Meet Bella
Bella, Tania’s toy poodle, may be present in selected sessions when this is suitable. Her role is to offer a calm point of connection within a professionally facilitated canine-assisted session.
Tania Gorry is a Professional Member of Animal Therapies Ltd (ATL), a national health-promotion charity that advances understanding and accessibility of animal-assisted services.
Canine-assisted support is available by request and appointment. Practical arrangements are discussed during enquiry and confirmed in the applicable service agreement. A dog-free option is always available.
What canine-assisted support may offer
Some people find that a calm animal presence helps a session feel more approachable, supports engagement or creates a gentle point of connection. Research has reported possible benefits such as a more positive mood, reduced momentary stress and easier engagement for some people in some settings. Animal-assisted interventions may be a helpful complement to work with a skilled practitioner; they do not replace the practitioner’s role or guarantee a particular result.
The person’s goals, consent and relationship with a skilled practitioner remain central. Bella’s presence is an optional part of the environment, not a replacement for professional counselling, recovery coaching or wellbeing support.
A de-identified practice example
During an EAP critical-incident debrief, a neurodivergent staff member chose to include Bella. Bella’s calm presence helped the meeting feel less formal and supported early connection, rapport and trust. As the person appeared more at ease, they were able to stay with the conversation, process the incident at their own pace and begin making new meaning from what had happened.
The value came from the combination of the person’s choice, a skilled practitioner and a supportive environment. No contact with Bella was required. Details have been limited to protect privacy.
Is it the right option?
Canine-assisted sessions may not suit everyone. You choose whether Bella is included, and a dog-free option is always available. Bella can move away or finish an interaction at any time. Choice, client comfort, accessibility and Bella’s welfare remain central. Detailed suitability, consent and operational conditions are discussed during enquiry and documented in the Zanda service agreement where relevant.
*Conditions apply to animal-assisted sessions.