Question: How do you see ADHD through a Jungian Lens?

Cammi’s Answer: I see ADHD as neurodevelopmental and genetic. From a Jungian lens I do not see it as a complex, but rather a neurological situation that the psyche must work with. The ADHD brain seems to have a harder time tethering to the conscious realm, which is why ego strengthening is so important in ADHD therapy. The unconscious can come in more easily, which means complexes can get activated more quickly and more intensely. The psyche must compensate in different ways due to the container (the brain) being adapted for scenarios that are outdated (such as hunting and gathering).

I have noticed in my work that my clients with ADHD often have very vivid colorful dreams. Once we start to work with symbols this can be very helpful for clients. Symbolic understanding can act as a tether when the ADHD brain is assaulted by the unconscious. This is powerful language, but it really can feel that way for people with ADHD. The disorder itself is often characterized by all-or-nothing thinking and doing. The psyche does its best to compensate but often finds itself overwhelmed. This is where medication and ego strengthening can be helpful.

It is not helpful to think of ADHD as a “puer or puella” complex as some have done. This causes the therapist to think the client needs to grow up psychologically. The client with ADHD is who she is, and her psyche does its best to compensate. Encouraging her to get to a place of psychological maturity (which is based on whatever the therapist thinks that is) is likely going to cause harm.

 If the ADHD client is not encouraged to accept who she is as she is she will likely fall into masking behaviors to hide the shame she feels at not meeting her therapists’ expectations. Expectations which can never be met. She can not grow out of a puella complex, because she is not in one. She is a unique person with a unique brain who needs help accepting who she is and how to love and own all the parts of herself.

Interested in exploring and understanding ADHD through a Jungian lens? Please reach out to book a therapy session or a supervision session.