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Paul McKenna is a name many recognize as the world’s leading hypnotherapist, a bestselling author, and a familiar face on TV screens since the early 1990s. But beyond his public persona as a self-help guru, McKenna has been openly sharing something deeply personal — his experience with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD Is Real, and Paul McKenna Knows It Firsthand
As debates swirl about the rise in ADHD diagnoses — especially in places like London where prescriptions for ADHD medication have soared in recent years — some people still question whether ADHD really exists or if it’s just a product of our fast-paced, tech-saturated world.
For Paul McKenna, there’s no question. He lives with ADHD and says it’s very much a real condition. “ADHD definitely exists,” he told the Evening Standard. But he views it not as a disorder, but rather as an adaptation of the human species to modern life.
From Enfield to Kensington: The Journey of a Hypnotherapy Pioneer
Born in Enfield and now residing in Kensington, McKenna’s career spans decades. He burst onto the scene in the early '90s with The Hypnotic World of Paul McKenna and has since sold over 15 million self-help books worldwide, translated into 32 languages. His expertise covers everything from weight loss and addiction to anxiety and sleep difficulties — helping more than 100,000 patients along the way.
His ADHD, he says, has been a surprising asset in his work as a therapist. “It comes in really handy,” he explains. His quick-thinking mind can juggle multiple thoughts simultaneously, enabling him to track how clients create problems in their minds and “outthink” those problems in real time. The downside? Sometimes his brain races so fast that he can’t help but comment on movies and annoy his wife!
Understanding ADHD Beyond the Disorder Label
McKenna’s perspective is refreshing and nuanced. He acknowledges the complexity of ADHD and how it manifests differently in different people. For him, ADHD is an “umbrella name” that covers a variety of experiences. He also has dyslexia, which he says is clearly a disorder, but ADHD for him is more of a unique way his brain operates.
He points out how society has changed: growing up, there were just three TV channels, then four, and now an overwhelming number of digital stimuli compete for our attention. “To adapt to this massive stimulation, you have to split your attention multiple ways simultaneously and still function,” he says. His ADHD allows him to do just that.
Meditation Over Medication
Unlike many, McKenna doesn’t rely on medication to manage his ADHD. Instead, he uses meditation to calm his hyperactive mind. This choice highlights the importance of personalized approaches to managing ADHD — what works for one person may not work for another.
What’s Next? The Power Manifesting Tour and Beyond
Currently, McKenna is touring with his Power Manifesting Tour, sharing insights from his latest book, Power Manifesting – The New Science Of Getting What You Want. His events are not lectures but “dynamic coaching” sessions where he teaches attendees how to turn their desires into reality through strategic thinking rather than wishful hoping.
He loves meeting fans — often taking hundreds of selfies after his shows — and he notes that his audience spans all ages, attracted by the universal appeal of manifesting positive change.
Embracing Change and Inspiring Others
Although McKenna plans to do fewer live tours in the future, he remains focused on his hypnotherapy training organization, which he founded 35 years ago and which has recently “gone ballistic” in popularity.
He’s excited about the future of education, with his four-month online training program delivering interactive, high-quality learning to students worldwide.
Why Paul McKenna’s Story Matters
Paul McKenna’s openness about his ADHD challenges the stigma and misunderstandings that often surround the condition. By framing ADHD as an adaptation rather than a flaw, he inspires others to view their differences as strengths.
In a world filled with distractions and demands on our attention, McKenna’s story is a reminder that success and fulfillment are possible — even when your brain works differently. His journey encourages those with ADHD to embrace their unique minds, find what works best for them, and harness their potential in powerful ways.
If you relate to Paul McKenna’s story or suspect you might have ADHD, remember that personalized approaches and professional support can make a huge difference. Whether through therapy, mindfulness, or tailored routines, managing ADHD is about discovering what fits your life — just like Paul McKenna has done on his inspiring path.
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