Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

Horses have been used for therapeutic purposes since the time of the ancient Greeks. The Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," wrote about the therapeutic potential of horseback riding. Equine-assisted psychotherapy incorporates horses into the therapeutic process. People engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading a horse while being supervised by a mental health professional.

With my team of rescue horses I aim to allow clients to engage with and enjoy horses in varying levels, from sitting and watching them from afar to brushing and walking them with consent. The focus is on relationship and trust building.

I've co-facilitated equine assisted psychotherapy sessions since 2010 as an equine professional and since 2023 as a clinician. I've received training from organizations including PATH International, EAGALA, Natural Lifemanship, and OK Corral. The equine assisted sessions lend an organically somatic and experiential lens to sessions that is immediate and relational. Especially for clients who would rather move and do than sit and talk, it can be a highly effective way to get "unstuck."

Horses are HEALING! Come experience the transformative power of horses through our equine therapy program. With gentle, guided therapy, our horses provide a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to connect, heal, and rediscover their inner strength. Whether you're seeking personal growth, or emotional healing, our program helps foster deep connections that promote lasting change. Our horses offer a unique opportunity to overcome challenges, build confidence, and embrace the healing process.

Over the years I noticed that simply taking a cognitive-behavioral approach to treating my clients was not enough. The somatic symptoms persisted depending on their life experiences. I decided to listen to my own calming experiences with the horses, and integrated horses in my work ever since. They are intuitive, embodied, honest and present sentient beings that can be incredibly powerful in our healing. I am trained in Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy, equine-assisted EMDR and have three horses.

I am currently in the process of certification in Natural Lifemanship EAP and help previous certification in EAGALA EAP. I have a lifetime of experience with horses and know firsthand their impact on our emotional states.

I am trained in and practice Embodied Equine Psychotherapy™, which is an experiential, somatic and relational approach to working with clients and horses. I combine this approach with my knowledge of relationships, connection and trauma to create a unique and healing experience for my clients.

I am an independent contractor at a local equine assisted therapy facility. If you think equine assisted therapy would be a good option for you, please do not hesitate to ask me about it!

I provide a somatic based approach to EAP. Horses can be powerful healing facilitators for clients. They are able to reflect back emotions to the people engaged with them whether the people are aware of their own emotions or not. This provides a great way to be able to externalize and work through various struggles in life. Horses are great with helping set boundaries, building self-awareness, developing healthy communication styles, and so much more.

Equines are extremely intuitive, crave connection, and can hold a conversation without words. Allow me to introduce you to these beautifully healing creatures.

I have worked with horses for over 35 years and incorporating them in therapy is my passion. I have been trained in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in multiple modalities including the Human Equine Relational Development (HERD) institute, The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). I teach this subject at the university level and have presented at many conferences over the years.

My equine practice is located at the beautiful Wildsong Ranch in Longmont. This is a wonderfully supportive modality for those who prefer working in the environment and being surrounded by nature.