Local therapist recommends holistic treatment for hyperactive children

Holistic therapy for kids with behavioral issues stemming from disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is growing in popularity across the country. One local social worker is encouraging parents to give it a shot.  

Angela Blake says, “I’m not disclaiming or disregarding pharmaceuticals in any way. However, especially with children, you want to be extra cautious. Medications just manage some of the symptoms. They don’t really get to the root of the problem.”

Blake is a licensed clinical social worker and child and adolescent therapist at The Personal Wellness Center in Salisbury. She uses brain yoga, deep breathing exercises, and even art therapy when working with children.

According to the CDC, only half of children between the ages of four and five with ADHD receive behavior therapy, even though it’s now the recommended first-line treatment for this group.

Blake has been working with Angela Desheilds’ son since he was five. He’s almost nine now and his mother says his improvements have been tremendous. However, Desheilds says parents have to be willing to put in the work.

She continues, “They’re kids. I mean they’re going to run around and act wild. You just have to sit down and have patience.  I’ve learned to do that. I wanted to pull my hair out some days too.”

According to the CDC’s most recent numbers, 6.4 million children in the U.S. had been diagnosed with ADHD.