5 Tips on Writing Progress Notes as an ADHD Therapist
By Shannon Heers
Hello to all you ADHD therapists out there! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself staring at a blank progress note, wishing you had a magic wand to make it write itself. As an ADHD therapist, staying on top of clinical documentation can feel like climbing Mount Everest. But fear not! I’ve got some tips to help you conquer those progress notes with a bit more ease and a lot more humor.
Embrace the Chaos
First things first, let’s embrace the chaos. As ADHD therapists, we’re naturally a bit scattered. And that’s okay! Progress notes don’t have to be perfect; they just need to be done.
Tip 1: Set a Timer
Timers are your best friend. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and write without stopping. It’s called the Pomodoro Technique, and it works wonders for our ADHD brains.
- Why It Works: It creates a sense of urgency.
- How to Do It: Use your phone, an egg timer, or a fancy timer app. Whatever works for you.
Tip 2: Use a Template
Templates are lifesavers. They give you a structure to follow and save you from reinventing the wheel each time.
- Benefits: Consistency, faster completion, and less mental effort.
Where to Find Them: Look online for templates or create your own.
Speed Up Your Writing
Writing progress notes shouldn’t take hours. With a few tricks, you can speed up the process and get back to what you love doing: helping clients.
Tip 3: Create Shortcuts
Develop shortcuts for commonly used phrases and interventions. This will help you write notes faster and maintain consistency.
- Examples:
- “Client discussed feelings of anxiety related to work.”
- “Intervention: Practiced deep breathing exercises.”
- How to Use Them: Store these phrases in a document or use text expansion tools.
Tip 4: Write Immediately After Sessions
Don’t wait until the end of the day to write your notes. Take a few minutes right after each session to jot down key points while they’re fresh in your mind.
- Why It Helps: Reduces the chance of forgetting details and keeps the task manageable.
How to Do It: Allocate 3-5 minutes after each session to complete your note.
Stay Accountable
Staying accountable can be a game-changer. When you have ADHD, external motivation can help keep you on track.
Tip 5: Buddy Up
Find a “progress note buddy” – another therapist who also struggles with documentation. Hold each other accountable.
- How to Buddy Up: Schedule regular check-ins to see how each other is doing with notes.
- Benefits: Shared motivation, mutual support, and maybe even some friendly competition.
Make It Fun
Let’s face it, writing progress notes isn’t the most exciting task. But you can make it more enjoyable.
Inject Some Humor
Allow yourself to inject a bit of humor into your notes. It’ll make the process more fun and less of a chore.
- Why Humor Helps: Lightens the mood and makes the task less daunting.
- How to Do It: Add a funny observation or a light-hearted comment (as appropriate, of course).
Reward Yourself
Create a reward system. After completing a certain number of notes, treat yourself to something you enjoy.
- Reward Ideas: A nice coffee, a short walk, a favorite snack, or a quick browse on social media.
- Why Rewards Work: They give you something to look forward to and create positive reinforcement.
In conclusion, writing progress notes as an ADHD therapist doesn’t have to be a Herculean task. By embracing the chaos, breaking the task down, staying accountable, and making it fun, you can conquer your documentation duties with a smile (and maybe a laugh). Remember, progress notes are just that – progress. They don’t have to be perfect, just done.
How we can help
If you are seeking clinical consultation as an ADHD therapist to complete your documentation, organize your clinical thoughts, or implement practical strategies of concepts that you have learned, look no further. Firelight Supervision offers virtual clinical consultation, both individual consultation and group consultation, that can support your needs. Schedule a call today to find a best-fit clinical supervisor for you!
Author Bio
Shannon Heers is a psychotherapist, approved clinical supervisor, guest blogger, and the owner of a group psychotherapy practice in the Denver area. Shannon helps adults in professional careers manage anxiety, depression, work-life balance, and grief and loss. Follow Firelight Supervision on Instagram and Facebook.
