About Me


Hi, I’m Andrea—a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and ADHD life coach offering both therapy and coaching for people navigating the quiet chaos of being high-functioning but deeply overwhelmed.


For over twenty years, I’ve supported clients through complex emotional landscapes—whether that’s the inner friction of anxiety and self-doubt, the executive function challenges of ADHD, or the interpersonal strain of high-conflict relationships and communication breakdowns. My work is direct, thoughtful, and deeply collaborative. Clients often tell me they finally feel like they’ve found someone who gets the nuance—someone who can hold depth, challenge them respectfully, and offer clear, actionable strategies that actually stick.


My clients are often professionals, creatives, and deep thinkers operating in high-pressure environments where performance challenges and emotional pain are often hidden behind competence. They may look successful on paper but struggle internally with underachievement, low self-trust, or feeling stuck in patterns they can’t quite shift. They’re not looking for surface-level advice—they’re looking for grounded, intelligent support that respects both their mind and their humanity.

A woman is sitting in a chair with her arm resting on the back of the chair.

My understanding of ADHD is both personal and professional. My professional identity is shaped just as much by my clinical training, my coaching expertise, and my commitment to social justice. I believe systems of privilege and marginalization shape how people experience mental health, access support, and initiate change. My work honors that complexity and helps clients move forward without losing their values or their spark.

Why This Work Matters To Me

Though I had been a therapist for years, it took me a long time to fully recognize and accept my own ADHD. Like many high-functioning individuals, I had learned to mask—appearing calm and capable on the outside while navigating overwhelm, time distortion, and emotional intensity beneath the surface.


When both of my daughters were diagnosed, their experiences held up a mirror. I began to see that the struggles I had long managed in silence weren’t personal shortcomings—they were traits of a differently wired brain. That realization changed everything.

 

That lived insight, layered onto two decades of clinical experience, brought new depth to how I work. Like many people I work with, my story isn’t linear—and my understanding of how we lose ourselves (and find ourselves again) runs deeper than just ADHD.


I understand the pressure to appear “fine” while feeling anything but. I know the toll of thinking you should be doing more, feeling better, or performing perfectly. I’ve walked my own path of relearning discernment, reconnecting with self-trust, and building a life that feels aligned. That’s why this work is never just theoretical for me. And I know that change is possible—not through shame or rigid systems, but through compassionate strategies that honor your brain, your values, and your life.

Coaching provides structure and forward momentum.

