Michael Holohan
Papers
1
Total Citations
65
H-Index
1
About
Michael Holohan’s research lies at the vital intersection of artificial intelligence and psychotherapy, exploring how AI-enabled virtual and robot therapy can meaningfully support emotional, cognitive, and social processes within the therapeutic encounter. His most cited work, “Like I’m Talking to a Real Person”: Exploring the Meaning of Transference for the Use and Design of AI-Based Applications in Psychotherapy (2021, 65 citations), offers a groundbreaking analysis of how transference—a core psychodynamic concept—shapes users’ experiences with AI therapists. By investigating why clients often feel they are “talking to a real person,” Holohan illuminates critical design principles for creating more effective, ethically sound AI applications in mental health. His contributions bridge clinical psychology and human-computer interaction, providing a framework for understanding the relational dynamics that emerge when technology mediates care. With his work gaining traction among researchers and practitioners alike, Holohan is shaping how we think about the future of automated therapeutic support, ensuring that as AI becomes more integrated into practice, it remains sensitive to the deeply human processes of healing and connection.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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