ADHD & Toxic Relationships: What Clinicians Need to Know

People with ADHD are 2.5 times more likely to find themselves in toxic or emotionally abusive relationships -- but why? And what makes these dynamics so hard to spot until clients are caught in them?

In this 45-minute interactive session, therapist and author Kate Mageau, LMHC, unpacks the hidden patterns that make ADHDers more vulnerable and shows how clinicians can help clients recognize, name, and recover from these relationships—without pathologizing their neurodivergence. This event is part of our Therapist Voices series, highlighting members who share expertise from their own clinical work and lived experience.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify the psychological “loop” that keeps many ADHD clients stuck—and guide them toward insight and choice.
• Use small language shifts that defuse shame and increase self-understanding in session.
• Introduce visuals and metaphors that help clients see their patterns and believe change is possible.
• Balance empathy and boundaries when working with survivors of coercive or confusing relationships.

Format (45 min)
This is an interactive session that moves between short teaching segments and guided reflection questions, so you’ll have space to share insights as we go.

• Mini-lecture: Key insights from Kate’s work and upcoming CE trainings.
• Guided reflections: Discussion prompts woven into the talk.
• Open Q&A: Bring questions or reflections; cameras optional.

Recording & privacy
We’ll record the full session so attendees can rewatch afterward. Before posting a replay to the broader Meetup group, we’ll remove any personal reflections or identifying comments to protect privacy. If you’d rather not appear, just keep your camera off during discussions.

Scope & disclaimers
For professional education only. This session is not therapy, clinical supervision, or legal advice. Please avoid sharing identifiable client information.