Description:
LGBTQ+ individuals face compounded vulnerabilities that place them at significantly elevated risk for both undiagnosed ADHD and intimate partner violence. Transgender adults show ADHD prevalence nearly six times higher than the general population, bisexual women experience intimate partner violence at 61%, and transgender and non-binary people report lifetime IPV experiences at 54%. Yet the clinical tools available to screen for these experiences were not designed with LGBTQ+ patients in mind. When ADHD goes unrecognized and abuse goes unnamed, clinicians are working with an incomplete picture.
This workshop examines the intersection of ADHD, toxic relationships, and LGBTQ+ identity through both a clinical and equity lens. Drawing on current research, participants will explore how specific ADHD qualities, including rejection sensitivity dysphoria, hyperfocus, people-pleasing, and executive functioning challenges, are amplified by the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ patients, creating distinct pathways into and barriers to leaving harmful relationships.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
Discuss the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms by which ADHD increases vulnerability to intimate partner violence and apply this framework to recognize relationship vulnerability patterns in ADHD clients.
About the Presenter:
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Kate Mageau (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider based in Seattle, Washington. She specializes in the intersection of ADHD and intimate partner violence, maintaining a private therapy practice serving neurodivergent, queer, and domestic violence survivor populations. She is the author of two books on toxic relationships: Rose-Colored Glasses and The Healing from Toxic Relationships Workbook. Kate has appeared on approximately 20 podcasts as a subject matter expert on ADHD and toxic relationships, and has developed and delivered continuing education trainings for clinicians on supporting clients healing from toxic and abusive relationships.
Kate Mageau’s expertise in this subject area is grounded in a uniquely integrated combination of clinical training, certification, lived experience, and direct advocacy work. As a late-diagnosed ADHDer and domestic violence survivor herself, she first encountered the DV field as a participant at New Beginnings, a domestic violence agency in Seattle, where she later returned to facilitate survivor support groups. Her ADHD-CCSP certification reflects specialized postgraduate training in ADHD clinical services, and her clinical practice is focused specifically on the population addressed in this training. Her clinical practice, published work, and advocacy have centered this intersection for over a decade.
Registration closes December 10th, 2026
This course is approved for 1 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all associate-level licensees in Washington State
Washington Mental Health Association (WMHCA) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2079. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
WMHCA Cancellation Policy
To receive a refund, less a $15 cancellation fee, cancellations must be made by contacting WMHCA at least 48 hours prior to workshop date. There will be no refunds within 48 hours of the workshop date. Please make sure you have the link 24 hours prior to the event starting.
