Philip Tedeschi, LCSW MSSW

Philip Tedeschi, LCSW MSSW
Clinical Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver
Executive Director, Institute for Human-Animal Connection, University of Denver

Philip Tedeschi is the executive director of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection and a clinical professor at the Graduate School of Social Work. He is globally recognized for expertise in the clinical methods of animal-assisted Interventions and coordinates the school’s animal-assisted social work certificate program for Master of Social Work (MSW) students, as well as the animals and human health professional development certificate program. He received his MSSW degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his specialization was the bio-affiliative connection between people and animals.

He studies and teaches on the intricate relationship between people, domestic and wild animals, and the natural world. Tedeschi’s research, scholarship, presentations, training and community practice work have focused on human-animal interactions, conservation social work, human ecology, causes of violence toward people and animals. Tedeschi is a certified Master Therapeutic Riding Instructor, former course director and instructor with Outward Bound, wilderness medical technician, forensic evaluator and has many years of experience in non-traditional therapeutic approaches with children, adults and families. He specializes in the therapeutic and health promoting potential of human-animal and nature interaction, trauma informed methods and intervention in interpersonal violence, including assessment and intervention with cruelty and animal abuse.