Michaela-Katie Gilhooley, a passionate and dedicated psychotherapist, specializes in working with children, youth, and their families. With a robust background in various therapeutic techniques and a unique focus on Animal-Assisted Therapy, Michaela provides a compassionate and client-centered approach to addressing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This article delves into Michaela’s expertise in managing ADHD through Animal-Assisted Therapy, showcasing her methods and dedication to improving the lives of her young clients.
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children’s ability to focus, control impulses, and manage their behavior. Michaela understands that ADHD can significantly impact a child’s daily life, academic performance, and family dynamics. Her holistic approach recognizes the importance of addressing the individual needs of each child while providing support to their families.
Michaela’s sessions are designed to create a safe and comfortable environment where children feel valued and understood. Her use of Animal-Assisted Therapy introduces a unique and effective element to her practice. This method leverages the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals to help children manage their ADHD symptoms.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) involves the use of animals as part of the therapeutic process. Animals can provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and improve social interactions. Michaela integrates AAT into her sessions to help children with ADHD develop better focus, emotional regulation, and social skills. The use of animals also helps to boost children’s sense of self-efficacy, leading to higher levels of confidence.
Building a Therapeutic Bond: Michaela begins by fostering a strong therapeutic relationship between the child and the animal. This bond can help the child feel more at ease and open to the therapeutic process. For instance, interacting with a therapy dog can provide a sense of calm and stability, which is crucial for children with ADHD who may struggle with impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Enhancing Focus and Attention: The presence of an animal can help children with ADHD improve their attention span. Michaela uses structured activities that involve the therapy animal to engage the child in tasks that require concentration and follow-through. For example, grooming the therapy dog or guiding it through simple commands can help the child practice sustained attention and task completion.
Developing Social Skills: Animals can act as social facilitators, helping children with ADHD practice social interactions in a non-judgmental environment. Michaela incorporates activities that encourage the child to communicate and collaborate with the therapy animal, thereby enhancing their social skills and confidence. This can be particularly beneficial for children who experience social challenges due to their ADHD.
Michaela begins by introducing the child to the therapy dog. The initial sessions focused on building a rapport between child and dog. It is often observed that the child becomes calmer and more engaged when interacting with the animal. This positive interaction lays the foundation for further therapeutic work.
Implementing Structured Activities: Michaela designs activities that requires the client to focus and follow instructions. Tasks like teaching the dog new tricks or participating in agility courses can help practice concentration and impulse control. The goal is for the client to stay focused and complete tasks with significant improvements..
Enhancing Social Interactions: Michaela also uses her therapy dog to facilitate social skills training. To do so she prepares the client to engage appropriately in social settings through skill development. This is then generalized to social setting sout of the office. Parents are looped into these learning moments so they can utilize these skills in future playdates.
Michaela’s holistic approach is dedicated to empowering children to make positive changes in their lives. Her compassionate and innovative use of Animal-Assisted Therapy provides children with ADHD the tools they need to manage their symptoms effectively.
By addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, Michaela helps children achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Her commitment to providing a safe and supportive space ensures that her young clients feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.
Michaela’s approach to managing ADHD emphasizes sustainability. She encourages families to integrate activities involving animals into their daily routines. For instance, caring for a pet at home can provide children with a sense of responsibility and structure, which are beneficial for managing ADHD symptoms.
Michaela recognizes the critical role of family in managing ADHD. She provides guidance to parents on how to support their children at home and reinforces the strategies used in therapy sessions. This holistic approach ensures that the child receives consistent support across different environments.
Another critical aspect of Michaela’s approach is helping families build a support system. She encourages parents to seek out support groups and resources that can provide additional assistance. Having a strong support network can make it easier for families to manage the challenges of ADHD.
Michaela is committed to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest research and techniques in the field of psychotherapy. She regularly attends workshops and seminars to enhance her skills and knowledge. This commitment ensures that she can provide the best possible care to her clients.
Michaela-Katie Gilhooley is a dedicated psychotherapist specializing in working with children, youth, and their families. With extensive experience in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more, Michaela employs a variety of therapeutic techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Lego Therapy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Children and Youth Care Counseling from the University of Victoria and a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Michaela’s holistic and client-centered approach empowers her young clients to achieve their best selves and lead more fulfilling lives.
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