Shame is something that many adults carry around with them, hidden inside, and it may impact many of their decisions.  Non-ADHD partners often unwittingly reinforce or trigger those feelings of shame, particularly when enmeshed in the struggles around parent/child dynamics.  Since shame – the “I am bad” sense of oneself – is so difficult to feel, the most common response that I see is for the ADHD partner to retreat from the partner who triggers those feelings.  Or, alternatively, to attack that partner in an effort to get them to disconnect.  Neither leads to the kind of bond that nurtures your relationship.

It is well worth it, then, to take a long look at when feelings of shame surface and/or are triggered.  You can do this with careful observation of self and partner, as well as with a verbal cue the two of you use to alert a non-ADHD partner when they are unknowingly setting up feelings of shame.  Over time, you can both learn to move away from those interactions and change how you communicate around particularly difficult topics.

In addition, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a good mode for exploring and working through shame.  CBT helps you examine the stories you tell yourself (including “I am bad”) and build new ones that are both more accurate and more healthy.

Are the two of you being held back by under-the-surface feelings of shame?

NEWS and EVENTS:

DECEMBER 3 - 5, 20-21 - ADHD Couples Palooza starts THIS Friday December 3-5, 2021. ADHD Couples’ weekend is NOT to be MISSED, and registration is free! My airdate is December 3rd. 

DECEMBER 8, 2021 - 12 - 1:pm EST, FREE Webinar How To Engage a Resistant Partner - Couples often struggle to engage productively with each other, especially when one or both have ADHD. It's not that they don't wish to be happy together, it's just that they're wary because of chronic frustration and anger; under managed ADHD; emotional hurt; and power struggles which contribute to a build up of resentment and resistance. Melissa Orlov and Ari Tuckman talk about the basis of resistance and offer approaches for productively engaging one's partner.

Adult ADHD can have a huge impact on your relationship. Find great resources for couples impacted by ADHD including free: Online treatment overview; Downloadable chapters of my books; A community forum with other couples facing similar issues; A large number of blog posts on various topics; Referrals. ADHDmarriage.com can literally change your life! 

Resources

Is your relationship in trouble? Consider my highly acclaimed couples' course: ADHD Effect In-Depth Couples' Seminar - This 8-session phone seminar has helped many couples thrive in healthier, happier relationships. The Next Live Seminar starts January 19, 2022.

Support Tele-groups - Be part of a community exploring similar issues, successes and struggles and find new, effective ways to be your best self in your relationship: Non ADHD Partner Support Tele-group and ADHD New Habit Coaching Group.

How to Optimize Treatment for Adult ADHD - go to the home page for a free download about the best ways to manage ADHD.

Question? Contact Melissa.

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