Hi everyone! My name is Mikaela and I'm so excited you're here. Let me tell you a little bit more about myself and what I do!
I grew up loving animals and knew I wanted a career where I could combine my passions for helping people and being with dogs. I have a particular affinity for Labrador Retrievers as they are the breed I grew up with. Eventually I found myself doing an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of British Columbia, a certificate in animal-assisted wellness from Lakeland College, an interdisciplinary master's degree in clinical counselling and human-animal interactions from Prescott College, and a pet loss support group specialist certificate from the University of Vermont.
After all of this, I would describe myself as a counsellor who takes a trauma-informed, relational approach to counselling. I draw from an array of evidence-based approaches including, but not limited to, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), family systems therapy, attachment theory, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I have expertise in working with adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety and depression, individuals struggling with motivation and direction, families navigating conflict, individuals managing relationship and communication issues, and suicide.
Along with being a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), I am also a certified animal-assisted intervention specialist (C-AAIS). This means I am qualified to ethically integrate animals into practice. I have extensive experience assessing, handling, and monitoring therapy dogs in both educational and first responder contexts. Much of this experience comes from my role with the Building Academic Retention through K9's (B.A.R.K.) program at UBCO. Through this role, I've gained expertise and knowledge in working with therapy dogs and protecting their welfare (along with the client's).
I'm thrilled to be offering animal-assisted therapy as I believe it can be so powerful. Please reach out to ask any questions!
Mikaela Dahlman, M.A., RCC, C-AAIS
Koa
Therapy Dog
Frequently Asked Questions:
What happened to Koa's ear? His ear got bit by his (dog) mom when he was just 9 days old! It doesn't affect his hearing or bother him in any way. It just gives him more character and makes him more relatable.
What does Koa like to do outside of sessions? Swim, chase a ball, swim and chase a ball, play with his friends, spend time with his family, go on walks and adventures, go shopping with mom, play with cardboard boxes, watch Bluey, and volunteer as a B.A.R.K. therapy dog at UBCO!
How does Koa like to be interacted with? He loves chest rubs, ear scratches, giving you his paw, and calm petting. He doesn't love hugs, people towering over him, or reaching over his head.