Dr. Pia Salk
Dr. Pia Salk Specializes in social justice and the human-animal bond.
In both her clinical work and in her writing, Pia addresses topics ranging from the loss of a companion animal to compassion fatigue and the climate of animal welfare at relates to social justice on a broader scale.
One area of particular expertise is her understanding of the psychological reasons that threaten important alliances in animal advocacy and the dynamics that can impede progress in the effort to alleviate the suffering of animals.
Dr. Salk developed "Worldview Training," an inclusive approach to diversity training, one that actively departs from hierarchical notions of worth. Her model looks specifically at the human relationship to animals of other species as a way to understand how societal misuses of power impact marginalized individuals of all races, orientations, beliefs and species.
Pia’s extensive involvement in the animal rescue efforts following hurricane Katrina led to her work consulting for municipalities regarding humane programs and reform. Pia has also developed programs that pair at risk teens with animals who share similar histories of abuse and neglect. And she often credits the animals with being ‘“the real therapists.” Her work has been featured on Animal Planets Hurricane Heroes, The Martha Stewart Show and 20/20 to name a few.
Pia is co-author of The Complete Dog Manual and The Complete Cat Manual. Her writing is also featured in Pet Loss and Human Emotion.
Dr. Salk’s psychology practice includes both in -person and tele-therapy.
She can be reached at drpiasalk@gmail.com