Relationship Chaos

<p>Episode Title: “Relationship Chaos” By Tracy Kenela, M.A., LMHC, CRC, CEDS, ACHT of Lokahi Counseling</p> <p> </p> <p>Intro: Tracy Kenela is the founder of Lokahi Counseling and Calming the Chaos Podcast. In this episode, Tracy interviews Psychologist Jared DeFife of Dynamic Counseling and Consulting in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. DeFife offers help to those who are struggling with being in a relationship where one or both partners struggle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Jared and Tracy discuss ADHD, how it can present as chaos in relationships, and how the relationship chaos can be effectively managed.</p> <p> </p> <ol> <li>About Jared: He’s a psychologist in Atlanta Georgia, “Recovering Academic” and has been doing private practice for 6 years now. He struggles with ADHD himself, and specializes in offering help to those who struggle with ADHD.  </li> </ol> <p> </p> <ol> <li>What is it like to have ADHD?  </li> <li style="list-style: none; display: inline;"> <ol> <li>Driving a car through a rainstorm without windshield wipers</li> <li>Operating online with a thousand browser tabs open (and one of them is playing music)</li> <li>Navigating a grocery store without having a plan</li> <li>“The Runaway Brain”  (when you lose your train of thought!) – Hopefully it will come back! Or…..it may just run away and it’s more difficult to put the brakes on.</li> </ol> </li> </ol> <p> </p> <ol> <li>What is ADHD</li> <li style="list-style: none; display: inline;"> <ol> <li>It’s NOT about a deficit of attention (it is an over-abundance)</li> <li>May or may not include hyperactivity</li> <li>Can include inattentiveness</li> <li>Symptoms fall in 3 realms</li> </ol> </li> </ol> <ol> <li>Inattentiveness (concentration problems)</li> <li>Hyperactivity or restlessness (internal OR external), mind racing</li> </ol> <ul> <li>Impulsivity (verbal and behavioral) i.e. driving a car too fast, spending, overeating, etc.)</li> </ul> <div style="margin-left: 2em;"> <ol> <li>It’s a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that