Feeling Misunderstood by Authority? Find Community at Unmasked: Women’s ADHD Therapy Group
By Savannah Wilson, LMFT | SW Holistic Therapy
Key Takeaways:
ADHD and authority issues are often rooted in early experiences
Many neurodivergent adults developed sensitivities to authority after years of being misunderstood, controlled, or shamed in childhood settings where their ADHD needs weren’t supported.Reactions to authority aren’t defiance—they’re communication
That internal resistance to being told what to do often signals a deep need for autonomy, respect, and being seen as an equal—not a problem.Group therapy helps reframe authority and build connection
In a neuroaffirming space like Unmasked, participants experience collaboration instead of hierarchy, allowing them to heal from past authority-related wounds in a safe, supportive environment.Shared experience dissolves shame
Hearing others describe the same struggles—like shutting down when micromanaged or feeling triggered by feedback—creates relief, validation, and a sense of belonging.Sensitivity to authority can evolve into inner leadership
What’s often seen as “difficulty with authority” is actually a sign of values like fairness, self-direction, and discernment—traits that can become powerful leadership strengths when supported.
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Many women and AFAB adults with ADHD carry deep sensitivities around authority—not because we’re defiant, but because we’ve spent years feeling unseen or controlled. In this post, I explore where those reactions come from, how they show up in daily life, and why group therapy can offer the safety, connection, and community we’ve long needed.
Many people with ADHD share a complicated relationship with authority — not because we’re “defiant” or “difficult,” but because our nervous systems, lived experiences, and values around autonomy are simply wired differently. I’m Savannah Wilson, LMFT, and as both a neurodivergent therapist and human, I know this experience well.
Across my work with women/AFAB and non-binary adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, I often hear about that internal spark that flares when someone says “you need to…” or “you should…” Whether it’s a boss, partner, or even a loved one offering feedback, that reaction isn’t rebellion — it’s communication. It’s your body saying, “I need to feel respected, understood, and in choice.”
Find Community at Unmasked: Women’s ADHD Therapy Group
Where These Patterns Authority Begin
For many of us, the sensitivity to authority traces back to childhood. Long before we understood our neurotype, we were told to sit still, pay attention, stop fidgeting. Those demands didn’t match how our brains worked — and when we couldn’t comply, we were often disciplined or shamed. Over time, those repeated moments of misunderstanding left an imprint.
By adolescence, many neurodivergent folks develop a deep sense of independence and a drive to reclaim self-direction. It’s not defiance — it’s protection. After years of feeling monitored or misunderstood, we learn that safety comes through autonomy.
When an authority figure gives direction: What’s Really Happening Inside
When an authority figure gives direction, it can activate more than just the moment — it can echo old experiences of being controlled or unseen. The emotional charge that rises up isn’t “overreaction”; it’s our nervous system remembering.
For some, this connects with Rejection Sensitivity — that sharp sting when feedback feels personal or critical. For others, it’s about autonomy needs — the inner signal that choice and freedom matter deeply. When our agency feels threatened, our bodies respond quickly: tightening, bracing, defending.
These responses aren’t flaws. They’re protective patterns rooted in survival, shaped by years of navigating systems that weren’t built with our brains in mind.
Unmasked: A Group for Women/Non-binary/AFAB Adults with ADHD
I created Unmasked: A Women’s ADHD Therapy Group to be that kind of space — a place where you can drop the “good girl” mask, stim freely, doodle, move, and speak your truth. It’s a space of curiosity, not correction.
Together, we explore how early experiences with authority shaped our sense of safety and self-trust. We practice boundaries, self-advocacy, and compassionate communication — skills that don’t erase our sensitivity, but honor it as wisdom.
Members often share that they begin to respond differently at work or in relationships — less from fear, more from clarity. The energy that once went into defense starts flowing into self-leadership.
Reframing the Authority Narrative
What used to feel like “authority issues” is often a sign of inner authority awakening — the part of you that values fairness, authenticity, and mutual respect. These traits can evolve into strengths like discernment, creativity, and leadership.
Healing doesn’t mean silencing your reactions; it means understanding their roots and reclaiming the power they hold. When you meet that part of yourself with compassion and community, transformation happens naturally.
You Deserve Respect, Autonomy, and Belonging
If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone — and you don’t need to “fix” yourself to fit systems that weren’t made for you. Spaces that honor neurodivergent ways of being can help you reconnect to your voice, body, and sense of choice.
Whether through Unmasked or another affirming group, my hope is that you find a circle where your independence and sensitivity are celebrated — not shamed.
Because what’s often labeled “defiance” is simply a deep longing to be met as an equal. And that is not a problem to solve — it’s a truth to honor.
Who Should Join My Unmasked Women’s ADHD Groups?
You were diagnosed with ADHD as an adult
You often feel misunderstood, scattered, or emotionally overwhelmed
You’ve struggled with burnout, people-pleasing, or the pressure to “hold it all together”
You long for a space that’s structured but still soulful, supportive but never clinical
Whether you’re in individual therapy or just starting to explore your ADHD journey, you’re welcome here.
How to Join my Women’s ADHD Therapy Group?
Spots are limited to ensure intimacy and connection.
To register or ask questions, reach out via email: savannah@swholistictherapy.com or complete the sign up form for a quicker response.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Come find your rhythm, your voice, and your people. Let’s unmask, together.
Unmasked Women’s ADHD Group Details:
Group Name: Unmasked: A Women’s ADHD Therapy Group
Duration: 8 weeks (closed group)
Location: Online via Zoom
Session Length: 75 minutes
Facilitator: Savannah Wilson, LMFT (neurodivergent therapist)
Schedule a Free Consult.
Have basic questions fill out this form and I will get back to you within 1-2 business days.
I cannot address therapeutic, confidential questions via email. If you would like to ask more about the therapeutic services I provide and potentially work with me in private practice, please schedule a free 20min phone consultation using the button at the bottom of this page!
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Yes, absolutely. Many people come into group therapy unsure or undiagnosed — and that’s okay. If you relate to the experiences we talk about and feel drawn to this kind of support, you’re welcome here.
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Nope. There’s no pressure to speak. You can share when you’re ready, or just listen and be present. Journaling, typing in the chat, or simply showing up are all valid ways to participate.
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We meet weekly online for 75 minutes and explore themes like autonomy, feedback, and emotional sensitivity. It’s not clinical — it’s a supportive space where we talk, reflect, and grow together without pressure to perform.
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Not at all. You’re in charge of what you share. Some people open up right away, others ease in slowly. Listening and observing are just as meaningful here as speaking.
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Yes, and sometimes more so. Group therapy offers real connection and shared experience. Hearing others’ stories helps ease shame and reminds you you’re not alone — and that’s incredibly powerful.
Further Reading + Resources
These sources offer insight into ADHD, emotional regulation, and community-based healing through a neuroaffirming lens:
CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD): — Research, education, and advocacy for ADHD across the lifespan.
Dodson, W. (2019). Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and ADHD. — Clinical overview of emotional regulation patterns common in ADHD.
Rosier, T. (2021). Your Brain’s Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD. Revell Publishing.
Yalom, I. & Leszcz, M. (2020). The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy. Basic Books.
How to ADHD (Jessica McCabe, YouTube Channel): Community-driven education on neurodivergent experiences.
Sari Solden, M.S. (2012). Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life.
Dr. Devon Price (2022).Unmasking Autism. — Insight into masking, autonomy, and authenticity within neurodivergent communities.
