Focused Forward

If you have ADHD, every day can be a battle. You fight to stay in control. To meet your obligations. To not screw up. But what you might not know about--what’s even more damaging--is the constant, corrosive emotional stress of a lifetime of wondering what the hell is wrong with you.

In Focused Forward, author James Ochoa, LPC, tackles the fallout from ADHD--a PTSD-like condition he calls the Emotional Distress Syndrome. With the practical, proven guidance of someone who’s been there, he helps readers:

  • Understand the link between ADHD and emotional distress

  • Master essential coping skills

  • Construct an Emotional Safe Place

  • Recruit a Mental Support Group

With wisdom, humor and plenty of empathy, Focused Forward will help you move past the pain and shame toward a future of possibility, balance and joy.

“Focused Forward gets it! If you or someone you care about has the adult version of ADHD, read this book. Written by a man who’s worked in the trenches his whole career, this book is full of practical tips as well as a deep understanding for what this wildly misunderstood condition is truly like. A hugely valuable contribution to the treatment of adult ADHD.”
— Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., author of Driven to Distraction and many other best-selling books
“Finally, a book that gets to the heart of the matter! This book is a must for people with ADHD, their loved ones and their helping professionals.”
— Nancy A. Ratey, Ed.M., MCC, author of The Disorganized Mind
“Mr. Ochoa’s ground-breaking concept of the Emotional Distress Syndrome of adult ADHD now gives us a previously missing, but critical, understanding, as well as innovative tools to soothe the ADHD soul. This book offers a rare combination of warmth and wisdom—I’m recommending it to my clients.”
— Sari Solden, MS, LMFT, author of Women with Attention Deficit Disorder and Journeys Through ADDulthood
“If you’ve struggled to make sense of your adult ADHD brain, Focused Forward is the owner’s manual you’ve been waiting for.”
— Christie Sprowls, Psy.D
“Focused Forward is a small, but powerful, book that will change lives for those with ADHD and their significant others.”
— Rona Pogrund, Ph.D., Professor, Texas Tech University, College of Education-Special Education Program