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Martina Bauer, PhD, is a 2025 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision at Antioch University, Seattle.

Dissertation Committee:

Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Committee Chair

Amanda Falkers, EdD, Committee Member

Najla Hrustanovic, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

grief, bereavement, ADHD, dual-process model of coping with bereavement, qualitative

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological descriptive-interpretive study was to understand the lived experience of maintaining attention to one’s responsibilities while grieving among adults diagnosed with ADHD who have recently experienced bereavement in the United States. The population for this study included adults aged 18 and over who had experienced the loss of a loved one in the past 5 years and had a current diagnosis of ADHD. Participants were recruited using a sample of convenience via social media, email, and flyers, employing a snowball sampling technique. There were eight participants who met the inclusion criteria and participated in a semi-structured interview. A thematic analysis revealed six themes: (1) The Impact of Grief on Routine and Attention, (2) Areas of Responsibility, (3) Emotional Reactions Related to Grief, (4) Avoidance, Dissociation, and Distraction, (5) The Role of Social Support, and (6) Strategies for Managing Grief and ADHD. Recommendations for future research are included, along with guidance for counselors, supervisors, and counselor educators to better support clients, supervisees, and students in navigating these challenges. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Comments

Martina Bauer, PhD, 2025

ORCID Scholar No. 0009-0004-9166-2970

Dr. Martina Bauer, PhD, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an approved Clinical Supervisor, and Counselor Educator based in Washington State. She earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University and her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She also holds certificates in Emotional Freedom Techniques and Transcultural Counseling. In addition to her role as adjunct faculty at Antioch University, Martina currently provides virtual counseling services to adult clients through her independent private practice. As a professional counselor, Martina specializes in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma-related challenges. Martina’s research explores the interaction between grief and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. As a Counselor Educator, Martina encourages reflexivity and critical thinking by creating opportunities for experiential learning and meaningful application of academic knowledge to prepare students to engage, ethically, skillfully, and compassionately with diverse communities.

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