The Delicate Balance

ADHD & Marriage News - March 5, 2025

Quote of the Week

“Sometimes when you plan a little less, you experience a little more.”

- Oprah Winfrey

Experience More

One of the differences between non-ADHD partners and ADHD partners is that the former tend to like to go from point A to point B in something that resembles a straight line. People with ADHD rarely do this. A few use planning things out in great detail as a way to keep their lives under control.

Yet for anyone who likes to ‘stay on track’ there is much to be gained by learning to savor the journey…celebrating and enjoying what happens along the way, rather than focusing on how it might take longer or upset your schedule.

Living in a straight line is efficient – something that Americans value greatly. But it usually isn’t ‘deepening,’ and that is where a lot of the best parts of relationships lie. When done right, saying ‘yes’ rather than ‘we don’t have time’ can create opportunities to enjoy together, to get to know each other better, to explore new places or ideas, or simply to smile.

Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not suggesting you get to the emergency room in Boston by way of Des Moines. There are times in your life when that straight line is absolutely necessary. It’s just not as often as many non-ADHD partners think it is.

Can you find time to savor the journey this week?

Resources For Those in Relationships Impacted by ADHD

EVENTS:

ADHD Effect LIVE In-Depth Couples' Seminar - Registration OPEN. No matter where you are in the world.... you can join via Zoom. 9-sessions. Starts March 18.

Non-ADHD partner support groups - Registration OPEN.

Intent to Action (i2a) Membership Program - Registration ONGOING. Providing ongoing support for couples dealing with ADHD. Read below for recent camaraderie and conversation.

SEMINARS, GROUPS:

NEW: Intent to Action (i2a) Membership Program: ADHD Management Tools, Expert Support and Community for ADHD Impacted Relationships - Intent to Action this week has been full of great ADHD relationship camaraderie and conversation. In Melissa's Book Club, we had a great group conversation about her seminal book, The ADHD Effect on Marriage. We explored the connections between anger, grief and acceptance. There, Russell B offered the insight: "when you don’t reject yourself, you can accept yourself” which reverberated for everyone. Conversations in Office Hours have been centered around implementing verbal cues and strategies for impulsivity and forgetting. And March is just getting started! This month we're looking forward to workshops on anger, setting target symptoms and more. Learn more and join us! You can learn more on the registration page listed above. Please let us know if you have any questions. Thanks, we hope you can join us!

ADHD Effect In-Depth Couples' Seminar - (The next 9-session ZOOM seminar starts March 18. Registration OPEN). Is your relationship in trouble? Melissa and senior consultants help partners improve their lives together in this premier seminar that has changed the lives of many, many couples impacted by ADHD. The Self-Study Seminar is available anytime. Move at your own pace. Includes materials and recordings from the recent '24 live seminar.

Non ADHD Partner Support Group - (Registration Open) 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 - (Full) 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 - (Not Yet Open for Registration) 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.