How We Treat ADHD


The Shift Protocol, grounded in the principles of Reconditioning via Exposure & Integration (REI), also presents a novel approach to treating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can lead to issues with executive functioning, affecting a person’s ability to plan, focus, and complete tasks. Often, individuals with ADHD may develop Limiting Beliefs about their abilities and potential due to their struggle with these symptoms. Such beliefs might include, “I’m incapable of focusing,” “I’m always going to be disorganized,” or “I can’t control my impulses.”

The Shift Protocol seeks to target these Limiting Beliefs, providing individuals with ADHD a framework to restructure their thought patterns. The exposure component allows individuals to confront their beliefs in a safe environment, heightening their awareness of the thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate these beliefs.

The integration part of the Shift Protocol is where individuals, with the help of their therapists, challenge these beliefs and replace them with healthier, more constructive ones. They’re guided to recognize their strengths and abilities, instead of focusing solely on their ADHD symptoms. For instance, they may learn to view their hyperactivity as energy and creativity, or their impulsivity as spontaneity and originality. This cognitive shift could lead to improved self-esteem and better coping mechanisms.

Moreover, the Shift Protocol can be a complementary approach to existing ADHD treatments, which often include medication, behavioural therapy, and self-care strategies. It provides an additional layer of support by addressing the negative self-perceptions and cognitive distortions that often accompany ADHD.

In essence, the Shift Protocol provides a new perspective on ADHD, emphasizing empowerment and self-acceptance. By challenging the Limiting Beliefs associated with the disorder, individuals can discover new strategies to manage their symptoms and achieve their potential, making it an effective approach in the comprehensive treatment of ADHD.


ADHD Psychologist

ADHD Psychologist

As with all disorders and psychological concerns, Shift’s approach is to get to the root of the presenting concern, including the limiting beliefs outlined above. The ultimate goal of treatment for ADHD at Shift is to remove these limiting beliefs and dysfunctional needs that inhibit a sense of hope and self-efficacy. This is done through the Shift Protocol which systematically reduces and/or eliminates Limiting Beliefs using Reconditioning via Exposure & Integration (REI) (more commonly referred to as Reprocessing).  Additional therapeutic interventions that our ADHD psychologists will use may include:

  • Conducting what is known as a Life Analysis, to determine an individual’s needs and make sure they’re making enough time for those needs
  • Time management and scheduling techniques
  • Energy Matching, which is determining when an individual’s high and low energy points occur, and scheduling tasks during these times
  • With these therapeutic interventions, we can open the way to recognizing strengths and weaknesses with a level of acceptance and self-compassion for individuals with Attention-Deficit Disorder.

ADHD Resources