screen for it. This presentation will assume that ADHD has been suspected or identified in order to address what to do and what not to do when it is present. It is especially important for professional helpers to be mindful of typical fears and life experiences that will influence the helper-client relationship. This presentation is informed by reviews of research, the presenter’s thirty plus years of experience treating adults with ADHD, and information solicited directly from adults in an ADHD support group. Support group members were asked what would make them mistrust a helper or be skeptical about treatment? They were also queried about what has helped them trust a helper and embrace treatment. The goal in treating adults with ADHD is not a cure or some permanent modification of
behavior. The effective professional helper will understand and accept the neurological difference as a model for their clients with ADHD to do the same. The effective helper will have a working knowledge of how ADHD effects daily functioning, how to help prevent problems it can create, and know of other available resources. The goal is to help clients live well with ADHD in the interest of their aspirations and quality of life, and in support of their recovery with co-existing conditions, including eating disorders.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will know the difference between motivation problems and effects of ADHD.
- Attendees will learn to accept a client’s self-criticism with curiosity (vs unintentionally negating it).
- Attendees will understand rejection sensitive dysphoria and emotional dysregulation (not in DSM) and antidotes for these common problems.
- Attendees will know how a helper’s inaccurate assumptions can interfere with helping clients identity their values and aspirations.
- Attendees will learn how to embrace a collaborative (vs authoritative) posture and a growth (vs change) orientation.
- Attendees will be aware of resources for help beyond their own particular specialty.
Speaker Biography:
Terry M. Huff, LCSW, author of Living Well with ADHD, is a licensed clinical social worker providing services for over 30 years in the Nashville Tennessee area. He is founder and leader of ADDNashville, a support group for adults, and has been a volunteer contributor to ADDA peer support groups. He has over 25 years experience with a personal meditation practice and has taught as an adjunct professor at The University of Tennessee College of Social Work. An advocate for adults with ADHD, he has presented at local events and international conferences. He has provided workshops for ADHD couples and a meditation class for adults with ADHD. Mr. Huff is a member of CHADD, ADDA, and NASW and a board member of One Dharma Nashville.