Feeling Overwhelmed by Your Emotions? Here’s How Emotional Regulation Therapy Can Help Adults with ADHD and ASD
Are you an adult struggling to manage intense emotions, especially if you’re living with ADHD or ASD? Emotional ups and downs can feel exhausting, unpredictable, and overwhelming—but you’re not alone. I specialize in working with adults (18+) who experience emotional dysregulation, providing tailored support through emotional regulation therapy in Adelaide. If you’ve been searching for effective strategies to manage ADHD emotional dysregulation in Adelaide, or are curious about how CBT for emotional dysregulation in Adelaide can help, you’re in the right place.
Using a blend of evidence-based therapies—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Suggestion Therapy, and Narrative Therapy—I help adults regain control over their emotions, improve self-awareness, and build healthier coping mechanisms.
What Is Emotional Dysregulation? (And Why Does It Feel So Overwhelming?)
Emotional dysregulation isn’t just about having “big feelings.” It’s the difficulty in managing, controlling, and responding to emotions in a way that feels balanced. For adults with ADHD or ASD, emotional responses can feel like a rollercoaster—intense, fast, and hard to stop once they’ve started.
Signs of emotional dysregulation may include:
- Mood swings that seem disproportionate to the situation
- Trouble calming down after feeling upset or frustrated
- Overreacting to minor stressors or unexpected changes
- Feeling overwhelmed by sensory input or social situations
- Struggles with impulse control tied to emotional outbursts
If this sounds familiar, it’s not because you’re “too sensitive” or “bad at handling emotions.” Emotional dysregulation is a real challenge rooted in how the brain processes emotions—and therapy can help.
Why Emotional Dysregulation Is Common in Adults with ADHD and ASD
When we talk about ADHD emotional dysregulation in Adelaide, it’s important to understand the role of executive function. ADHD affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulses, and—you guessed it—emotions. This can make emotional responses more intense and harder to control.
For adults with ASD, emotional dysregulation often stems from difficulties with sensory processing, social communication, and adapting to change. Emotional overload can happen quickly, especially in environments that are overwhelming or unpredictable.
Here’s the key: It’s not about lacking willpower. It’s about having a different neurological makeup—and learning the right strategies to manage it.
How Therapy Can Help: Rewiring Your Emotional Responses
Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about giving you the tools to better understand, manage, and regulate your emotions. Through emotional regulation therapy in Adelaide, I help adults identify their triggers, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and build emotional resilience.
Here’s how different therapeutic approaches can support you:
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CBT for Emotional Dysregulation in Adelaide:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional overwhelm. For example, if you tend to think, “I can’t handle this,” CBT teaches you how to challenge that belief and replace it with something more balanced, like “This is tough, but I have strategies to manage it.”
CBT for emotional dysregulation in Adelaide focuses on building awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—helping you break the cycle of reactive responses. -
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy):
ACT teaches you to accept difficult emotions without trying to avoid or suppress them. Instead of fighting against your feelings, you’ll learn how to sit with them, make space for discomfort, and stay focused on what truly matters to you. Imagine feeling anxious but still being able to function without spiraling—that’s the goal. -
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming):
NLP helps reprogram the mental patterns that trigger emotional dysregulation. It’s like updating the software in your brain to respond differently to stress. With NLP, you can shift from automatic, reactive behaviors to more thoughtful, intentional responses. -
Suggestion Therapy:
This approach taps into your subconscious mind to reinforce positive emotional regulation strategies. It’s not hypnosis or mind control—think of it as planting seeds for healthier thought patterns that grow over time. -
Narrative Therapy:
The stories we tell ourselves shape how we experience the world. If your inner narrative sounds like, “I’m just bad at managing my emotions,” Narrative Therapy helps you rewrite that story into one of strength, resilience, and growth.
What to Expect from Emotional Regulation Therapy in Adelaide
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, especially when it comes to ADHD emotional dysregulation in Adelaide or emotional challenges related to ASD. That’s why I tailor each session to your unique needs, focusing on:
- Identifying emotional triggers and patterns
- Developing coping strategies for intense emotions
- Building emotional awareness through mindfulness techniques
- Improving impulse control and frustration tolerance
- Reframing negative thought patterns that fuel emotional dysregulation
You’ll learn practical tools you can apply in real-life situations—whether it’s managing stress at work, navigating social dynamics, or simply handling daily frustrations without feeling overwhelmed.
What Does Progress Look Like?
Progress doesn’t mean never feeling upset again. It means:
- Recovering more quickly from emotional upsets
- Feeling more in control of your reactions
- Managing stress without becoming overwhelmed
- Recognizing emotions early before they escalate
- Improving relationships through better emotional communication
You might not notice dramatic changes overnight, but with consistency, you’ll start to feel more balanced and in control of your emotions.
Who I Work With
I specialize in working with adults (18 and up) who struggle with emotional dysregulation, particularly those with ADHD and ASD. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, suspect you might have ADHD or ASD, or have been navigating these challenges for years, I’m here to support you.
Ready to Regain Control of Your Emotions?
If you’re ready to stop feeling like your emotions are running the show, it’s time to explore emotional regulation therapy in Adelaide. Whether you’re dealing with ADHD emotional dysregulation in Adelaide or looking to try CBT for emotional dysregulation in Adelaide, I’m here to help.
Feel heard, supported, and empowered and let’s take the first step together.