Why You’re Not “Lazy”: Understanding Executive Dysfunction in ADHD and Trauma
As a therapist in Ottawa who works with ADHD, trauma, OCD, and eating disorders, one of the most common things I hear in session is this:
"I know what I need to do, but I just can’t make myself do it."
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone and you’re definitely not lazy. This kind of internal block is often a sign of executive dysfunction, a neurological difficulty that affects motivation, memory, organization, and self-control. It’s especially common in people with ADHD and complex trauma (C-PTSD).
What Is Executive Dysfunction?
Executive functions are the mental skills that help us plan, prioritize, manage time, and regulate emotions. Think of them as the “CEO” of your brain. When these skills aren’t working properly, everyday tasks like responding to emails, starting a project, or even doing laundry can feel overwhelming or impossible.
Common signs of executive dysfunction include:
Constantly procrastinating, even on important tasks
Forgetting appointments or misplacing items
Struggling to manage time or transitions
Feeling paralyzed by decisions or to-do lists
ADHD, Trauma, and Executive Dysfunction
People with ADHD are wired with executive function challenges. This isn’t about willpower it’s about how the brain processes stimulation and attention. The ADHD brain seeks novelty, so routine or “boring” tasks can feel like a wall you just can’t climb over.
Trauma especially childhood trauma can also impact executive functioning. When your nervous system is stuck in survival mode, your brain isn’t focused on planning or motivation. It’s focused on safety.
Many clients have both ADHD and trauma histories, which creates a compounded struggle. They may feel deep shame about not doing “simple” tasks, even though their brain is doing exactly what it was trained or wired to do.
You’re Not Broken You Need Support
In therapy, we work on both the emotional roots (like shame or trauma triggers) and the practical tools (like ADHD-friendly planning strategies). The goal isn’t to turn you into a productivity machine it’s to build self-trust and systems that work with your brain, not against it.
Some tools we might explore:
Breaking tasks into tiny, manageable steps
Externalizing executive function with visual planners
Somatic techniques to help regulate your nervous system
Compassionate accountability structures
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the Ottawa area and struggling with motivation, overwhelm, or ADHD symptoms, therapy can help you understand what’s really going on—and support you in moving forward with clarity and confidence.
Interested in therapy for ADHD or trauma in Ottawa?
I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to explore your patterns, understand your brain, and feel more in control of your life.