FOUR PAWS. ONE VERY BIG HEART.
Meet Emma.
Bernese Mountain Dog · Canine-Assisted Therapy Support
A gentle presence.
A comforting companion.
A whole lot of fluff.
Hi! I'm Emma, a Bernese Mountain Dog and one of the fluffiest members of the Théla family.
I may not have a psychotherapy degree, but I do have four paws, a very expressive face, and a special talent for keeping people company.
Sometimes therapy involves difficult conversations. Sometimes it involves sitting quietly and finding your footing. When appropriate, I'm here to offer a little extra companionship along the way.
Discover Canine-Assisted Therapy →In-Person Sessions · By Arrangement · Always Optional
Chief Comfort Officer (unofficially).
Bernese Mountain Dog ✦ Born August 25, 2024 ✦ Professional Companion ✦ Very Fluffy ✦ Part of the Théla Family
GETTING TO KNOW EMMA
Big paws. Soft eyes.
A comforting presence.
Emma is a Bernese Mountain Dog with a beautiful tri-coloured coat, expressive brown eyes, and a personality that brings warmth into the room.
She is affectionate, curious, and very much a part of everyday life at Théla.
Like any dog, Emma has her own personality, preferences, and need for rest and personal space. Her wellbeing is just as important as the comfort of the people she meets.
Whether she's quietly resting nearby or joining a moment of connection, Emma reminds us that meaningful support doesn't always require words.
A LITTLE ABOUT OUR GIRL
Getting to know Emma.
Behind that beautiful Bernese face is a dog with a personality all her own.
🐾
A gentle companion
Emma can offer companionship through quiet moments and comfortable shared space.
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Full of personality
Emma's expressive face and affectionate nature make getting to know her a memorable experience.
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Happy to simply be
Sometimes her contribution is simply resting nearby, without any expectation to interact.
CANINE-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Sometimes, support has four paws.
Canine-assisted psychotherapy incorporates a dog into the therapeutic environment as part of a thoughtfully planned intervention facilitated by a mental health professional.
For some people, having a dog present can support feelings of comfort, connection, and emotional safety during therapy.
Emma may participate in selected in-person sessions when her involvement is appropriate for the client's therapeutic needs and goals.
Her presence complements psychotherapy. She does not independently provide therapy, replace clinical interventions, or guarantee a particular outcome.
How Emma may support a session
- ✓ Offering a comforting presence
- ✓ Supporting grounding and present-moment awareness
- ✓ Providing opportunities to explore connection and trust
- ✓ Creating opportunities to practise boundaries and communication
- ✓ Supporting emotional regulation exercises
- ✓ Offering companionship during difficult conversations
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your therapy. Your pace. Your choice.
There is no single way to experience canine-assisted therapy. Emma's participation is always guided by your comfort, your goals, and her wellbeing.
01
We talk first
Your therapist discusses whether involving Emma could be appropriate for your therapy.
02
You decide
You can choose whether to interact with Emma, have her rest nearby, or attend without her.
03
We follow your goals
Emma may be incorporated into grounding, emotional awareness, or relational exercises where suitable.
04
We stay flexible
Your preferences can change at any time. Emma may also need breaks or time away.
LIFE WITH EMMA
A few moments with Emma.
Because a proper introduction wouldn't be complete without a few pictures.
Sometimes the best company doesn't say a word.
YOUR COMFORT COMES FIRST
Emma is an invitation, never an expectation.
Not everyone enjoys being around dogs, and that's completely okay. If you have allergies, fears, sensory sensitivities, cultural preferences, or simply prefer a dog-free environment, your therapist will respect that.
Emma's participation is discussed in advance and requires your agreement. You may decline or withdraw your consent at any time without affecting your access to psychotherapy.
COMMON QUESTIONS
A few things you might be wondering.
Is Emma a therapist?
No. Emma is a canine-assisted therapy support dog. Psychotherapy is provided by a qualified mental health professional, who may incorporate Emma into selected interventions when clinically appropriate.
Do I have to interact with Emma?
Not at all. Interaction with Emma is entirely optional. You can also request psychotherapy without canine-assisted activities.
Can Emma help with anxiety or trauma?
For some clients, a dog's presence may be helpful during grounding, emotional regulation, and other therapeutic activities. Your therapist will assess whether Emma's involvement is appropriate for your needs. Results vary from person to person.
What if I have allergies or I'm afraid of dogs?
Please tell us before your appointment. We can discuss suitable arrangements, including sessions without Emma. Dog-free arrangements should be confirmed in advance, particularly for clients with significant allergies.
Will Emma attend every session?
No. Emma's participation depends on availability, clinical suitability, client preference, and her own comfort and wellbeing. Her presence cannot be guaranteed.
Is there an additional fee for canine-assisted therapy?
Please contact Théla to confirm whether canine-assisted activities are available within your appointment type and whether any additional arrangements apply.
READY TO MEET EMMA?
A little extra comfort for the journey.
Interested in incorporating Emma into your in-person psychotherapy sessions? Contact Théla to discuss availability, clinical suitability, and what canine-assisted therapy might look like for you.
Ask About Sessions With Emma →In-Person · By Arrangement · Consent-Based
