What kind of therapist helps with ADHD-related forgetfulness? 

ADHD-related forgetfulness can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it is missing appointments, forgetting tasks, or losing track of important details, this symptom can impact daily life in a big way. There are specific types of therapists who can help address these memory challenges and offer strategies for better executive function support and memory strategies.  

Different therapeutic approaches offer varying levels of support for ADHD-related forgetfulness. From cognitive therapy to executive function coaching, the right therapist can help you develop tailored strategies to remember, organise, and complete tasks more efficiently. 

Therapist Types That Help with ADHD-Related Forgetfulness 

Here are the main types of therapists who can help you tackle ADHD-related forgetfulness: 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Therapist:  

CBT is one of the most widely recommended therapies for ADHD. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to forgetfulness, procrastination, and poor task management. CBT for ADHD can help you develop better memory strategies and organisational systems. Through structured interventions, CBT therapists teach you how to break down tasks, create reminders, and use practical coping techniques to manage ADHD symptoms. 

Executive Function Coach (EF Coach):  

Executive function coaching focuses on improving skills like planning, prioritising, and organising. An EF coach works with you to develop personalised systems for executive function support, including ways to tackle ADHD-related forgetfulness. They might teach you how to use planners, alarms, or visual reminders to help you stay on track with your tasks and appointments. The goal is to help you build sustainable habits and routines that support memory and attention. 

Mindfulness-Based Therapist:  

For some individuals with ADHD, mindfulness therapy can improve focus and memory by helping them stay at the moment and reduce distractions. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines mindfulness techniques with cognitive therapy to help you develop greater attention and awareness, which can directly improve your ability to stay engaged and remember important details. This type of therapy can be particularly helpful if you struggle with being “in the moment” and need strategies to combat forgetfulness caused by mental distractions. 

Psychologist Specialising in ADHD:  

A psychologist with expertise in ADHD can offer in-depth assessments to understand your symptoms and tailor specific strategies to help you manage forgetfulness. Psychologists often use a combination of cognitive therapy, behaviour modification, and psychoeducation to help clients improve memory, organisation, and task management. They can also work with you on emotional regulation, which can play a role in forgetfulness (e.g., feeling overwhelmed or anxious about remembering tasks). 

Occupational Therapist (OT):  

Occupational therapy focuses on developing life skills, including memory, organisation, and daily functioning. An OT with ADHD expertise will work with you on strategies for managing daily tasks, setting up routines, and reducing the stress that comes with forgetfulness. They might help you create a physical environment that’s conducive to better memory, such as setting up reminder systems or decluttering your workspace. 

Benefits of Working with an ADHD Therapist 

Practical strategies for real-life challenges: 

Therapists with ADHD expertise will give you actionable tools to tackle memory issues and improve task management in your everyday life. These might include habit-building techniques, routine creation, and ways to break down complex tasks into manageable steps. 

Personalised support:  

An ADHD therapist can tailor solutions specifically to your needs and strengths. Whether it is through cognitive therapy, executive function coaching, or mindfulness, your therapist will help you find the best approach to addressing your unique memory challenges. 

Emotional support and coping mechanisms:  

Forgetfulness can be frustrating, and it often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, or stress. A therapist can help you build self-compassion and provide emotional support as you work through the challenges ADHD presents. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to connect with an ADHD therapist who can help you develop memory strategies, executive function support, and cognitive therapy to manage your symptoms effectively.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Losing track of conversations or tasks.