Unstuck your stuck self: An Apptastic App Review

by Nikki Schwartz, MA, NCC

Anyone out there really, really like change?

What? No one.  Yeah me, neither.

Now just like most people with ADHD, I like novelty, creativity, and a change of pace, but I don't like change that makes me uncomfortable, change that is hard, change where I don't feel in control of the situation.  Here's where the Unstuck iPad App enters the picture. (Oh yeah, and it's free!)
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with this app, it's developers, or Apple.

All Images Courtesy of & Copyrighted by:
Unstuck.com (c) 2013 Unstuck, LLC

Bottom Line: Unstuck is a great free app that can help you through frustrating moments when you are plagued by doubt, indecision, anxiety, distraction or lack of information.  The user interface is brilliant, easy to use and the graphics are fun and well done.  Excellent app.  A must download. CONTINUE READING

How's an app gonna help me?

I guess that depends on the app.  I find a lot of times that I am avoiding a situation when I feel stuck, maybe I want to change a bad habit or I can't seem to figure out how to start a project.  I can get stuck because I'm overwhelmed or because I'm frustrated.  I've used the Unstuck app myself several times, and with clients as well, and it seems to take some of the anxiety out of sorting through an issue.

Here's an example of a "Stuck Moment" (fictitious, of course.)

After having you complete a few short exercises, the Unstuck app uses the information to create a snapshot of the situation.

Wafflers "bounce between decisions instead of making them -- and the longer we ricochet, the more nervous we get about making a choice"

And your fortune says...

While it might seem like fortune telling, Unstuck is pretty accurate at "diagnosing" the source of your "stuck".  Based on the type of "stuck" you're having, Unstuck offers several in-app tools to help you gain perspective.  As well as links to other videos, stories, and other media customized for your situation.

Unstuck helps with...

Unstuck is extremely helpful for those with ADHD, it helps focus your thoughts, ideas and feelings into a cohesive, visual summary.  I also suggest using for:

• Deciding where to go to college
• Picking a major
• Making career changes and decisions
• Choosing a topic for a project or a paper
• Planning a large or an overwhelming project
• Sorting out marital or relationship issues
• Managing conflict with coworkers
• Trying to lose weight, quit smoking, etc.
• Seeking an answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything (oh wait, we already know the answer to that... it's 42.) 

You'll love the price tag.

This is what blew me away as a therapist, this app is free .  Yeah, I pay a lot for tools like this in kits or assessments.  This could put me out of a job.  Well, not really... 

Is it as good as going to a therapist? Almost.

I think the reason that this app works so well is it gives you the feeling of finally being understood, even though the "other" understanding us is an iPad.  Still, we feel better when someone can empathize and put into words how we are feeling.

Unstuck gives you a feeling of  finally being understood.

I think Unstuck is a great option to use in between sessions with a good counselor, but I don't think it will replace a good relationship with someone who can understand you here-and-now, walking with you through the tough things.

Let me know if you try it out.

Or if you know of any other great apps like it.  I love to check out useful apps for clients with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, and Asperger's. (I only work with diagnoses that start with "A"... Just kidding, I'll take letters A through D, as well. ;)  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of Unstuck.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients. 

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