By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – June 9, 2025
Those with ADHD often struggle with communicating their needs or struggles. When I heard about art therapy as a mode of support for these challenges, I contacted art therapists Holly Oberacker and Tracey Bromley Goodwin, founders of Navigating ADHD, Inc. What I learned about art therapy was eye-opening as an innovative clinical treatment.
Art therapy can be used to address social, emotional, and communication needs of both children and adults in navigating ADHD. It is used to express emotions and is geared toward improving self-esteem or mood. This treatment is designed also to help find strengths in people across the board to get children, adults, teachers, and families on the same page in the way they communicate.
For example, children who have a difficult school year and, as a result, develop low self-esteem or lose motivation, this unique therapy can guide them to explore things of their specific interests. ADHD is about boredom, so finding what stimulates the brain can renew a child’s motivation. Art therapy helps the child analyze the situation himself, but it is also very effective in adults with ADHD.
My discussion with Holly and Tracey explored the innovative ways in which art-based activities and creative expressions can serve as powerful tools for self-discovery and healing. But art therapy goes beyond art. It also includes educational coaching sessions to translate the individual’s artistic insights into actionable steps so that they can build skills with effective strategies to manage their challenges.
The collaboration between Holly and Tracey combines art therapy and educational coaching in promoting mental, emotional, and social growth. It can inspire individuals, especially children and families, to seek a more fulfilling life with ADHD. If this topic resonates with you, please check out my podcast interview, “Is There a Way Art Therapy Can Help Those with ADHD? Way!”