Healing Through the Human-Animal Connection
TheraTails is the Bermuda SPCA’s animal-assisted therapy programme, bringing together the therapeutic benefits of the human-animal bond with professional mental health support.
Working alongside specially selected animals in the supportive environment of the Bermuda SPCA, participants have an opportunity to build connections, develop new skills and work toward improved emotional well-being.
What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy incorporates animals into professionally guided therapeutic sessions to help participants work toward specific emotional, behavioural and social goals.
Animals can provide a comforting and non-judgmental presence, helping to create an environment where participants may feel more comfortable engaging, communicating and building relationships.
Through TheraTails, therapeutic approaches are combined with carefully planned interactions with animals to create meaningful opportunities for learning and growth.
Who Can Benefit?
TheraTails can support children and adults experiencing a range of emotional, behavioural or social challenges.
Each participant is considered individually to determine whether the programme is appropriate for their needs and how animal-assisted therapy may support their therapeutic goals.
Building Skills Through Connection
Depending on the individual and their goals, TheraTails may help participants develop skills related to:
- Emotional regulation
- Coping with difficult emotions
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Communication
- Empathy and compassion
- Building trust
- Developing healthy relationships
- Understanding boundaries
- Problem-solving and resilience
Animal interaction is incorporated purposefully into the therapeutic process, with the welfare and comfort of both the participant and the animal at the centre of every session.
Meet the TheraTails Team
TheraTails is delivered through a collaboration between the Bermuda SPCA and qualified mental health professionals from Chrysalis Bermuda. Our clinical professionals guide the therapeutic component of the programme, while members of the Bermuda SPCA team support safe, appropriate and positive interactions between participants and animals.
Dr. Cherita Rayner, PsyD
Dr. Rayner is a Registered Psychologist born in Bermuda. She has 21 years of post qualification experience in a wide variety of clinical settings. Dr. Rayner is also trained in multiple therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Prolonged Grief Therapy allowing her to use integrative approaches to meet the client’s needs.
As an animal lover, Dr. Rayner has personally experienced the emotional connection that can be achieved between animals and their human friends. Through Theratails, Dr. Rayner will utilize her clinical knowledge and flexibility to assist participants in developing their emotional skills and interpersonal confidence, with the help of furry or feathered friends.
Dr. Annisha Peets, Phd; CPsychol; CCTP; CATP
Dr. Annisha Peets is a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) with more than 20 years of experience working with children and families. She is a Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional and ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider, with particular interests in trauma, attachment, neurodiversity, emotional regulation, and the relationships that help children feel safe enough to grow.
She is also a lifelong animal lover and proud dog mom who believes that some of our most meaningful connections don’t require many words at all. Through Theratails, Dr. Peets brings together her clinical expertise and love of animals to create a playful, relationship-based space where children can build confidence, strengthen emotional skills, and experience the healing power of connection—with a little help from paws, whiskers, and wagging tails.
Meet Our TheraTails Animals
Our animals are an important part of the TheraTails team.
Animals participating in the programme are carefully selected based on their individual temperament, comfort and suitability. Their welfare remains a priority at all times, and interactions are structured to provide a positive experience for both the animal and participant.
Referrals & Participation
Participation in TheraTails begins with a referral and assessment process. This helps determine whether the programme is appropriate for the individual and allows the team to understand their needs and therapeutic goals.
Support TheraTails
Community support helps us continue providing TheraTails at no cost to individuals who can benefit from animal-assisted therapy.
Donations help support professional therapeutic services, programme development, animal care and training, and the resources needed to deliver TheraTails.
Together, we can harness the human-animal bond to help build healthier, stronger connections in our community.
Interested in TheraTails?
If you would like to learn more about TheraTails, enquire about availability, or refer someone to the programme, please contact the Bermuda SPCA or the TheraTails clinical team at Chrysalis Bermuda.
32 Valley Road, Paget PG 05, Bermuda
PO Box WK 94, Warwick WK BX, Bermuda
Bermuda SPCA
Phone: (441) 236 7333
General Email: info@spca.bm
Chrysalis Bermuda
Phone: (441) 232-7753
General Email: admin@chrysalisbermuda.com
Our team will be happy to provide more information about the programme, referral process, eligibility and next steps.