Susan Case Study

Client Profile:

  • Female, aged 37
  • Counselling administrator
  • Diagnosed with ADHD and PTSD

Susan lacked confidence in the workplace and, due to her ADHD, she struggled to prioritise tasks and relied on lists to avoid forgetting important details. She felt her cognitive pace was slower compared to her colleagues, and she was beginning to experience signs of burnout.

Challenges:

  • Difficulties with executive functioning, time management and task paralysis
  • Frequent overwhelm in her role
  • PTSD symptoms, including panic attacks and low mood
  • Chronic back pain and physical limitations

Support Provided:

ADHD Management

  • Practical strategies to manage neurodivergence challenges
  • Support to manage physical pain and reduced energy levels
  • Access to resources, including:
    • ADHD-UK events
    • ADDitude Magazine
    • ADDA 5 Pillars to Manage your ADHD
    • Body-Doubling article
    • Pomodoro Technique
    • In-Flow’s ADHD Blog
    • ACAS/Reasonable Adjustments

PTSD Management

  • Strategies to manage PTSD symptoms including co-morbid mental health issues
  • Grounding techniques
  • Trauma-informed resources, including:
    • Wellbeing Toolkit
    • Boundaries worksheets
    • Assertiveness Self-Help Resources
    • Insight-Timer app
    • Counselling
    • Yoga videos using polyvagal techniques

Outcome:

Susan’s WEBWMS score increased from 29-46 over the support period, indicating improved well-being. She has greater control over her trauma responses and a greater understanding of her ADHD. She has gained confidence in her role and uses assertive communication to advocate for reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Susan has learned to set healthier boundaries with family and friends. She has developed self-awareness of her trauma triggers and ADHD challenges, shows more self-compassion, and uses well-being resources to cope with difficult emotions. She is now on the waitlist for EMDR trauma therapy.