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Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural TherapyAuthor: Dr. Pete Kelly
Thoughts on Record is the podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (OICBT) located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Each week we explore topics relevant to clinicians and mental health consumers from a cognitive behavioural perspective; however, if youre generally interested in psychology, psychotherapy, evolutionary psychology, mental health, the brain, dynamics of human behaviour, creativity, wellness & performance then this podcast will certainly be of interest to you. Thoughts on Record is hosted by OICBT clinical psychologist Dr. Pete Kelly, C. Psych. Dr. Kelly is a Clinical Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa and Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kelly is actively involved in directing speciality programming at OICBT, teaching and supervision, providing workshops to mental health professionals and is a frequent speaker to organizations around the impact of stress on well-being. Email the show: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com. You can visit the OICBT at www.ottawacbt.ca. Original theme music courtesy of OPK5, outro music courtesy of Baldhero & Van Whelan https://baldherovanwhelan.bandcamp.com Language: en-us Genres: Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Dr. Shirley Hershko - ADHD in Women
Episode 16
Sunday, 16 November, 2025
Comments or feedback? Send us a text! In this episode of Thoughts on Record, we sit down with Dr. Shirley Hershko, one of the foremost voices in the understanding of ADHD in girls and women. Her work has been central in challenging long-standing assumptions about how ADHD presents across the female lifespan—from childhood and early adulthood through motherhood, career transitions, perimenopause, and menopause.Together, we explore why ADHD in women remains underdiagnosed, how cultural expectations shape symptom expression, and why internalizing presentations like anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional dysregulation often obscure the true clinical picture. We also discuss the impact of hormonal fluctuations, the role of trauma, and the unique diagnostic challenges clinicians face. Finally, we examine how treatment needs to be adapted to support women at different life stages, including those diagnosed later in life who are grappling with identity shifts, grief, and self-understanding.This conversation offers clinicians, clients, and the general public a comprehensive look at the nuanced realities of ADHD in women.Key Themes We ExploreHow ADHD in women is often misunderstood or hidden, including the influence of socialization and internalizing symptomsDiagnostic challenges, including confusion with anxiety, depression, trauma, and the effects of hormonal changesHow ADHD evolves across the life span, particularly during major transitions such as parenting, career demands, perimenopause, and menopauseEffective treatment considerations, including medication, psychotherapy, coaching, and lifestyle strategiesIdentity and emotional experiences, such as self-esteem, grief, and reinterpreting one’s life story after a late diagnosisDr. Shirley Hershko is an ADHD specialist, therapist, diagnostician, professor, and researcher at the Hebrew University. With more than two decades of clinical experience focused on ADHD in girls and women, she offers comprehensive diagnostics and therapy worldwide through secure digital platforms.Dr. Hershko hosts a widely followed podcast, leads a Facebook community of 50,000 members, and is the author of the best-selling book Making Sense of ADHD. Her work centers on helping individuals with ADHD better understand their strengths, challenges, and unique neurocognitive profiles.Website: https://shirleyhershko.com
