Pam McCollum, LCSW
About Me
I’ve been described as a person immersed in the world of ADHD, with good cause. I’m someone who has 5 generations of people with ADHD in my family, from my grandfather to my grandson. In my immediate family, both of my parents and both of my brothers had ADHD. I was the only one without ADHD, and for years I thought that I was the outlier. My brother was diagnosed in 1964 at age 6, so identification was never an issue. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know or understand the challenges that people with ADHD face. I’ve interacted with family members, diagnosed or not, medicated or not, and even self-medicating.
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To continue my immersion, I married into a family with ADHD. Everyone with a whole different subset of symptoms, abilities, and challenges. Another learning opportunity and skill building experience for me.
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I’ve worked for more than 25 years as a therapist in community mental health and inpatient psychiatric hospital social work. Professionally in my practice I kept running into clients with ADHD issues. I knew that my therapeutic interventions were necessary, and usually helpful, but I saw a need for something more. I thought long and hard before making the change to coaching but it really fits where I am as far as interests, skills and experience.
More About Me
I have not included my picture until now because ageism is like ableism or reactions to neurodiversity, people are seen differently. This is generally an unconscious process. We all want our skills, experiences and strengths to be considered without negative perceptions. I didn’t want my age to color your decision.
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I live in Salem, Oregon which is the rainy Pacific Northwest of the USA.
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Summer kayaking is my go-to for relaxation. I’ve been meeting my goal of at least once a week all summer long for the last couple of years.
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I have a whole yard but for some reason I’m only successful at growing flowers in pots on my porch.
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I find joy in working with people as a change agent.
