In this episode of ADHDtime on Air, Daniella Karidi, PhD, sits down with Kristen Baird Goldman, LMFT, ADHD-CCSP, CIMHP, ATR, author of The CBT Workbook for Adults with ADHD. Kristen is an ADHD-informed psychotherapist and founder of the Neurodiversity Care Center, where she specializes in supporting adults with ADHD, Autism and AuDHD.
Together, they explore how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help adults with ADHD better understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Kristen explains why many ADHDers struggle with the gap between intention and action, how negative childhood messages shape adult self-perception, and why self-compassion may be one of the most important skills for long-term wellbeing.
Using examples from The CBT Workbook for Adults with ADHD, Kristen shares practical exercises and strategies that help adults with ADHD move from insight to action, build self-compassion, and develop systems that support lasting change.
Takeaways
• CBT can help adults with ADHD understand and interrupt unhelpful thought patterns.
• Self-compassion is not optional. It is a critical skill for reducing shame and supporting growth.
• Mindfulness-based exercises can help regulate attention, emotions, and the nervous system.
• ADHD is not simply an attention deficit. Many people experience an abundance of competing attention demands.
• The intersection of ADHD and autism (AuDHD) is becoming increasingly recognized and understood.
• Diagnosis can provide valuable information, self-understanding, and access to appropriate support.
• Sustainable support often requires a collaborative care model that addresses both mental and physical health.
emorable Quotes
"ADHD is not an attention deficit. It's an attention surplus condition."
"Feeling seen, heard, and understood is the goal."
"Stop and smell the roses in the future."
Resources Mentioned
📘 The CBT Workbook for Adults with ADHD
🌐 Neurodiversity Care Center
www.neurodiversitycarecenter.com
www.ADHDtime.com
Connect with Kristen Baird Goldman
Website:
www.neurodiversitycarecenter.com
Instagram:
@theadhdguru
Connect with Daniella Karidi
🌐 Website: https://www.ADHDtime.com
Focus on ADHD Book Club - A free community book club focused on ADHD-related books and conversations
Instagram: @ADHDtime
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:26 Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD
03:44 Bridging the Gap Between Intention and Action
09:01 Challenging Negative Beliefs and Self-Criticism
13:50 Debunking Common ADHD Myths
16:22 Understanding ADHD, Autism, and AuDHD
22:25 Making ADHD Workbooks Work
26:50 Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
31:38 Practical ADHD Tools and Grounding Exercises
39:00 What Kristen Hopes Readers Take Away
40:05 Message to Her Younger Self
42:02 Message to Her Future Self
45:38 Final Thoughts and Resources
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