Overview
There's a lot to work through and think about when you are married to a partner with ADHD. These support groups for non-ADHD partners are given by Zoom and led by Melissa Orlov and other trusted, ADHD-savvy professionals. Each session focuses on one or two topics a week that are chosen by group members for in-depth exploration. Participants support each other, explore their biggest issues and most pressing problems, and get advice from the group leader - and from each other. Group leaders and other group participants will help you develop strategies for finding satisfaction and happiness. The objectives of the support group are to:
- have you be part of a community of people exploring similar issues
- learn from each other's successes and struggles
- find new, more effective ways to be your best self in your relationship
Logistics
The groups are run via Zoom video call and last one hour. The group itself, or the group leader, picks a topic for the day. The groups are limited to 10 participants - enough people to get a good conversation going, but not so many that you can't speak up. It will be recorded for the confidential use of participants in case they have a conflict. Note that dates may change.
Dates
Registration for Winter, 2025 groups will open on Wed. Dec. 4th at 12pm Eastern Time.
- If you would like to be added to our notification list for the Jan/Feb support groups, please contact us here.
Fall, 2024 Support Groups:
MONDAYS - 4:00pm Eastern Time - Led by Amy Borla
Starts Jan 13 - Meeting on seven Monday afternoons: Jan 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, (break), 24, Mar 3
MONDAYS - 9:00 PM Eastern Time - Led by Ashley Paradise
Starts Jan 13 - Meeting on seven Monday evenings: Jan 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
TUESDAYS - 1:15 PM Eastern Time - Led by Lee Crespi
Starts Jan 21 - Meeting on seven Tuesday afternoons: Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, (break), 25, Mar 4, 11
TUESDAYS - 2:30 PM Eastern Time - Led by Lee Crespi
Starts Jan 21 - Meeting on seven Tuesday afternoons: Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, (break), 25, Mar 4, 11
TUESDAYS - 6:00pm Eastern Time - Led by Tami Anderson
Starts Jan 21 - Meeting on seven Tuesday evenings: Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar 4
TUESDAYS - 9:00 PM Eastern Time - Led by Ashley Paradise
Starts Jan 14 - Meeting on seven Tuesday evenings: Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
WEDNESDAYS - 3:00 PM Eastern Time - Led by Melissa Orlov - FULL
Starts Jan 22 - Meeting on seven Wednesday afternoons: Jan 22, Feb 5, 26, Mar 12, 26, Apr 9, 23
THURSDAYS - 3:30 PM Eastern Time - Led by Melissa Orlov
Starts Jan 16 - Meeting on seven Thursday afternoons: Jan 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 13, (break), 27, Mar 6
THURSDAYS - 5:00pm Eastern Time - Led by Tami Anderson
Starts Jan 23 - Meeting on seven Thursday evenings: Jan 23, 30, Feb 6, 14, 20, 27, Mar 6
LGBTQIA+/CNM Group: SUNDAYS - 8:00 PM Eastern Time - Led by Amy Borla
Starts Jan 12 - Meeting on seven Sunday evenings: Jan 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, (break), 23, Mar 2
We are now offering a support group focused on the specific needs of the non-ADHD partners in LGBTQIA+ and Consensual Non-Monogamy relationships. These relationships often have unique challenges that arise due to the convergence of societal pressures to conform as well as ADHD symptoms. This group will prioritize relationships that fall outside of the heterosexual and monogamous norms commonly found in mainstream society. Benefits of this group include:
~ Being able to talk about your partner(s) without people assuming their gender identity or pronouns
~ Discussing challenges around ADHD impulsivity and upholding sexual agreements
~ Safety to talk about how ADHD impacts BDSM/Kink play
Please self-select to allow people who need this group to participate in it. We ask that all participants be respectful of others' identities and choices. People who do not abide by common courtesy will be asked to leave for the remainder of the session. If they are asked to leave a second time, they will be removed from the group and not given a refund.
- IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE SUPPORT GROUPS, PLEASE CONTACT MELISSA.
Faculty
Melissa Orlov is one of the most respected experts in how ADHD impacts relationships in the world, known for her practical, even-handed approach to how to overcome the struggles of ADHD-impacted relationships. She has been a marriage consultant since 2007 and is known for the quality of her seminars and support. For more information see the 'About' page.
Tami Anderson has a wide-ranging background and many years experience as a couples therapist, including work with individuals and couples impacted by adult ADHD. Her compassion, and knowledge about healthy minds and bodies, make her a strong group moderator. You can read more about her at the 'About' page.
Rachel Ban is a couples therapist well versed in the issues that those impacted by ADHD face. She is a calm voice for those seeking to stabilize their lives. You will find her compassionate approach to your issues soothing. You can read more about her at the 'About' page.
Amy Borla brings her background in emotionally focused therapy and attachment issues to her groups as she helps participants explore the difficult emotions they experience and the behavioral patterns they pursue. She listens well and provides thoughtful feedback. You can read more about her at the ‘About’ page.
Lee Crespi is couples therapist who specializes in working with couples with ADHD. With over 40 years as a clinician in private practice, she has an abundance of expertise as well as a warm, compassionate approach. You can read more about her at the 'About' page.
Ashley Paradise is an experienced ADHD professional who has a talent for distilling disparate ideas so that others can learn - an excellent quality for a support group moderator. She is also is one of the senior consultants on the ADHD & Marriage team. You can read more about Ashley at the ‘About’ page.
Registration and refund policy
A 7-week session costs $259. Groups are limited to up to 10 people.
We will remove the registration button from the seminar page when the group is full. NOTE that if there is an over-enrollment in a specific group, we will try our best to put you in a different group.
Full refunds are provided up until 48 hours before the sessions begin.
Please add all session dates (listed above) to your calendar. Look for your payment receipt in your email.
Group leaders will reach out a week or so prior to the first session with more details. Thank you!
Registration for Winter, 2025 groups will open on Wed. Dec. 4th at 12pm Eastern Time.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE SUPPORT GROUPS, PLEASE CONTACT MELISSA.
Testimonials about Non-ADHD Support Groups
"It's been so valuable to hear everyone's perspective..."
"The group has helped me put words to what I have been walking through..."
"This group has been so supportive and validating. I've found the insight and ideas really helpful, and being heard is wonderful."
"The group gave me more hope, and the energy to continue the work I know I need to do to improve my marriage."
"It can be lonely living with an ADHD partner. This group has been an invaluable source of comfort."
"The non-ADHD partner support group helped me come back from the brink of divorce and reclaim a loving relationship. Being in conversation with Melissa and with other people navigating similar challenges helped me not only better understand my partner and how ADHD impacted our marriage, but more importantly, understand what I was doing to trigger our tensions and how I could let go of control and show up more powerfully in our marriage. I am sure I will continue to draw on the wisdom and insights from these groups for years to come."
"We were in a tough place...I couldn't wait until Thursday nights."
"Not feeling so crazy anymore!"
"A comfort. Thanks to everyone for the openness and validation!"
"It helps me do better with what I'm working on."