A woman is looking at her reflection in a mirror.
By Andrea Hernandez April 1, 2025
For many people with ADHD, the future can feel abstract, almost like it belongs to someone else. We refer to this ability to connect present and future self as self-continuity. Having difficulty connecting with your future self can make long term planning and initiating tasks incredibly challenging. Without an immediate sense of consequence or connection to time, it’s easy to put things off until urgency forces action. This isn’t laziness or a character flaw—it’s a neurological reality that makes self-continuity a challenge.
A little girl is walking a pug dog on a leash
By Andrea Hernandez March 7, 2025
Have you ever felt an overwhelming sense of resistance, even when you know you want or need to get something done? For many individuals with ADHD, this natural tendency to resist—called counterwill—is all too familiar. It’s like an invisible force standing between you and action, adding another layer of complexity to everyday challenges. Understanding counterwill is an essential step in managing ADHD effectively. Once you’re aware of why it happens and how to engage it, you can start transforming resistance into progress. 
A person is holding a picture frame overlooking the ocean.
By Andrea Hernandez February 28, 2025
Have you noticed how the stories you tell yourself shape your actions? Often, it’s not the challenge itself that holds us back—it’s our “frame of mind” about the situation. The good news? You have the power to change that narrative and move forward. Here, we’ll explore how shifting your mindset, a concept tied to cognitive flexibility, can help you tackle obstacles, explore new opportunities, and build momentum. Plus, we’ll provide strategies you can use today to start reframing challenges—whether it’s tackling chores, pursuing goals, or managing daily stressors. 
A young girl is holding a bunch of balloons in the air.
By Andrea Hernandez February 21, 2025
Limiting beliefs – we all have them, but many of us underestimate their impact. These subconscious thoughts can shape our behavior, decisions, and ultimately, the trajectory of our lives. By recognizing and breaking free from these mental barriers, we allow ourselves the chance to grow, thrive, and achieve our fullest potential.
A woman is standing in front of a wall of colorful balloons.
By Andrea Hernandez February 14, 2025
Executive function is at the heart of how we manage our daily lives. It’s a set of mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember things, and juggle multiple tasks at once. Think of it as the control center of your brain, guiding you as you move through the demands of life. For people with ADHD, gaps in executive function skills make like feel like an uphill battle, but the good news is that with the right tools and strategies, its challenges can be managed.
A woman is swimming underwater in a black and white photo.
By Andrea Hernandez February 7, 2025
Self-awareness is like a superpower that lives within each of us, waiting to be tapped into. It’s the foundation of personal growth, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life. But what exactly is self-awareness, and why is it so important? More importantly, how can we cultivate it in our own lives? Let’s explore these questions, step by step, and discover how developing self-awareness can transform how we live, love, and grow.
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By Andrea Hernandez January 21, 2025
Living with ADHD often feels like navigating a storm of thoughts, emotions, and challenges. For many women and minorities, the weight of societal expectations, compounded by the unique struggles of ADHD, can make the road even harder. But amidst all of this, there’s one powerful tool we can control—our mindset. The way we see ourselves and our circumstances can transform how we navigate life’s ups and downs.
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By Andrea Hernandez November 28, 2024
Emotion regulation is an essential skill that allows us to process, respond to, and recover from emotional experiences in a healthy way. For individuals with ADHD, managing emotions can often feel overwhelming and unpredictable. This is because ADHD impacts executive function—the set of mental skills that help us plan, prioritize, and control impulses—including the ability to regulate emotional responses. If you’ve ever felt like your emotions take over and are hard to rein in, you’re not alone, and there are ways to navigate this challenge. ADHD can amplify emotional experiences, making small frustrations feel like mountains and moments of joy feel all-consuming. Emotional highs and lows are often more intense and can linger longer than expected. This happens because the ADHD brain may struggle with transitions and impulse control, making it harder to pause and assess emotions before reacting. These challenges aren’t a personal failing—they’re tied to the unique ways ADHD affects brain function. Recognizing this can be the first step toward building greater emotional balance. Improving emotion regulation with ADHD is possible, but it requires intentionality and practice. Strategies like using mindfulness to create moments of pause, identifying and naming your emotions, or developing routines that allow for emotional decompression can make a big difference. It’s also helpful to lean on supportive tools, like journaling, therapy, or coaching, to explore your emotional patterns and develop techniques that align with your unique needs. Emotion regulation with ADHD isn’t about suppressing your feelings; it’s about learning to ride the waves with greater ease. Remember, this is a process that takes time—what matters most is giving yourself grace along the way. If you’re reflecting on how emotion regulation impacts your life, here are three questions to connect with: What situations tend to trigger strong emotional reactions, and how do I typically respond? What strategies or practices have helped me feel more grounded during emotionally intense moments? How can I begin to view my emotional sensitivity as a strength rather than a weakness? For more coaching tips and guidance checkout my website or set up a free discovery call
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By Andrea Hernandez November 28, 2024
Have you ever felt like even the smallest hint of criticism or rejection hits you harder than it does other people? That’s not your imagination—it might be rejection sensitivity at work. For many people with ADHD, rejection sensitivity is a heightened emotional response to perceived criticism, disapproval, or failure. It’s not about being overly sensitive; it’s about how the ADHD brain processes emotional input, often turning what might be a minor event for others into an emotional hurricane. Rejection sensitivity can affect how you communicate, how you approach relationships, and how you see yourself. You might avoid sharing your ideas for fear of judgment or replay conversations in your head, wondering if you said the “wrong” thing. In relationships, rejection sensitivity can create misunderstandings or make conflict feel overwhelming. The worst part? Sometimes, even imagined rejection can trigger these intense feelings, making it hard to trust your instincts. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. Building awareness is the first step. Start by recognizing when you’re experiencing rejection sensitivity and remind yourself that feelings aren’t always facts. Mindfulness techniques, like grounding exercises or deep breathing, can help you pause and regain perspective in the moment. Practicing self-compassion—especially through affirmations or journaling—can also reduce the sting of rejection and build emotional resilience over time. In communication, setting boundaries and clarifying intentions can help minimize misunderstandings, while therapy or coaching can provide a safe space to develop strategies tailored to you. Here are three questions to connect with regarding rejection sensitivity and how it shows up in your life: When was the last time I felt rejected, and how did I respond? What thoughts or beliefs about myself might be fueling my sensitivity to rejection? How can I practice self-compassion or create space for grace when rejection feels overwhelming? For more coaching tips and guidance checkout my website or set up a free discovery call
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By Andrea Hernandez November 28, 2024
Did you know your brain is constantly changing, no matter how old you are? This incredible ability is called neuroplasticity, and it’s your brain’s way of adapting, rewiring, and forming new connections throughout your life. Think of it as your brain’s version of “muscle memory.” Whether you’re learning a new skill, developing healthier habits, or recovering from challenges, neuroplasticity makes it possible for you to grow and thrive, even in adulthood. For individuals with ADHD, the concept of neuroplasticity is especially empowering. Many of us have spent years feeling stuck in patterns of procrastination, disorganization, or emotional reactivity. But thanks to neuroplasticity, those patterns aren’t permanent. By consistently engaging in new behaviors or thoughts, you can “train” your brain to form new pathways that support better focus, emotional regulation, and productivity. Yes, it takes effort and patience, but knowing that your brain is capable of change is half the battle!