Individuals with speech, language, and communication disorders often present with psychosocial concerns that span the physiological, intrapersonal, and interpersonal domains of functioning. Despite this fact, the provision of counseling service by speech-language pathologist (SLP) that directly addresses clients' psychosocial needs is sparse. Research shows the primary counseling strategy used by therapists is psychoeducation, failing to effectively address the psychosocial concerns. Integrating complementary approaches to traditional counseling in SLP can enhance both the quality of therapeutic intervention and client outcomes. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the potential of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) as an adjunctive or complementary approach for counseling within SLP. A review of literature demonstrates a need for improved counseling service provision within SLP treatment, as well as the benefits of integrating AAT. A framework for how AAT intentions and techniques fit within SLP Scope of Practice counseling activities is presented, along with case examples to demonstrate how AAT can be integrated within SLP treatment. It is concluded that the integration of AAT as a complementary approach to traditional SLP counseling can enhance both the frequency of counseling services provided and clients' psychosocial outcomes.
When incorporating therapy animals into clinical practice, there are essential ethical considerations that must be considered to protect the welfare of both the people and the animals who are involved in the intervention. The field of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) and more specifically animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is just beginning to appreciate the critical role that animal welfare has in enhancing the quality of the entire process of working with a therapy animal. In this article, the authors will present ethical models that are incumbent for practitioners to consider prior to partnering with a therapy animal. Examples of how a speech-language pathologist (SLP) might work with a therapy animal will be integrated throughout the article to demonstrate applied awareness of how good welfare not only protects the animal but also the clients who engage in the intervention. Key aspects to consider at all stages of AAT will be described, including considerations of welfare as they relate to selecting and working with a therapy animal, preparing clients for AAT, and developing specific competencies as an AAT practitioner. Theoretical support for these recommendations will also be outlined, preparing AAT providers to not only incorporate the highest standards in AAT but to also serve as an advocate in championing these standards as the field develops.
Interest in animal-assisted interventions within the field of communication sciences and disorders is growing. As more clinicians become interested in engaging in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and more researchers begin to study its potential benefits, it will be critical for all stakeholders to demonstrate knowledge of the standards and qualifications for service delivery as well as the challenges that must be met in developing an evidence base for clinical practice. This review highlights some of the foundational information relevant to AAT in the context of speech-language pathology.
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