Building a Life That Works with ADHD – Exclusive Interview with Justin Gillespie
- Brainz Magazine
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Justin Gillespie, LMSW-Clinical and ADHD-CCSP, is a licensed clinical social worker, author, and viral content creator known for his work on ADHD, neurodivergence, and overthinking as the founder and CEO of Superior Center, a Michigan-based therapy practice. Justin and his team specialize in supporting individuals with ADHD across the lifespan through evidence-based and practical approaches that go beyond traditional therapy. His mission is to help clients and audiences everywhere learn how to think less, live more, and embrace their authentic selves without shame or guilt.
Justin Gillespie, Therapist, Business, & Career Coach
What inspired you to launch Superior Center and specialize in ADHD and executive-functioning support?
Superior Center was born out of a conversation I had in 2019 with another healthcare provider I worked alongside – someone who also had ADHD. We were noticing that specialty practices and agencies were popping up everywhere, but ADHD was consistently missing from the conversation. It was often treated as an add-on, not a focus. That moment stuck with me. Even before the pandemic, it became a personal and professional goal of mine to create a space specifically for people with ADHD – a place where they could thrive, build fulfilling careers, strengthen their families, and create businesses and lives that actually work for their brains.
How do you differentiate Superior Center from other ADHD assessment and therapy providers?
I consider Superior Center a pioneer in Michigan when it comes to ADHD-focused care. From the very beginning, ADHD was not an afterthought or something we added later to cast a wider net. We knew exactly who we wanted to serve and built the practice intentionally around that population. Our goal has always been to provide high-quality, specialized care for people with ADHD rather than trying to be everything for everyone.
What is the most common myth about ADHD you encounter, and how do you help clients overcome it?
The biggest myth I encounter is that ADHD is a motivation or discipline problem – and it’s not. Another common misconception is that people with ADHD need to learn how to multitask better. When you actually look at the neuroscience, multitasking doesn’t really exist. What’s happening is rapid task-switching, and that constant switching often overstimulates ADHD brains and reduces productivity. We help clients understand that focusing on one thing at a time is often far more effective. If someone is switching tasks, it should be intentional and supportive – not mistaken for productivity.
For someone who suspects they have ADHD but hasn’t been assessed, what is your first recommendation?
I encourage people to first ask themselves what the ADHD label actually means to them. For some, a diagnosis provides clarity, validation, and a roadmap for support. For others, the label itself isn’t as important because they already know what they struggle with. Before pursuing an assessment, it can be helpful to reflect on how ADHD is impacting your life and what kind of support you’re actually looking for – whether that’s therapy, coaching, lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of those.
How do you tailor your therapy or coaching approach for different ages and life stages?
With adults, much of the work centers on accepting their ADHD identity and unpacking years of internalized shame. For kids, the work is more lighthearted and skills-based – focusing on emotional regulation, executive functioning, and providing support to the family system. The approach shifts depending on developmental stage, but the goal is always the same: helping people function better in their real lives.
Can you describe the process and benefits of your ADHD assessment and what clients walk away with?
Our ADHD assessments are comprehensive, but they’re also human and ADHD-friendly. They’re designed to be simple, efficient, and respectful of how ADHD brains work. We don’t just look at scores – we look at the person’s story. Clients walk away with clear answers, a detailed explanation of how ADHD shows up for them (or confirmation if it’s being ruled out), and realistic, actionable recommendations.
It’s never just “here’s a diagnosis, good luck.”
What role does medication play in your practice?
Medication plays an important role in our practice. We have a prescriber on our team and maintain strong relationships with other prescribing providers in the community. Medication is often an essential piece of the puzzle, but we view it as part of a broader, integrated approach that includes therapy, skill-building, and lifestyle support.
How does Superior Center help clients who are overwhelmed but want to turn their ADHD into a strength?
I don’t focus on turning ADHD itself into a strength. Everyone already has strengths. Some people view ADHD as a gift, while others experience it as deeply challenging – and both perspectives are valid. For me personally, ADHD isn’t something I label as positive or negative; it’s simply something I have. The real work is helping clients identify and lean into the strengths they already possess, many of which were developed because they learned how to adapt to their ADHD, not because of it.
What measurable outcomes or changes do you aim for when working with clients at Superior Center?
We look for increased follow-through, reduced overwhelm, improved emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of self-trust. Success isn’t perfection – it’s consistency, clarity, and confidence. When clients stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking, “What works for me?” we know the work is effective.
How do you make it easy and accessible for someone to work with you?
We prioritize accessibility by offering both in-person and telehealth sessions, accepting multiple insurance plans, and keeping our onboarding process straightforward. Everything can be done online, and we make getting started as simple as possible. Anyone who completes a consultation with me receives my direct number, and I make it a priority that clients can access leadership. I believe it’s important for people with ADHD to know they can reach the humans behind the practice.
If someone reading this interview is ready to take action now, what should they do today?
They should visit my website and explore the options available. We have a strong team of therapists who can help, and even when we refer out, we’re committed to getting people connected with the support they need – whether that’s with another provider or us.
Read more from Justin Gillespie
