A midlife career pivot led to a late ADHD diagnosis for Master of Guidance and Counselling alumna Ms Lim Li Hsien. Today, Li Hsien is a psychotherapist who runs a private psychotherapy practice supporting individuals who, like she once did, are grappling with the challenges of ADHD later in life.

Originally trained in law, Li Hsien ventured into the business world, first in an IT start-up and later in a retail chain. But in 2015, after her youngest child graduated from pre-school, she decided it was time for a new (and possibly last) career pivot – one that would allow her to draw on her rich life experiences while providing her with the flexibility to care for her young family and ageing parents.

“I was looking for a career that would give me more control over my work-life balance, and something I could take along with me for the rest of my life,” she says.

Li Hsien shares that the Master of Guidance and Counselling (MGC) at James Cook university was “the perfect fit”, highlighting the bridging diploma and the focus on career counselling. The course structure also worked well for her, with the intensive weekends and online projects that seemed to be the right blend for a busy mum and daughter. Li Hsien did well and got into the Dean’s List three times!


Self-discovery, a turning point

Along the way, Li Hsien made a discovery which would later influence her approach to therapy.

“Through my own studies and interactions with the professional community, I discovered my late diagnosis of ADHD,” she shares.

“This realisation has shaped my therapeutic focus, and my lived experiences have inspired me to reach out to help other adults living with ADHD who are struggling to understand its impact on their lives and work. This has been a profound shift in the way I understand the world, and how I accept myself within it.”

This newfound understanding has empowered Li Hsien to connect with her clients.

“Today, I work with adults in their 20s to 40s, who have struggled with some executive functioning challenges, and may also have recently received a diagnosis of ADHD or autism,” she says.

“There’s nothing quite like seeing that “aha” moment when it hits your client, because you know exactly the right words or analogy to use – I always feel very grateful that I have had eclectic work experiences to help me connect with my clients,” she adds.

Life at JCU

Studying at JCU provided Li Hsien with an academic foundation and invaluable skills in psychology and counselling. The rigorous learning environment taught her to critically assess various therapeutic approaches, allowing her to adapt them thoughtfully rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution for every client.

She values how her studies at JCU expanded her understanding of cultural dynamics, which she now integrates into her practice. The university's research-focused approach has helped her stay updated on the latest trends and methodologies in therapy.

“I also appreciated that having a campus meant that I met my classmates face to face, and we interacted, shared information, gave support during our studies. It’s always a pleasure to meet old friends at professional conferences, to be able to refer a case on to a classmate you know personally, that would be the right fit for the client,” she adds.

More to discover

Li-Hsien shares that the inner work she did became the foundation of how she works today.

“We know more than we think we know – if we make the continual effort to make sense of it,” she shares.

Going forward, she hopes to continue to make a difference with the same verve.

“Through my work with adults dealing with ADHD and cultural identity issues, I aim to create a safe space for individuals to explore their challenges and successes. By addressing these topics, I hope to resonate with and empower my clients, fostering a sense of community and understanding.”

Well done, Li Hsien! We’re glad to have played a part in your path to self-discovery and look forward to seeing you go on to help others discover their paths.

Published in 2025