How can educational workshops help with ADHD-related self-esteem?

PostedDecember 24, 2025

UpdatedDecember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Educational workshops are an increasingly important part of adult ADHD support in the UK. While medication and therapy remain key, NICE NG87 emphasises that psychoeducation and skills learning are essential for helping adults understand ADHD and manage its impact on daily life (NICE).

Understanding ADHD reduces self-blame

Many adults grow up thinking their difficulties reflect laziness or weakness. Workshops that explain ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition help people reframe years of criticism or struggle. Research shows that adults with ADHD experience significantly lower self-esteem and that repeated negative feedback contributes to this (Pedersen et al., 2024). Psychoeducation directly targets this by replacing shame with understanding.

Learning skills builds confidence

Workshops often cover organisation, time-management, planning and emotional regulation, areas adults commonly struggle with. A scoping review found that group psychoeducation improves skills, self-efficacy and sometimes self-esteem (Skliarova et al., 2024). Recovery College courses, such as those at Surrey & Borders or West London NHS, offer practical tools to help adults “thrive with ADHD,” reinforcing mastery and confidence.

Group learning reduces isolation

Workshops create a space where people meet others who share similar experiences. Shared learning reduces shame and increases self-acceptance, as highlighted in qualitative ADHD research on identity and belonging (BJPsych Bulletin review). Feeling “less alone” is often one of the biggest contributors to improving self-esteem.

Acceptance-based approaches support emotional wellbeing

Newer workshop models blend psychoeducation with psychological techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The UK’s “Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD” programme increased participants’ self-acceptance and functioning (ACT + psychoeducation study).

Accessible digital workshops widen support

Online Recovery Colleges and digital psychoeducation programmes offer flexible learning for those who prefer anonymity or face barriers attending in person. These programmes show improvements in ADHD knowledge, coping and emotional regulation (Frontiers review).

Takeaway

Educational workshops help adults with ADHD understand themselves better, develop practical coping skills and connect with others, all of which are strongly linked to improved self-esteem and reduced self-doubt.

Phoebe Carter, MSc

Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.