Dr.
Steve Berk has worked as a Psychologist since 1972, specializing in providing
diagnostic, therapeutic
and
consultative services to children and families. He has a longstanding interest
in working with individuals
with
cognitive disorders (e.g. learning disabilities, ADHD, NLD, traumatic head
injury) and in developing
modifications
of psychotherapeutic techniques which can be more effectively used with
“difficult to treat”
populations.
In
addition to his clinical practice, he trains and consults nationally
through
Community Program
Innovations,
discussing
various topics and issues concerning clinical and educational work with special
needs children.
His
vita can be seen here.
Over
the past 30 years, Dr. Berk has also, when indicated, recruited the assistance
of
therapy dogs in his work.
“Linc”
is the third therapy dog who has contributed to these efforts. One of the aims
of this website is to
provide
a forum for discussing the rationale, benefits and limitations of “animal
assisted therapy.”
While
the use of therapy dogs in out-patient work appears to be increasing, there is
a paucity of new
literature
covering research, rationale and clinical anecdotes in this area. It also
appears that some
mental
health professionals are hesitant to share their experiences using assistance
animals, perhaps
feeling
that the use of therapy dogs (or other companion animals) is viewed by others
as “less than”
acceptable
in clinical practice.
By
sharing his own positive and negative experiences on this website, Dr. Berk
hopes to cultivate vigorous
discussion
of this important topic.
Please
feel free to e-mail Dr. Berk at admin@drstevenberk.com with your thoughts, ideas and experiences.
He
would be glad to respond and, with permission, post them on the website.
· Clinical and Educational Work With Children and Adolescents
· “Linc’s” links
