If you’ve ever wished for a compass to help you navigate the complexities of ADHD relationships, look no further than psychotherapist Anita Robertson and her book, ADHD & Us: A Couple's Guide to Loving and Living with Adult ADHD.
Anita’s book, is built around what she calls the five pillars. These pillars –praise, growth mindset, games, positive acceptance, and acknowledgement– provide a much-needed foundation for couples to return to whenever they find themselves drifting apart.
Anita's work stands out because it creates a bridge of empathy between partners, allowing them to recognize that ADHD is not a character failing but simply a difference in brain wiring. By providing this awareness and understanding, she equips couples with the tools to nurture their strengths, communicate effectively, and ultimately create a thriving partnership.
Join me this episode for an encouraging and strengths-focused conversation with Anita that will revolutionize the way you navigate relationships as an ADHD couple.
Resources:
Website: www.anitarobertson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buildingresiliency
Instagram and TikTok: @strengthinyourmind
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/anitarobertson
Timestamps:
1:30:33 - Interview with Anita Robertson, LCSW: A Strength-Focused Approach to ADHD Treatment
02:48 - Conversation between Tracy Otsuka and Anita Robertson on ADHD Diagnosis
04:35 - Conversation between Anita Robertson and Tracy Otsuka on ADHD Diagnosis and Executive Functioning Challenges
06:15 - Conversation between Tracy Otsuka and Anita Robertson on Academic Experiences
07:38 - Conversation between Tracy Otsuka and Anita Robertson on the Benefits of ADHD and Educational Foundation
09:15 - Conversation on Growing Up with ADHD in a Neurotypical Environment
10:47 - Conversation Between Tracy Otsuka and Anita Robertson on Growth Mindset and Elementary School Experiences
13:43 - Conversation on Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Social and Emotional Development
14:58 - Conversation Between Tracy Otsuka and Anita Robertson on the Benefits of Having ADHD
16:32 - Conversation between Tracy Otsuka and Anita Robertson about ADHD and Licensed Clinical Social Work
18:43 - Conversation Summary: Reflections on International Development and Growth Through the Peace Corps Experience
21:08 - Conversation with Anita Robertson: Exploring the Mental Health Field and Nonprofit World
22:26 - Conversation between Tracy Otsuka and Anita Robertson on ADHD Symptoms
24:20 - Discussion on Embracing ADHD Traits and Finding Neurodivergent Affirming Spaces
27:06 - Conversation on Growth Mindset and Communication Skills
29:04 - Conversation on ADHD Executive Functioning Challenges and Systems
31:21 - Conversation Between Tracy Otsuka and Anita Robertson on Relationships and Adult ADHD
35:49 - Conversation with Anita Robertson on Writing a Book During the Pandemic
37:33 - Conversation Summary: Anita Robertson on Writing a Book to Help Couples with Sensory Needs
38:58 - Conversation Summary: Exploring the Benefits of an ADHD Relationship
42:23 - Topic: Supporting Couples with ADHD and Mental Health Issues
43:44 - Conversation on the Five Pillars of an ADHD Relationship
45:31 - Conversation Summary: Five Pillars of a Healthy Relationship for Couples with ADHD
47:51 - Conversation on the Impact of Praise in Relationships
49:51 - Conversation on Investing in Neurodiverse Relationships for Efficient Results
51:11 - Conversation on the Benefits of Awareness in Relationships
54:27 - Exploring the Impact of ADHD on Family Dynamics: A Conversation with Anita Robertson
56:42 - Conversation Summary: Exploring Neurodiversity in Relationships
57:52 - Conversation on Positive Acceptance and Boundary Work in Relationships
1:00:04 - Conversation Summary: Exploring the Benefits of Empathy in Relationships
1:01:26 - Conversation Between Anita Robertson and Tracy Otsuka on Resolving Conflict in Relationships
1:03:02 - Conversation on Navigating Conflict in Relationships
1:04:48 - "Exploring the Benefits of Social-Emotional Learning for Parents"
1:06:10 - Conversation on Tardiness and Strategies to Overcome It
1:08:00 - Conversation on Natural Consequences and ADHD Parenting
1:09:43 - Conversation on Adapting to Different Time Structures for ADHD
1:11:17 - Heading: ADHD Treatment Strategies for Successful Communication and Time Management
1:12:52 - Discussion on Coping Strategies for ADHD and Sandwich Caretaking
1:14:59 - Conversation on Relationship Dynamics and Division of Labor in ADHD Relationships
1:18:05 - Discussion on the Challenges of Division of Labor and Mental Labor for ADHD Moms
1:21:21 - "Exploring Strategies for Balancing Household Chores in ADHD Relationships: An Interview with Anita Robertson"
1:24:05 - Conversation Summary: Exploring ADHD Relationship Bootcamp Options
1:25:44 - Heading: Private Sessions and Online Courses for ADHD Friendly Environments
1:27:48 - Conversation with Anita Robertson, ADHD Bootcamp and Non-ADHD Partner Group Facilitator
1:28:50 - Conversation with Anita Robertson, Author of "ADHD for Smart Ass Women"
