Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens
- Speaker:
- Michelle Dougher Frank, PsyD
- Duration:
- Two hours
- Language:
- Presented in EN, subtitles in EN and FR, handouts in EN and FR
- Copyright:
-
Oct 10, 2025
- Product Code:
- POS150451
- Media Type:
- Digital Seminar
Description
Traumatic stress and ADHD share significant associations, according to a growing body of research on trauma and childhood maltreatment. Studies show that people with ADHD score higher than their neurotypical peers on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire. So how do we explain the connection between trauma and ADHD? How do we tease apart the diagnoses? And what do their similarities mean for symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment? In this workshop, we’ll use a holistic, trauma-informed frame to explore these complex questions, looking at trauma and ADHD as both distinct and co-occurring experiences. You’ll also learn:
- How untreated ADHD can lead to trauma, and vice versa
- Why epigenetics is key to understanding trauma’s role in ADHD symptoms
- How ADHD and trauma affect different parts of the brain and how this impacts behavior
- How to avoid reductionism when working with neurodivergent clients
Credit
Program Information
Planning Committee Disclosure - No relevant relationshipsAll members of the PESI, Inc. planning committee have provided disclosures of financial relationships with ineligible organizations and any relevant non-financial relationships prior to planning content for this activity. None of the committee members had relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners. For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.
NOTE: Tuition includes one free CE Certificate (participant will be able to print the certificate of completion after passing the online post-test (80% passing score) and completing the evaluation). Instructional methods will include PowerPoint, didactic lecture, and others.
Continuing Education Information: Listed below are the continuing education credit(s) currently available for this non-interactive self-study package. Program content is reviewed periodically per accrediting board rules for currency and appropriateness for credit. Credit approvals are subject to change. Please note, your licensing board dictates whether self-study is an acceptable form of continuing education, as well as which credit types are acceptable for continuing education hours. Please refer to your licensing board's rules and regulations. If your profession is not listed, please contact your licensing board to determine your continuing education requirements and check for reciprocal approval.
For other credit inquiries not specified below, please contact info@pesi.com or 800-844-8260 before purchase.
Materials that are included in this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of your profession. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your profession's standards.
For Planning Committee disclosures, please see the statement above. For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.
Earn up to 2.0 CE hours. Please see below, for more details, as credit amounts vary by jurisdiction and profession.
PESI, Inc. is approved by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association to offer continuing education for counsellors and psychotherapists. PESI, Inc. maintains responsibility for the program. This self-study activity is approved for 2.0 credit hours.

PESI, Inc., #1062, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: January 27, 2026 - January 27, 2029. Social workers completing this course receive 2.0 Clinical continuing education credits.
Course Level: Intermediate Format: Recorded asynchronous distance. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance.
Canadian Social Workers: Canadian provinces may accept activities offered by providers approved by the ASWB ACE program for ongoing professional development.
This self-study activity qualifies for 2.0 continuing education clock hours as required by many national and local licensing boards and professional organizations. Save your activity advertisement and certificate of completion, and contact your own board or organization for specific requirements.

This self-study course has been approved by PESI, Inc., as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #77553. PESI, Inc. is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
This self-study course offers 2.0 continuing education contact hours in the Counseling Services skill group. Full attendance is required; no partial credit will be awarded for partial attendance.
Handouts
| File type | File name | Number of pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual - Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens (697.9 KB) | 17 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens (201.5 KB) | 28 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens - French (697.9 KB) | 17 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens - French (201.5 KB) | 28 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens - Italian (697.9 KB) | 17 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens - Italian (201.5 KB) | 28 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens - German (697.9 KB) | 17 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens - German (201.5 KB) | 28 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens - Spanish (697.9 KB) | 17 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens - Spanish (201.5 KB) | 28 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Speaker
Michelle Dougher Frank, PsyD Related seminars and products
Dr. Frank is a clinical psychologist currently practicing at Enrich Relationship Center of Colorado in the Denver-metro area. She specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD, particularly in women. She is co-author, along with Sari Solden, MS, of the book A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers. In addition to individual clinical work, Dr. Frank Provides Gottman Method Couples’ Therapy to couples impacted by ADHD. With a passion for advocacy, outreach, and education, Dr. Frank regularly contributes to national ADHD conferences and support programs. Dr. Frank is former vice president of ADDA – an international nonprofit organization supporting adults with ADHD. She is a member of APSARD – The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders. She graduated from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Marquette University.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Michelle Dougher Frank has an employment relationship with Enrich Relationship Center of Colorado and is a professional expert contributor with Understood.org. She receives royalties as a published author. Michelle Dougher Frank receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Michelle Dougher Frank is a member of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, the Children and Adults with ADHD, and the American Professional Society of ADHD & Related Disorders.
Additional Info
Program Information
Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)Access never expires for this product.
For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepepesi.com
Questions?
Visit our FAQ page at https://www.pesicanada.ca/faq or contact us at https://www.pesicanada.ca/contact-us.
Objectives
- Identify two key similarities and two key differences between ADHD and trauma-related disorders, enhancing diagnostic clarity.
- Identify ways in which trauma can impact neurodevelopment, potentially leading to or mimicking ADHD symptoms, aiding in more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Apply best practices for setting treatment goals for individuals with co-occurring ADHD and trauma, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to care.
Outline
Neuroaffirming & Trauma-Informed Care
- Meaning of neuroaffirming care
- How to become more neuroaffirming and trauma-informed
- Hard Questions in Trauma & ADHD
- Diagnosing for distress, impairment, and cultural context
ADHD: Current Understandings
- Research updates including limitations
- Common presentations and risk factors
- Etiology and correlation with other conditions
- Untreated ADHD impacting treatment outcomes-including trauma
- ADHD, ACEs, & Attachment
Bidirectionality of ADHD & Trauma
- Trauma as a risk factor for ADHD
- ADHD as a risk factor for PTSD
- Co-occurrence of ADHD + PTSD: presentations, symptom overlaps, combined impact
Emotional Legacy of ADHD & Trauma
- Shame, stigma, grief, rejection sensitivity, anxiety, overwhelm
Relational Wounds & ADHD
- Impact on family, peers, romantic relationships
ADHD & Trauma-Informed Assessment
- Asking the right questions
- Providing therapeutic feedback when both ADHD and trauma are present
ADHD-Friendly Intervention Approaches
- Addressing clinician biases
- Prioritizing interventions for emotional and relational challenges
- When to refer out for specialized care (e.g., EF coaching, trauma-focused therapy)
Target Audience
- Counsellors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Social Workers
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Addiction Counsellors
Reviews
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