ADHD—Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder—isn’t just about being “distracted” or “hyper.” It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functioning: the brain’s ability to plan, prioritize, focus, regulate emotions, and manage impulses.

While often diagnosed in childhood, many people—especially women and high-functioning adults—go undiagnosed until later in life. ADHD can look like disorganization, emotional overwhelm, or procrastination, but underneath is often a nervous system wired for stimulation and novelty, not structure and routine.

This guide offers advice for individuals in a relationship with someone raised by a narcissistic parent, highlighting the potential emotional wounds their partner may carry, such as self-doubt and fear of intimacy. It emphasizes the importance of respecting their boundaries, especially with their parent, and not taking their emotional guardedness personally. The text advises partners to watch for internalized shame and guilt, offering support to challenge negative self-talk, and to strive to be a safe and consistent presence. Ultimately, it reminds partners to know their own limits while providing empathy and understanding in this complex dynamic, suggesting that with patience, the relationship can be deeply rewarding.

In this episode, we’re diving into a quiet paradox that so many strong, independent women face—but rarely talk about out loud. You’ve built a life you can manage on your own. You handle your career, your home, your responsibilities, and your emotions with grit and grace. People call you capable, impressive, reliable. And you are.

But here’s the part no one sees: it gets lonely. It gets heavy. And the strength that helps you survive every day can sometimes make dating feel impossible.

We’ll talk about:

• The emotional fatigue that comes from doing it all
• Why vulnerability and connection feel so hard after you’ve learned to rely only on yourself
• The mixed messages society sends strong women about love, softness, and independence
• Why you're not too much—and how wanting support doesn’t make you any less powerful

Whether you’re navigating dating, feeling unseen in your relationship, or just exhausted from holding everything together, this episode is here to validate your experience and remind you that needing help doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

Take a deep breath—you don’t have to carry it all alone.

Chandra Hoelsken's essay explores the author's experiences as a forensic therapist working with individuals deemed "monsters" by society. The author initially believed in a clear separation between herself and her patients. Over time, she came to realize that the difference between herself and those she judged was often a matter of circumstance rather than intrinsic moral superiority. She introduces the concept of "Four Variables," highlighting how easily different life experiences could lead anyone down a similar path. The essay emphasizes the role of grace, resilience, and circumstance in shaping individual choices and argues against simplistic "us vs. them" thinking. Ultimately, the author advocates for compassion and understanding, acknowledging the shared humanity and the thin line that divides us all.

In this thoughtful and heartfelt series, LMFT Chandra Hoelsken explores the complexities of human connection and the challenges of loneliness. Drawing from personal experience and professional insight, each episode dives into the pressures of societal expectations around love, the importance of embracing diverse forms of connection, and the transformative power of self-compassion. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, It’s Complicated offers a fresh perspective on relationships and the human condition, reminding us that every journey is unique and deeply meaningful.

"Normalizing Humanness" explores the stages of human development from prenatal life through old age, alongside a comprehensive catalog of common human experiences, emotions (including sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and joy), and methods for managing them. The text then examines various approaches to emotional well-being, including the emotional frequency scale of David Hawkins, Buddhist concepts of chempa (mental and emotional defilements), principles of Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic doshas, the chakra system, and the role of the vagus nerve in stress reduction. Ultimately, the document advocates for mindfulness, balance, community, and compassion as key strategies for navigating the complexities of human existence.

In this podcast episode, Chandra Hoelsken dives deep into the art of goal-setting, exploring why picking the right goals is crucial for maximizing efforts and living a purpose-driven life. Building on the themes from her article, Chandra explains how aligning goals with core values not only enhances focus and fulfillment but also prevents the common pitfalls of chasing superficial accomplishments.

Listeners will learn how to prioritize meaningful objectives, like changing diet habits to lose weight, working out to shift attitudes, or fostering a positive culture to enhance workplace happiness. Chandra emphasizes the importance of pairing ambition with self-compassion, reminding us that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.

This podcast balances actionable advice with a reflective approach, encouraging us to celebrate small wins and stay flexible amidst life’s unpredictability. Tune in to discover how to pair the right actions with your goals, embrace imperfection, and create a life of intention, purpose, and joy.

Welcome to the Elite Coaching Podcast, your go-to resource for mastering the essentials of family therapy and professional development. Tailored for authors, interns, associates, and colleagues in the field, this podcast breaks down foundational concepts, shares practical tools, and explores core techniques to enhance your understanding and practice. Each episode provides a clear and concise overview of key topics in family therapy, offering actionable insights to build your expertise. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the Elite Coaching Podcast is here to support your growth and success in the field. Join us for enlightening discussions and professional guidance to take your practice to the next level.