Equine-Assisted Therapy in Boulder
Equine-assisted therapy involves interacting with horses outdoors to improve mental and emotional health. This unique approach uses the intuitive nature of horses to provide a non-judgmental space, helping individuals develop self-awareness and tackle personal challenges without needing prior experience with horses.
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Anxiety: Anchoring the Humming Mind
At Lexie Glisson Therapy and Wellness LCSW, I approach anxiety not as a flaw to be eliminated, but as a signal from a nervous system that is working very, very hard to protect you. The work we do together is about changing your relationship with that signal; so, it no longer runs your life.
Understanding Anxiety as a Nervous System State
A constant mental hum thoughts that won't slow, especially at night
Pervasive dread or unease with no identifiable cause
Decision paralysis and catastrophizing
Physical tension: tight chest, clenched jaw, elevated heart rate
Avoidance of situations, conversations, or people that feel unpredictable
Irritability, reactivity, or emotional exhaustion
At Lexie Glisson Therapy and Wellness LCSW, I offer a rare integration of EMDR, somatic therapy, Gestalt practice, ecotherapy, and the EquiLateral® protocol — equine-assisted EMDR developed by Sarah Jenkins, LPC. My approach is not one-size-fits-all. It is personalized, body-based, and grounded in both clinical rigor and deep respect for the wisdom of the natural world.
I see clients in Golden, Boulder, Longmont, Colorado and virtually across Colorado and beyond. Whether you are local or traveling from out of state for an Intensive, I would be honored to be part of your healing journey.
Why Choose Lexie Glisson Therapy and Wellness LCSW?
My Approach to Anxiety at Lexie Glisson Therapy and Wellness LCSW
Trying to "get rid of" anxiety often intensifies it. My approach builds a new relationship with anxiety — one rooted in curiosity, somatic skills, and genuine nervous system regulation rather than suppression or avoidance.
Grounding in Nature and the Present Moment
Whether we are working in my Colorado office or outdoors with the herd, I use the environment itself as a regulating force. "Sensory orientation" — deliberately engaging sight, sound, smell, and touch that interrupts the mental spiral and anchors the nervous system in the only moment that is actually real: this one. Time with horses, in particular, can produce states of calm that take weeks of cognitive work to reach through words alone.
Gestalt and Parts Work: Befriending the Anxious Part
Within a Gestalt framework, I approach the "anxious part" of you with genuine curiosity rather than combat. What is it trying to protect you from? What does it believe would happen if it stood down? When clients stop fighting their anxiety and begin listening to it, something shifts; the part feels seen, and the volume begins to lower.
Breathwork as Direct Nervous System Medicine
I teach targeted breathwork practices that communicate directly with the vagus nerve — the long nerve connecting your brain and body that governs your capacity to feel safe. Specific breath patterns send a bottom-up signal of safety that your cognitive mind cannot manufacture on its own. This becomes a portable, reliable tool available anywhere.
Curious if working together could be a good fit?
Who Can Benefit?
Anxiety therapy at Lexie Glisson Therapy and Wellness LCSW may be the right fit if you:
Experience persistent worry, racing thoughts, or a sense of dread that feels disproportionate to what is happening
Carry physical anxiety like tight chest, shallow breath, difficulty sleeping and want to address it at the body level, not just the cognitive level
Have tried purely talk-based therapy for anxiety and found that insight alone did not create lasting relief
Struggle with social anxiety, performance anxiety, or generalized anxiety that limits your daily life
Have experienced anxiety since childhood and wonder if it simply is who you are and want to discover that it doesn't have to be
Are curious about equine-assisted or nature-based approaches as a complement to or alternative to conventional therapy
Reaching out for support is one of the most courageous things you can do. If anything on this page has resonated with you, I invite you to schedule a free consultation. Together, we will find out if working together is the right fit and what that might look like for you.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is anxiety therapy different from just "talking about your problems"?
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is a form of experiential therapy that includes interaction with horses to promote emotional growth and healing. It is particularly effective for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational challenges.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a certified equine specialist, I integrate my profound personal experiences with horses to facilitate recovery and empowerment through guided equine interaction.
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How does equine-assisted therapy help with anxiety?
Horses are extraordinarily sensitive to human nervous system states. Their calm, grounded presence naturally pulls an anxious system toward regulation. Clients often report feeling genuinely at ease with the horses in ways they haven't experienced in years.
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What if my anxiety has a physical component — heart racing, stomach upset?
Somatic therapy is specifically designed to address anxiety's physical expression. We work with the body's sensations directly, helping your nervous system learn that these physical responses are signals to be heard, not emergencies requiring escalation.
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Can therapy help with anxiety if I've tried it before without success?
Absolutely. Many clients find that previous therapy helped with insight but didn't shift the underlying physiological patterns. The somatic and nature-based approaches at Lexie Glisson Therapy and Wellness LCSW often reach what talk therapy alone cannot.
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Do you work with anxiety related to specific life events like divorce or job loss?
Yes. Transitional anxiety is one of the most common presentations I work with. When identity, security, and routine shift simultaneously, the nervous system can become chronically activated. This responds beautifully to the work we do together.
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How often should I come to therapy for anxiety?
Absolutely. Much of the trauma work I do involve early relational wounds like neglect, emotional unavailability, family instability, or abuse. These experiences shape the nervous system deeply, and they respond beautifully to the somatic, nature-based approaches I practice.
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Is virtual therapy effective for anxiety?
Yes. I offer telehealth sessions to clients across Colorado and beyond. Breathwork, somatic practices, and Gestalt approaches translate effectively to virtual space. Many anxious clients find the comfort of their own home to be a helpful starting point.
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Do you prescribe medication for anxiety?
As a licensed clinical social worker, I do not prescribe medication. I work collaboratively with prescribing providers when appropriate. Many clients find therapy and medication together more effective than either approach alone.