1. EachPod

Speech Pathologist of New Era

Author
Barbara Vokatis, PhD
Published
Wed 07 May 2025
Episode Link
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara-vokatis9/episodes/Speech-Pathologist-of-New-Era-e31f39l

In this enlightening conversation, Barbara Vokatis and Sharlet Jensen explore the transformative power of animal-assisted therapy in education, particularly in the realm of speech pathology. They discuss the challenges faced by children with communication difficulties, the role of therapy dogs in facilitating learning and emotional regulation, and practical strategies for educators and therapists to incorporate animals into their practices. The discussion highlights real-life success stories and the importance of creating supportive learning environments.


Takeaways:

-Animal-assisted therapy can significantly improve children's engagement in learning.

-Speech pathologists often work with complex cases that require innovative approaches.

-Therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety and facilitate communication in children.

-Creating a calm environment is essential for effective learning.

-Incorporating animals into therapy can help children develop social skills.

-Parents appreciate the positive impact of therapy dogs on their children's progress.

-Transitioning activities with the help of animals can ease children's resistance.

-Children often respond better to animals than to adults in therapeutic settings.

-The importance of collaboration between therapists and schools cannot be overstated.

-There is a growing need for education on anxiety and its impact on learning.


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Speech Pathology and Animal-Assisted Intervention

01:47 Understanding Speech Therapy and Its Impact

04:32 The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Education

08:57 Addressing Anxiety and Behavioral Challenges in Children

12:51 Creating Safe Learning Environments for Children

15:40 Practical Strategies for Incorporating Animals in Therapy

19:58The Role of Therapy Dogs in Education

22:31 Innovative Approaches to Speech Therapy

25:46 Monitoring Interactions for Safety

28:41 Transformative Moments with Therapy Dogs

30:16 Resources and Community Engagement


Please connect with Sharlet:

Website: www.speechdogs.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speech_dogs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552348942052

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Speech_Dogs


Please connect with the host, Dr. Barb, at https://barbaravokatis.com, follow the show, and share this episode to get the word out about what is possible in education. Thank you for being here!

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