Thriving with Adult ADHD: Skills to Strengthen Executive Functioning by Phil Boissiere Summary

1. Phil Boissiere’s executive functioning framework targets ADHD through five core skills
2. Strengthen mental flexibility to reduce ADHD-related stress in relationships and work
3. Daily 10-minute planning sessions boost organization for adults with ADHD
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques rewire negative thought patterns linked to ADHD
5. Instead of multitasking, practice single-task focus for ADHD productivity
6. Self-assessment quizzes identify personal ADHD strengths and growth areas
7. Build mental resilience through emotion regulation exercises for ADHD adults
8. Phil Boissiere’s pyramid method builds focus before complex projects
9. Transform ADHD overwhelm into productivity with stress-management micro-habits
10. Impulse control strategies prevent ADHD-driven financial and relational decisions
11. Workplace ADHD management: chunk tasks and use auditory focus triggers
12. Morning routines prime ADHD brains for peak cognitive performance daily

About the Author

Phil Boissiere, MFT, author of Thriving with Adult ADHD: Skills to Strengthen Executive Functioning, is a renowned ADHD expert and clinical psychologist specializing in cognitive performance. Drawing from over a decade of experience treating professionals in Silicon Valley’s high-pressure environment, his work focuses on evidence-based strategies to enhance executive functioning skills like focus, emotional regulation, and impulse control.

Boissiere co-founded the Elite Focus Clinic, serving entrepreneurs and tech leaders, and created the Beyond Focused online program, now used globally to address ADHD challenges. A TEDx speaker with over 424,000 views for his talk 30 Seconds to Mindfulness, he blends clinical expertise with practical coaching—an approach honed through advanced training at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Psychiatry Academy and certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics.

His insights have been featured in media outlets, podcasts, and his YouTube channel dedicated to ADHD management. Boissiere’s companion book Beyond Focused with Adult ADHD expands on his pyramid-based methodology for building sustainable cognitive habits. Translated into multiple languages, his frameworks are adopted by corporations and mental health professionals seeking science-backed tools for peak performance.

FAQs About This Book

What is Thriving with Adult ADHD by Phil Boissiere about?

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.

Who should read Thriving with Adult ADHD?

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.

Is Thriving with Adult ADHD worth reading?

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.

How does Thriving with Adult ADHD address emotional regulation?

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.

What is the "pyramid framework" in Thriving with Adult ADHD?

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.

How does Thriving with Adult ADHD compare to Overcoming Distractions by David A. Greenwood?

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.

What are the main criticisms of Thriving with Adult ADHD?

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.

How does Phil Boissiere’s background influence Thriving with Adult ADHD?

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.

Can Thriving with Adult ADHD help with workplace productivity?

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.

What role does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy play in the book?

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.

Does Thriving with Adult ADHD include worksheets or templates?

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.

How does this book approach relationships affected by ADHD?

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.