Experimental Framework • Seeking Pilot Therapists

Adaptable Discipline
for Therapists

A newly developed supplemental framework for improving comeback speed in clients with ADHD, executive dysfunction, and recurrent habit drift.

Download Free Guide (PDF) Therapist FAQ

What is Adaptable Discipline?

A non-punitive, systems-based approach proposing to help clients return faster to meaningful habits after inevitable drift.

Important — Experimental Framework: This is a newly developed framework, not yet validated through clinical trials. It is NOT a standalone treatment. Adaptable Discipline is a supplemental framework designed to integrate alongside evidence-based therapeutic approaches. The author is not a licensed therapist. We are actively seeking licensed practitioners to pilot this framework and provide feedback. All use is at the professional discretion of licensed practitioners.
🎯

Primary Fit

Adults with ADHD, executive dysfunction, burnout, or recurrent habit drift with restart latencies >1 week. Best for clients with intact reality testing, moderate motivation, and willingness to experiment.

⚡

Core Metric

Comeback Speed: Time from drift onset to re-engagement. This replaces streak-based tracking with recovery-focused measurement that reduces shame and increases adaptability.

🧩

Four Pillars

Built on Mindset (self-compassion, adaptability), Purpose (Why Stack), Tools (friction-reducing utilities + reflective reframes), and Metrics (comeback speed + optional supports).

How Therapists Use This Framework

  • Assess fit: Screen for contraindications (acute suicidality, active psychosis, severe MDD with marked anergia, active eating disorders)
  • Establish baseline: Measure current comeback speed for 1-2 meaningful routines
  • Map purpose: Use the Why Stack to anchor habits in client values (Goal → Motivation → Core Why)
  • Design entry points: Create minimum viable versions of habits aligned with client's wiring (sensory needs, executive function style, energy patterns)
  • Track non-punitively: Weekly comeback speed + 1-2 optional metrics (effort, shame/aversion, "overrode excuse" tally)
  • Review & adjust: Treat drift as data, refine systems to reduce friction and emotional load

Potential Clinical Applications

This framework is designed to address these common therapeutic challenges

ADHD / Executive Dysfunction

May help reduce shame around "failed systems" by focusing on comeback speed instead of perfection. Tools could be designed for time blindness, transitions, and sensory load.

Depression Recovery

Could support gentle re-entry to self-care routines. Pre-staged tools (hygiene kits) may lower initiation barriers during low-energy states.

Burnout & Caregiving

Designed for systems that scale back without collapsing. Purpose Pillar aims to keep personal goals connected to values even during crises.

Addiction Recovery

May support rapid re-engagement with support routines (meetings, journaling). Aims to reframe missed actions as recoverable, not total relapse.

Hoarding Disorder

Could employ micro-wins lens for decluttering. Proposes tracking comeback speed between actions to reduce shame-driven avoidance.

Rehab / Physical Recovery

Intended to help maintain continuity of home exercises during setbacks. Aims to prevent functional decline through quick re-entry focus.

Safety & Clinical Boundaries

Defer or Modify in Presence Of:
  • Acute suicidality or active self-harm risk
  • Active mania or psychosis
  • Severe substance use disorder without concurrent treatment
  • Severe MDD with marked anergia/psychomotor retardation
  • Active eating disorder (structured protocols could entrench rigidity)
  • OCD where "rapid return" could reinforce compulsions
  • Complex trauma without adequate stabilization
  • Unsafe environments or unmet basic needs
Use With Caution:
  • High perfectionism/shame: Emphasize non-punitive language, micro-steps, longer on-ramps
  • Chronic pain/illness: Coordinate pacing with medical providers
  • Autism/ADHD: Adjust sensory load, transitions, cueing; allow extended warm-ups
  • Subclinical OCD traits: Ensure targets are value-based, not ritualized
Required Preconditions:
  • Informed consent that this is an experimental adjunct to therapy
  • Safety plan and clear stop rules if distress/functioning declines
  • Metrics are for feedback, not judgment (discontinue if they increase distress)
  • Collaborative stance (client co-designs systems, not imposed)

📥 Download the Complete Therapist Guide

23-page PDF including: Quick Start Checklist, Four Pillars breakdown, Clinical Application Guide, Safety Protocols, 6 Proposed Client Profiles, and implementation tools.

Seeking Pilot Therapists: If you're interested in piloting this framework with 2-3 clients and providing feedback, we'd love to hear from you. Your clinical insights will help refine this approach.

Therapist FAQ

Is this evidence-based?
No. Adaptable Discipline is a practice innovation framework drawing on principles from ACT (values-based action), CBT (behavioral activation), and habit science (implementation intentions, identity-based habits). It is designed as a supplemental adjunct to evidence-based care, not a replacement. Licensed therapists use it at their own professional discretion, integrated within their modality and ethical guidelines.
Can I use this without malpractice risk?
Yes, if integrated responsibly within your scope of practice. This framework does not claim to treat specific disorders. It provides a structured approach to habit re-engagement that therapists can adapt. Always obtain informed consent that this is an experimental adjunct, screen for contraindications, and discontinue if client functioning declines. Document your clinical rationale as you would with any supplemental intervention.
What if a client gets worse?
Stop immediately. Establish clear stop rules before beginning: if symptoms worsen, distress spikes, or functioning declines, pause the framework and address underlying factors per standard of care. If metrics increase shame, anxiety, or avoidance, discontinue tracking. The guide includes detailed safety protocols and modification strategies.
How is this different from standard behavioral activation?
Behavioral activation focuses on increasing activity to improve mood. Adaptable Discipline focuses on reducing latency between drift and return (comeback speed), regardless of mood state. It emphasizes system design (aligning tools with client's wiring) and non-punitive tracking (metrics as feedback, not judgment). It's neurodivergent-first by design, built specifically for ADHD and executive dysfunction from the ground up.
Can I share this with my clients directly?
Yes. The main Adaptable Discipline framework guides are freely available and designed for self-directed use. The therapist guide provides clinical context, contraindications, and implementation strategies for professional use. You can share the public guides with clients and use the therapist guide to inform your clinical decisions.
How do I get support or provide feedback?
This is an open-source clinical framework. We're actively seeking feedback from licensed practitioners. Email camilo@epicureandigital.com or join the discussion in the Self Disciplined community. If you pilot this framework, we'd love to hear about your experience (anonymized case feedback is especially valuable).

Ready to Explore This Framework?

Download the free therapist guide, explore the full framework documentation, or reach out with questions.

Download Guide View Framework Guides