Learn how balancing strength and softness can improve your leadership, relationships, and personal growth through insights inspired by working with horses.
Feeling overwhelmed by others’ opinions? Learn how to quiet the noise, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and start trusting yourself—through nature, therapy, and equine-assisted healing.
Learn how paying attention to both your thoughts and surroundings through dual awareness can help calm your nervous system and reduce stress.
Facing a big decision but feeling torn inside? Explore why your mind and body might disagree—and how somatic therapy and equine wisdom can guide you to integrated choices.
Discover why traditional talk therapy wasn’t enough and how nature-based therapy, including equine-assisted healing, offers a deeper, more embodied path to emotional well-being.
Discover how equine-assisted therapy supports integration after psychedelic journeys, spiritual retreats, and life-changing experiences by helping you ground insights through somatic, present-moment connection with horses.
Is Always ‘Getting Back On the Horse’ Harming Your Emotional Healing?
What is Nature-Based Equine Therapy?
In the serene setting of our Boulder mountain barn, two powerful healing modalities come together: the structured approach of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the intuitive wisdom of equine-assisted therapy . As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma healing , I've witnessed how this combination creates a unique pathway to recovery that engages both mind and body. How Does EMDR and Equine Therapy Work Together for Trauma Treatment? The integration of EMDR and equine therapy isn't just a combination of techniques – it's a holistic approach that addresses trauma healing from multiple angles. While EMDR helps process traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, horses provide immediate, embodied feedback that grounds clients in the present moment. Key Components of Combined EMDR and Equine Therapy: Safety and Stabilization Horses naturally create a safe environment through their non-judgmental presence The barn setting offers a calm, nature-connected space for processing EMDR's structured approach provides clear boundaries and expectations Resource Development Horses serve as living resources for emotional regulation Physical presence of horses supports dual attention during EMDR processing Natural environment enhances the installation of positive resources Benefits of Combining EMDR and Equine Therapy for PTSD and Trauma The Power of Dual Processing: EMDR activates the brain's natural healing mechanisms Horses provide immediate biofeedback about emotional states Combined approach addresses both cognitive and somatic aspects of trauma What to Expect in Your First EMDR and Equine Therapy Session A typical session might include: Initial grounding work with horses EMDR processing with equine support Somatic awareness exercises Mindful presence practice Integration through horse-human interaction How Do Horses Help with EMDR Therapy: Benefits and Research Horses contribute to EMDR therapy by: Offering natural bilateral stimulation through movement Providing immediate feedback about emotional shifts Creating a safe container for processing difficult memories Supporting present-moment awareness Why Choose EMDR with Horses Instead of Traditional EMDR The Magic of Integration: Combines structured trauma processing with intuitive healing Addresses both psychological and physical aspects of trauma Creates multiple pathways for healing and growth EMDR and Equine Therapy Success Stories: Real Client Experiences One client, struggling with complex trauma, found that the presence of horses helped her stay grounded during EMDR processing. When memories became overwhelming, the steady rhythm of the horse's breathing provided a natural anchor to the present moment. How Long Does EMDR with Horses Take: Treatment Timeline The Journey of Healing: Initial assessment and resource building Development of safe/calm place with equine support Gradual integration of EMDR processing Ongoing somatic awareness work with horses Is EMDR with Horses Right for Me? Who Benefits Most This combined approach is particularly effective for: Complex trauma survivors Individuals with attachment wounds Those who struggle with traditional talk therapy People who feel disconnected from their bodies Anyone seeking a more holistic approach to healing How to Start EMDR and Equine Therapy in Boulder, Colorado As someone who has experienced both the healing power of horses and the transformative effects of EMDR, I understand the unique value of combining these modalities. Whether you're dealing with past trauma, current anxiety, or seeking deeper self-connection, this integrated approach offers a powerful path to healing. Ready to begin your healing journey? Contact me to learn how combined EMDR and equine therapy might support your path to recovery.
What is Equine Therapy and How Does it Help Teenagers? In the gentle morning light at our Boulder mountain barn, I witness transformations that go beyond traditional therapy. As someone who discovered horses' healing power during my own teenage struggles with a broken back at fifteen, I understand firsthand how these magnificent animals can guide teens through their most challenging years. Today, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in equine-assisted therapy in Boulder, Colorado , I work extensively with teens aged 15–28, helping them navigate the same turbulent waters of adolescence I once faced. The power of equine therapy for teens lies in its unique ability to address the core challenges of this transformative life stage. How Do Horses Help with Teen Anxiety and Depression? Teens today face unprecedented challenges: Finding authentic self-expression Building genuine connections Managing anxiety & social pressures Developing healthy boundaries Understanding their own worth beyond achievement Why is Equine Therapy Effective for Teenagers? Authentic Self-Expression In a world where teens constantly feel pressured to present a curated version of themselves on social media, horses offer refreshing honesty. They respond to who we truly are, not who we pretend to be. When a teen steps into the arena, their Instagram followers and social status become irrelevant. What matters is the authentic connection they create with these magnificent beings. Real-Time Feedback Horses provide immediate, non-judgmental feedback about our emotional states and behaviors. For a teen struggling with anxiety but trying to "play it cool," a horse might step away, reflecting their inner turmoil. This natural mirroring helps teens develop greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. One of my teenage clients, who struggled with maintaining a "perfect" image at school, found profound relief when she realized our therapy horse responded most positively to her genuine self—not the carefully constructed persona she showed the world. Building Healthy Relationships Working with horses teaches teens essential relationship skills: Clear communication Respect for boundaries Leadership without dominance Trust-building Reading non-verbal cues Confidence Through Competence There’s something uniquely empowering about successfully communicating with a 1,000-pound animal. When teens learn to set boundaries, guide, and connect with horses, they develop a genuine sense of confidence that transfers to other areas of their lives. Present-Moment Awareness In an age of constant digital distraction, horses pull teens into the present moment. You can’t scroll through TikTok while building a relationship with a horse. This presence offers a much-needed break from the overwhelming pace of teenage life. Can Horses Help Teenagers with Communication Skills? For many teens, especially those struggling with trauma or anxiety , traditional talk therapy can feel intimidating. Equine therapy offers an alternative approach where healing can happen without words. Through groundwork exercises and relationship-building with horses, teens can: Process emotions without having to verbalize them Develop self-regulation skills Build trust at their own pace Experience unconditional acceptance What Happens During an Equine Therapy Session for Teens? Our mountain barn setting provides a natural sanctuary away from academic pressures, social media, and family dynamics. Here, teens can: Experiment with new ways of being Make mistakes without judgement Discover their inner-strength Connect with their authentic selves Build confidence through practical experience How is Equine Therapy Different from Traditional Teen Counseling? Unlike traditional office-based therapy, equine-assisted sessions engage teens on multiple levels: Physical movement and embodied learning Emotional awareness and regulation Social skills development Nature connection Mindfulness practice What Should Parents Know About Equine Therapy for Their Teens? As someone who found healing through horses during my own teenage years, I understand the unique challenges today's adolescents face. Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or the normal turbulence of teenage life, equine therapy offers a powerful path to self-discovery and growth. How Do I Get Started with Equine Therapy for My Teenager? If you're a teen (or parent of a teen) curious about how equine-assisted therapy might support your journey, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can explore how these extraordinary animals can help you navigate the path to adulthood with greater confidence, authenticity, and connection.