Rocky Mountain Psychological Services
Rocky Mountain Psychological Services
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She’s Not Just Distracted: Bringing Awareness to  Women and Girls with ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often associated with hyperactive boys, but the reality  is far more complex. While boys are more frequently diagnosed, many women and girls live with ADHD,  often going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It’s time to shed light on this issue and support those who  navigate life with this condition. 

Understanding ADHD in Women and Girls 

ADHD manifests differently in women and girls compared to their male counterparts. Many women and  girls may not exhibit the overt hyperactivity that is often highlighted in ADHD narratives. Instead, hyperactivity in them may look like being chatty (talking a lot), having a busy mind, or struggling with  inattention, daydreaming, and organizational challenges. These subtler symptoms can lead to being  overlooked or misunderstood, both at home and in academic settings. 

The Myth of “Just Being Distracted” 

For many women and girls, ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for personality traits. You might hear  phrases like “she’s just forgetful” or “she can’t manage her time.” This stigma can create feelings of  shame and frustration, leading to a negative self-image. Women and girls often internalize these  struggles, which can manifest as anxiety or depression over time. 

The Impact of Undiagnosed ADHD 

The consequences of living with undiagnosed ADHD can be profound. Many women and girls face  challenges in academic settings, workplaces, and relationships. They may experience:

Academic Struggles: Poor time management and difficulties with organization can lead to lower  grades or incomplete tasks. 

Career Challenges: In the workplace, women may feel overwhelmed by responsibilities, struggle  to meet deadlines, or find it hard to prioritize tasks. 

Social Difficulties: Relationships can suffer as symptoms lead to misunderstandings or perceived  irresponsibility. 

The Power of Awareness 

Raising awareness about ADHD in women and girls is crucial. Here are some steps we can take:

1. Educate Ourselves: Understanding the nuances of ADHD can help break down stereotypes. It’s  essential to learn about how ADHD manifests differently across genders.

2. Encourage Open Conversations: Create safe spaces where women and girls can share their  experiences without judgment. Conversations can reduce stigma and foster understanding.

3. Advocate for Proper Diagnosis: Encourage women and girls to seek professional help if they  suspect they have ADHD. Early diagnosis can lead to effective management strategies.

4. Promote Resources: Share resources, including books, podcasts, and support groups, that focus  on ADHD in women and girls. Communities like CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADHD Women can offer valuable support. 

5. Challenge Misconceptions: Work to dispel myths about ADHD, emphasizing that it’s a  neurodevelopmental disorder, not a character flaw. Advocacy can help reshape perceptions in  schools, workplaces, and society. 

Finding Your Path 

Many women and girls have found ways to thrive despite their challenges. Strategies like mindfulness,  therapy, neurofeedback, medication, and support groups can make a significant difference. So, if you or  someone you know is struggling with ADHD, RMPS offers in-person or virtual services (if applicable).  Contact us at 403-245-5981 or intake@rmpsychservices.com to find out more information or to book  your appointments.  

By fostering understanding and compassion, we can create a more inclusive world for women and girls  with ADHD. Let’s work together to ensure that they are seen, heard, and supported. After all, everyone  deserves the opportunity to thrive – ADHD or not. 

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Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS) is dedicated to helping children and teens work through any issues they have towards becoming self-confident, successful young adults. We know that the earlier years of life can be challenging to navigate, which is why we are here to provide our patients with the assistance they need to succeed. Our expert psychologists understand the best methods for working with people of all ages, as our services are completely suited to your individual needs and requirements.

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MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle.MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher.She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running. 

As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary.Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS. 

Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta.Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions.John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton. 

Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge.Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.