ADHD Counselling in Portsmouth and Southsea
Living with ADHD can be exhausting in ways other people don't always see. You might be bright, capable and creative, yet feel as though you're working twice as hard just to keep up — battling overwhelm, lost time, forgotten tasks, and a quiet voice that says you should be coping better. Whether you've had ADHD named recently, are waiting on an assessment, or simply recognise yourself in the description, you don't have to make sense of it alone.
I'm Marion Morris, a BACP registered psychotherapeutic counsellor based in Southsea, Portsmouth, with ADHD certification training. I offer a warm, non-judgemental space to understand how ADHD affects you and to feel more at home in yourself, in person and online.
Common experiences of living with ADHD
ADHD looks different for everyone, and it's about far more than attention. You might recognise some of these:
- • Overwhelm and a sense that everyday life takes more effort than it 'should'
- • Procrastination, lost time, and the 'wall of awful' around starting tasks
- • Emotional intensity — feelings that arrive fast and hit hard
- • Rejection sensitivity and a deep fear of getting things wrong
- • Years of masking, and the exhaustion of holding it together
- • Low self-esteem after a lifetime of 'could do better'
How counselling can help
Counselling for ADHD isn't about managing a list of symptoms — it's about the feelings underneath. Many people arrive carrying years of shame, frustration and self-criticism built up long before anyone understood what was really going on. Together we make space for that, separate who you are from the struggles you've faced, and begin to build a kinder, clearer relationship with yourself. That shift often makes the practical side of life feel more manageable too.
Marion's psychodynamic, ADHD-informed approach
I work from a psychodynamic perspective, with ADHD certification training. This means we gently explore how your experiences — years of coping, masking, or being misunderstood — have shaped the way you feel about yourself, while staying mindful of how ADHD genuinely affects attention, emotion and energy. The pace is always led by you. The aim is never to 'fix' you, but to help you understand yourself with more compassion.
ADHD, self-esteem and relationships
ADHD rarely stays in one place. It can wear down self-esteem after years of feeling 'not enough', and it often shows up in our closest relationships — in missed cues, forgotten plans, or the strain of one partner feeling unheard while the other feels criticised. If worry and overwhelm are part of the picture, you may also find anxiety counselling in Portsmouth helpful. And if ADHD is putting pressure on your relationship, couples counselling in Portsmouth can help you understand each other again.
What to expect in sessions
We begin with a free introductory call so you can see whether it feels like the right fit. Sessions are 50 minutes and cost £50, and can be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. They take place in a calm, confidential therapy room in Southsea (PO4 9NZ), or by telephone and Zoom. You can read more on the sessions and fees page, or about Marion's background and training. I also see clients from across Portsmouth and Southsea.
Counselling is not an ADHD assessment
It's important to be clear: I am a counsellor, not a diagnosing clinician. Counselling cannot provide an ADHD diagnosis, an assessment, or medication. What I offer is support for the emotional side of living with ADHD — whether or not you have a formal diagnosis. If you are seeking an assessment, these are the usual routes:
- • Speak to your GP, who can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
- • Ask your GP about NHS Right to Choose, which may give you a choice of assessment provider.
- • A private specialist can carry out a formal assessment if you prefer.
Common questions about ADHD counselling
How much does ADHD counselling cost in Portsmouth?
Individual sessions are £50 for 50 minutes. A free introductory call by telephone or Zoom is offered first, so you can ask questions before booking a paid session.
Can you diagnose ADHD or carry out an ADHD assessment?
No. Counselling is not a diagnostic or assessment service, and I cannot diagnose ADHD or prescribe medication. A formal diagnosis comes from your GP, an NHS pathway (including Right to Choose), or a private specialist. What I offer is counselling support for the emotional impact of living with ADHD — whether or not you have a formal diagnosis.
Can counselling help with ADHD if I'm not taking medication?
Yes. Counselling works alongside any path you choose, with or without medication. We focus on the feelings ADHD can bring — overwhelm, frustration, low self-esteem, shame — and on understanding yourself with more compassion, so daily life feels more manageable.
I've only just found out I might have ADHD as an adult. Can you help?
Absolutely. Many people come to counselling while making sense of a late diagnosis, or while waiting on an assessment. It can stir up grief, anger and relief all at once — re-reading your whole life through a new lens. Counselling offers a space to process that and decide what you want next.
Do you offer online or telephone ADHD counselling?
Yes. Sessions are available in person at the Southsea practice, or by telephone and Zoom. Some people find remote sessions easier to fit around a busy, full life, and evening appointments are available.
What is a psychodynamic, ADHD-informed approach?
It means we gently explore how your experiences — including years of coping, masking or being misunderstood — have shaped how you feel about yourself, while staying mindful of how ADHD genuinely affects attention, emotion and energy. The pace is always led by you, and the work is about understanding rather than 'fixing' you.
Ready to Take the First Step?
It's completely normal to feel nervous about reaching out. There's no pressure — you can ask questions, share what's on your mind, or simply see if it feels right. Your first session is a chance to meet me and decide if my approach works for you.
Get in TouchOr call me directly on 07864 281701
✓ Free introductory call · ✓ BACP registered · ✓ Confidential