ADHD Counselling FAQ

Living with ADHD, whether as a child, teen, or adult, often comes with big questions. Parents want to know what works, how long it takes, and what support is available.

We’ve gathered the most common questions we hear about ADHD counselling and equine-assisted therapy to give you clear, straightforward answers. If you don’t see your question here, or you’d like to discuss your specific situation, please contact us, we’re happy to help.

1. Does equine therapy work for improving attention and reducing impulsivity in children with ADHD?

Yes, there is growing evidence that equine-assisted therapy can help with symptoms of ADHD like improving attention span, reducing impulsivity, and helping with emotional regulation. For example, working with horses requires nonverbal communication, focus, and calm movements, which give immediate feedback. These tasks help children develop skills that often transfer into everyday settings. Some studies show meaningful behavioural improvements after several sessions.

2. How many sessions are needed, and how often, for equine therapy to be effective for ADHD?

This varies depending on the child, the severity of ADHD symptoms, and consistency. Many programs recommend once-weekly or twice-weekly sessions over a period of several months to see noticeable change. Regular sessions help build trust, consistency and skill development. At Berkman Academy, we work with families to set goals and monitor progress so we can adjust frequency based on how your child responds.

3. Is equine therapy safe? What qualifications do the therapists/facilitators have?

Yes, equine therapy is generally safe when run by trained professionals. At Berkman Academy all facilitators are qualified in both therapeutic counselling and equine-assisted practice. We follow strict safety protocols: trained horses, protective gear, safe settings, and supervision at all times. We also adapt each session to the child’s comfort, experience and needs.

4. How much does equine therapy cost, and is it covered by funding like NDIS?

Costs depend on the program, session length, and individual needs. Many parents use NDIS funding to help cover therapy costs.

We help families understand how to use their funding, including which line items equine-assisted counselling might fit under.

For billing with NDIS, Berkman academy claims under the standard counselling line item for a 50min session:
Assessment, Recommendation, Therapy or Training – Counsellor
NDIS Item Number: 15_043_0128_1_3
This sits within Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.

Private clients are charged $155+GST for 50min session.

5. What kind of improvements can parents expect (in school, behaviour, social skills) and how long before noticeable change?

Many parents report:

Better emotional regulation (fewer meltdowns).
Improved focus and ability to follow instructions.
More confidence in social settings.
Some changes happen within weeks; deeper changes often emerge over 2–3 months of consistent sessions.

6. What kinds of counselling approaches work best for ADHD?

Counselling for ADHD often uses practical, skills-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, coaching strategies, and psychoeducation. These focus on managing attention, reducing impulsivity, improving routines, and building confidence. At Berkman Academy, we add embodied, hands-on learning with horses to make these skills stick in real life.

7. Can adults benefit from ADHD counselling, even if they were never diagnosed as kids?

Yes. Many adults discover or suspect ADHD later in life. Counselling can help with work performance, relationships, emotional regulation, and managing daily responsibilities. Support often includes developing new structures, learning coping tools, and working through the impact of late diagnosis.

8. Is ADHD counselling available online or by telehealth?

Yes. While our core work happens in person with horses, we can also support clients through telehealth counselling. This works well for adults balancing work and family life, or for teens who prefer to start from home before moving into face-to-face sessions.

9. How many counselling sessions are usually needed to see improvement?

This varies, but:

Small improvements may show after 4–6 sessions.
Stronger results usually require 8–12 sessions.
Consistency and practising strategies at home make the biggest difference.

10. How do I choose the right counsellor for ADHD?

Look for:

Training in ADHD-specific therapies (CBT, mindfulness, coaching).
Experience with children, teens, or adults with ADHD.
A supportive, practical style that feels safe for your family.
At Berkman Academy, all practitioners are qualified counsellors and members of the Australian Counselling Association, with years of experience in ADHD, trauma, and equine-assisted practice.