Addressing Overwhelm

ADHD & Marriage News - April 3, 2025

Quote of the Week

“I was overcommitted and overwhelmed. So, I came up with the idea of a BOX. The box was my ‘this is it.’ I can’t add anything to the box unless I take something else out. That helped me limit what I took on and manage my overwhelm.”

- Larry Jones, MD, MBA

I love the idea of Jones’ BOX as a visualization of what his limits are. It’s a simple, and effective, way to assess whether or not he should take on that next research project; commit to five new tasks at home, and more. Further, because the box is visual, he can think about whether or not the item he is trying to add to his box is a similar size to the one he is selecting to remove and replace.

I also imagine that you could use the metaphor of the box with your partner. “I’m sorry, but my box is currently full and I don’t have anything I can comfortably remove right now” signals both that you have thoughtfully considered the size and scope of the request your partner has made, and have a reason to say ‘no.’

Might you use Jones’ idea of a ‘this is it…this is all I can do’ box?

HIGHLIGHT:

Intent to Action (i2a) Membership Program - We're thrilled that people are getting a lot out of Intent to Action. Here's what some of our members have to say:

"We appreciated that, again, we found out that we are not alone in our struggles and issues. We also like the support that is provided from other couples and facilitators."

"The couple workshops- going through it together with other couples- has been a game changer and has really had a big impact on us. We count the days for these workshops:-) Thank you! "

You can still get one of the last spots for the lifetime rate of $124/month if you Join us soon!

Resources For Those in Relationships Impacted by ADHD

SEMINARS, GROUPS:

NEW: Intent to Action (i2a) Membership Program (Registration Open) - Live expert support, a great community and lots of ADHD management tools, encouragement and accountability to help change your good intentions into new dynamics with your partner.

ADHD Effect In-Depth Couples' Seminar - Is your relationship in trouble? Melissa and senior consultants help partners improve their lives together in this premier 9-session ZOOM seminar that has changed the lives of many, many couples impacted by ADHD.

The Self-Study Seminar - (Ongoing) Move at your own pace. Includes materials and recordings from the recent '24 live seminar.

Non ADHD Partner Support Group - (Full) 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. Group leaders include Tami Anderson, Amy Borla, Lee Crespi, Lisa Magel and Ashley Paradise. NEW: LGBTQIA+ and Consensual Non-Monogamy group!

Foundations in Habit Development - (Registration Open) - Spring 2025 dates: Wednesdays, April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, (break), June 4, 11. This special series is for ADHD partners who have completed The ADHD Effect Couples' Seminar. This two month program helps you solidify the changes you have started to make.

ADHD & Marriage Consulting Group - (Registration Open. Ongoing). Are you interested in doing individual or couples work with someone who is an ADHD expert? This is a group of professionals who understand the issues faced by individuals and couples impacted by ADHD. We STRONGLY recommend you also take the ADHD Effect In-Depth Couples' Seminar

Couples Support Group - (Full) Navigating Parent-Child Dynamics. seven sessions. Participants obtain a deeper understanding of what drives their Parent-Child Dynamic, In this group 5 couples will work with Internal Family Systems (IFS) master facilitator, Jason Weber, to understand what ‘parts’ of themselves are participating in the parent-child dynamics and learn how to compassionately move away from it.

Therapist Training & more - For counselors, therapists, social workers, coaches, and other professionals who currently work with adults and couples impacted by ADHD, or who would like training to help improve their skills in this important therapeutic area.