Thriving With Adult ADHD by Phil Boissiere Summary

Thriving with Adult ADHD provides evidence-based strategies to manage ADHD symptoms by strengthening executive functioning skills like focus, organization, and emotional regulation. It combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques with practical exercises for minimizing distractions, improving project management, and achieving professional/personal goals. The book’s pyramid framework starts with core skills and progresses to relationships and mindset.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD—particularly entrepreneurs, professionals, and individuals seeking structured, actionable methods to improve daily functioning—will benefit most. It’s also valuable for therapists, coaches, or family members supporting ADHD management. The book avoids medical jargon, making it accessible for newly diagnosed readers.

Yes, particularly for its tool-based approach. Readers praise its concise exercises for building organizational systems, reducing impulsivity, and aligning careers with ADHD strengths. However, some note it focuses more on skill-building than deeper emotional challenges.

The book teaches CBT techniques to reframe negative thought patterns and mindfulness practices to manage stress. Exercises include identifying emotional triggers and creating response plans, emphasizing practical coping mechanisms over abstract theory.

Phil Boissiere’s pyramid starts with foundational skills like distraction minimization and organizational systems, then builds upward to relationship management and career alignment. The top tier focuses on sustaining progress through mindset shifts and CBT.

While both emphasize ADHD strengths, Thriving prioritizes structured skill-building (e.g., CBT exercises, project management systems), whereas Overcoming Distractions leans into entrepreneurial success stories and holistic habits like sleep optimization.

Some reviewers note the book’s focus on practical skills may overlook deeper emotional or trauma-related aspects of ADHD. Others suggest it’s most effective when paired with coaching or therapy.

As a licensed therapist and founder of the Beyond Focused ADHD program, Boissiere blends clinical expertise with corporate-world pragmatism. His methods prioritize actionable steps over theory, reflecting his experience coaching professionals.

Yes. Key strategies include time-blocking for focus, breaking projects into micro-tasks, and using visual organizers. The book also advises leveraging ADHD traits like hyperfocus and creativity in career choices.

CBT is used to challenge negative self-talk (e.g., “I’m disorganized”) and replace it with structured problem-solving. Exercises include thought records and behavior activation techniques tailored to ADHD challenges.

Yes. The book provides checklists for daily planning, emotion-tracking charts, and project breakdown templates. These resources are designed for repeated use to reinforce habit formation.

It offers communication frameworks for reducing conflict, such as “pause-reflect-respond” techniques. Partners are encouraged to co-create organizational systems and celebrate small wins together.