Meet Doctor Bailey

Therapy Dog in Training at Brighter Pathways

Hi! I’m Doctor Bailey, Brighter Pathways’ therapy dog in training.

I’m an American Golden Retriever who is currently preparing to join the Brighter Pathways team as a therapy dog. If all goes according to plan, I hope to begin working with patients in November 2026.

I work alongside Dr. Angela Ceisel, a licensed clinical psychologist and Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS). Together, we have successfully completed the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP) Professional Therapy Animal Team evaluation. I’m also a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen and am continuing my training and working toward additional AKC titles.

At about 70–75 pounds, I’m a pretty big guy—but my job isn’t simply to be cute. My training is focused on learning how to participate appropriately and safely in the therapeutic environment while working alongside my handler.

How Can a Therapy Dog Help?

Sometimes therapy can feel a little easier when there’s a friendly dog in the room.

Animal-assisted therapy intentionally incorporates a qualified animal-handler team into treatment when it may help support a patient’s therapeutic goals. Depending on the individual and their treatment plan, I may participate in individual, family, group, or play therapy.

Working with a therapy dog may help create opportunities to:

  • Practice emotional regulation and coping skills

  • Build communication and social skills

  • Increase comfort and engagement in therapy

  • Support motivation and participation

  • Encourage emotional expression

  • Practice skills connected to specific treatment goals

  • Make the therapy environment feel a little more approachable

Of course, everyone is different. My presence may be helpful for some patients and not helpful for others, and that’s completely okay. Animal-assisted therapy is always an optional part of treatment and is used only when your therapist believes it may support your treatment goals.

What Might a Session With Bailey Look Like?

There isn’t one specific way I have to participate in therapy.

Sometimes I may be actively involved in an exercise or activity connected to your treatment goals. Other times, I may simply be nearby while you talk with your therapist. And sometimes, the best thing for everyone—including me—is for me to take a break.

My participation will always depend on your comfort, your therapist’s clinical judgment, and my well-being.

You never have to pet me, sit near me, or interact with me to receive services at Brighter Pathways. You can decline or stop animal-assisted therapy at any time, and therapy without an animal will always remain an option.

Bailey + Dr. Ceisel

I work as a team with Dr. Angela Ceisel, and she is responsible for supervising and guiding all of my interactions with patients.

Dr. Ceisel is a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS) in addition to being a licensed clinical psychologist. Our animal-assisted work is designed to complement evidence-based mental health treatment—not replace it.

My health, behavior, training, and welfare are also important parts of the process. I receive routine veterinary care, appropriate health screening, vaccinations, grooming, and ongoing training. I’m allowed to take breaks or leave an interaction whenever I need to.

Good therapy should feel safe for everyone involved—even the dog.

Is Animal-Assisted Therapy Right for Me?

Animal-assisted therapy may be worth considering if you enjoy animals and believe having a dog involved in your sessions could support your therapy goals.

Before working with me, your therapist will also consider factors such as allergies, asthma, fear of dogs, previous experiences or trauma involving animals, medical concerns, and your personal comfort and preferences.

Most importantly, working with me is your choice. You can choose how much—or how little—you would like to interact with me.

Coming Soon to Brighter Pathways

I’m still completing my training, so I’m not quite ready for my official first day yet.

We’re hoping Doctor Bailey will begin working with patients in November 2026 following completion of his remaining training and certification requirements.

Until then, I’ll be practicing my skills, working with Dr. Ceisel, and preparing for my new job at Brighter Pathways.

Treats are apparently not included in my compensation package. I intend to discuss this with management.

Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy?

If you’re interested in working with Doctor Bailey and Dr. Angela Ceisel, or would like to learn whether animal-assisted therapy may be appropriate for you or your child, we’d be happy to answer your questions.

Call Brighter Pathways at (224) 723-5772

Our patient assistant can answer questions about animal-assisted therapy, help determine whether Dr. Ceisel and Bailey may be a good fit for your needs, schedule your first appointment, and verify your insurance coverage.