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From Reactivity to Regulation in ADHD Families

Michelle Puster

Description

In this thoughtful LiveTalk, Michelle explores what happens in ADHD families when both parent and child become overwhelmed in emotionally charged moments. Drawing from her experience as a professional counselor, family therapist, and mother of a neurodivergent child, she offers compassionate insight into how nervous systems interact during stress and why reactivity can happen so quickly.

Michelle helps parents understand the underlying dynamics of ADHD, including challenges with executive functioning and emotional regulation. Using simple frameworks like Daniel Siegel’s hand model of the brain, she explains why children sometimes “flip their lid” and how a parent’s calm presence plays a key role in helping them return to regulation.

Throughout the session, Michelle shares practical tools and reflective exercises designed to help parents move from reaction to understanding. Participants will explore:

  • Understanding ADHD and Emotional Regulation: How executive functioning challenges affect children’s behavior and responses during stressful moments.
  • Breaking Reactive Cycles: Recognizing common parent–child interaction patterns and learning how to interrupt them with awareness and intention.
  • Supporting Co-Regulation: Practical strategies that help both parent and child return to calm when emotions run high.

This conversation offers parents a compassionate and practical path toward more regulated, connected family moments—helping both adults and children feel understood, supported, and less alone.

Featuring

Michelle Puster Headshot

Michelle Puster, M.Ed., LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Emotionally Focused Family Therapist Supervisor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional based in Katy, Texas. Drawing from over a decade of experience in mental health counseling and her work as a trauma-informed clinician, Michelle specializes in helping individuals and families break unhelpful patterns and build deeper, more connected relationships.

As a mom of three, including a neurodivergent kiddo, Michelle’s own parenting journey has deeply informed her work. She knows firsthand the challenges of responding to big emotions, setting limits compassionately, and managing overwhelm — and how easy it is for well-intentioned parents to fall into cycles of frustration and self-judgment. Through her personal growth and clinical lens, she emphasizes that regulation, connection, and self-compassion are essential skills in parenting, not just ideals.

As founder of Compassionate Heart Mindful Life, Michelle uses evidence-based methods grounded in attachment theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, mindfulness-informed practice, and trauma awareness to support parents in navigating relational and emotional challenges. Her approach is rooted in helping caregivers understand the underlying neurobiology of stress and behavior, interrupt negative cycles, and cultivate calm and connection in everyday moments.

Michelle blends lived experience with research-informed strategies to empower parents to approach difficult moments with confidence, compassion, and resilience.

Lucie-Tamasova-SQ2-461x461

Lucie Brixí Tamášová is first of all a mother of three (+two) children. She has made a significant impact through her NGO, Centrum Dialog, which provides education to underprivileged children in Kenya and Guinea. She is also the owner of Montessorihracky.cz, a shop specializing in Montessori materials and didactical toys. Lucie’s passion for empowering children extends beyond her NGO work; she is the founder of the Childhood Potential Conference and Montessori Parenting courses. As a fervent Montessori enthusiast, Lucie is committed to connecting people and ensuring the Montessori message reaches a global audience by bringing the best speakers to her events. Her work reflects a profound dedication to creating a brighter future for children across the globe.

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