What body doubling is
Body doubling means doing a task with another person present. For many ADHD brains, another person in the room makes it much easier to start and keep going. People use friends, coworkers, video rooms and livestreams for it.
Sometimes the fastest way through is together.
For the email you have avoided for three weeks, the form you cannot start, or the application that keeps getting pushed to tomorrow.
Why it is therapeutic here
When it is appropriate, we use part of a session to work on the stuck task together by video. While you do it, we pay attention to what comes up: the dread, the perfectionism, the urge to check your phone, the voice that says you should have done this already. That gives us real material to work with, and you leave with the thing done.
I use it when it is clinically useful, not as a replacement for therapy.
Common uses
- Insurance, benefits and medical paperwork
- Emails and messages you have been avoiding
- Job and school applications
- Breaking down a large project so it can start
Cost
Body doubling takes place within a regular session. Sessions are $180 for 60 minutes after a $200 initial assessment. I am in network with Anthem, Aetna and United through Alma, and provide superbills for other plans. See all fees.
Questions
Is body doubling evidence-based?
Research is still early, but it is widely used by ADHD clinicians and many adults find it helps.
Can we do a whole session of it?
Usually we combine it with therapeutic work, so you get both the task and insight into what was stopping you.
Does it work by video?
Yes. Most body doubling now happens online.