Welcome to ADHD Achieve

My name is Olivia Belam, and I am a qualified Mental Health Social Worker accredited by Social Work England, based in Essex, East London.I hold a degree in Politics, Sociology, and Philosophy, a postgraduate qualification in Health Promotion, a Master’s degree in Social Work, and a diploma in Mindfulness and Life Coaching.

I have extensive experience supporting individuals with severe and enduring mental health conditions across a range of complex settings, including the criminal justice system, forensic inpatient services, and community mental health care. Within my current NHS forensic role, I specialise in assessing risk in individuals with complex mental health presentations, including those who may present risks relating to public figures or protected locations.

Alongside my clinical and forensic experience, I bring valuable insight from working within high-performance corporate environments. Earlier in my career, I worked within investment banking in Canary Wharf, including roles at Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank. This experience allows me to understand first-hand the pressures, expectations and performance demands placed upon professionals within financial and corporate sectors. My professional background also includes working closely with the criminal justice system, including collaboration with police services, police custody, probation, legal professionals and court settings. I have previously served as a Special Constable.

The creation of ADHD Achieve Ltd was inspired by both my professional practice and personal experience. Through my work, I have witnessed the significant impact ADHD can have on individuals’ confidence, relationships, education, employment and mental wellbeing. ADHD is frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed and often associated with stigma, which can lead to long-term difficulties and feelings of shame. I am also personally connected to neurodiversity, with ADHD and dyslexia present within my own family.

I am committed to providing professional, compassionate and evidence-based support that empowers individuals with ADHD to overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve their full potential both personally and professionally.

My Approach

My approach is both professional and relaxed, creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. I believe in building therapeutic relationships that are non-judgmental, compassionate, and collaborative.

I draw on a variety of evidence-based models, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), ADHD behavioural interventions and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). This allows me to tailor therapy to each individual’s unique needs and goals.

With extensive experience in the NHS, I have supported people living with a wide range of complex mental health challenges, including severe depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, mood disorders, self-harm, and substance misuse.

I also have over 4,000 clinical hours working with individuals with ADHD, helping them better understand themselves, build effective coping strategies, and thrive in their daily lives.