Sari Solden

Overview

Sari Solden, M.S., LMFT, is a pioneering psychotherapist with over 35 years of experience specializing in adult ADHD. She grew up in Detroit, Michigan, earned her B.A. from the University of Michigan, and her Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from California State University. She maintains a private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Sari Solden & Associates, LLC).

Her 1995 book "Women with Attention Deficit Disorder" was groundbreaking — published at a time when ADHD was considered a "little boy's disorder," it was the first to systematically address how ADHD manifests differently in women. She argued that millions of women were going undiagnosed because their symptoms (internal chaos, disorganization, shame) didn't match the hyperactive boy stereotype.

Solden herself was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult while working as an intern at a counseling agency in Marin County, California — a moment she describes as a major turning point that redirected her entire career. Her personal experience informs her emphasis on the emotional consequences of late diagnosis: the shame, the "fraud" feeling, and the exhausting mask of competence.

She serves on the professional advisory boards of ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association), ADDitude Magazine, and Understood.org. Her core therapeutic philosophy centers on moving from shame to self-acceptance — "the goal is not to become neurotypical; the goal is to become yourself."

Notable Quotes

“For many women, ADHD is not about hyperactivity. It's about the invisible war happening inside their heads.”

“The mask of competence is the most expensive disguise a woman with ADHD will ever wear.”

“Understanding, Identity, Connection — these are the three stages of healing for every adult with ADHD.”

“The goal is not to become neurotypical. The goal is to become yourself.”

“Only dogs and furniture need to be fixed.”

Connection to Your ADHD Type