Standard DBT isn't built for your ADHD brain. Structure, shame, and overwhelm — sound familiar? The Impulsive Thinker® and Scott Spradlin call out where therapy misses neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
In This Episode:
What You'll Take Away:
GUEST BIO
Scott Spradlin is a Kansas-based licensed counsellor and co-director at North Star TCC. He's co-authoring the first DBT Skills Workbook built for adult ADHD brains.
Books by Scott
The DBT Skills Workbook for Adult ADHD, with Mariah Spradlin (2026, New Harbinger)
Don't Let Your Emotions Run Your Life (2003, New Harbinger).
Follow Scott
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbt4adhd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisemindwiselife/
You might also be interested in: 🤔 ADHD Entrepreneur Blocked by Emotions? Get Unstuck Now! | Dr. Alexandra Philipsen | EP235
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
This episode breaks down why classic DBT does not work for most ADHD Entrepreneurs. The Impulsive Thinker® challenges therapy frameworks with Scott Spradlin, who is rewriting DBT for real neurodivergent adults. They get specific about why structure and homework overload flop for ADHD brains. The conversation uncovers the guilt, shame, and endless "just try harder" messages pushed by society's measuring stick. They cover how adapted DBT flexes for ADHD — and why flexibility and radical acceptance are what actually help Entrepreneurs. If therapy has ever felt like another system built to kick you out, hit play now.
Email me about it at andre@theimpulsivethinker.com. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.
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00:00 Introduction to DBT and ADHD
02:36 Understanding the Shortcomings of Traditional DBT
05:27 Adapting DBT for ADHD: The Neurobiological Perspective
09:47 Balancing Structure and Flexibility in DBT
12:02 Validation vs. Shame in Therapy
12:55 The New DBT Workbook for ADHD Adults
17:09 Distress Tolerance and Radical Acceptance in ADHD
21:05 The Importance of Understanding ADHD in Therapy
23:27 Conclusion and Resources
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