In 2022 I became a student of the EQUUSOMA® model for Horse-Human Trauma Recovery, an integration of Somatic Experiencing®, polyvagal theory, trauma neuroscience, and mammalian sciences, among other principals.   Now, as an EQUUSOMA® Practitioner I offer support to both humans and equines in nervous system regulation, attunement and trauma recovery.  Trauma can interrupt our ability to be present, embodied and connected, but through "somatic renegotiation", the gradual and supported process of growing our capacity to be with larger amounts of activation (unpleasant sensations and emotions) as well as larger amounts of goodness and aliveness, it is possible to reset the nervous system and alter old attachment patterning, which supports restoration of relational flow with others and allows us to live our lives more fully.  

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As a therapist, I have a background in group therapy, nature-based experiential education, and expressive arts, and am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).  More recently I have found deep resonance and inspiration in somatic approaches including Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), an ever emerging model based in neurobiology and attachment theory that emphasizes the therapeutic process of “undoing aloneness”. 

 

I began my journey in the field of equine facilitation at DreamPower Horsemanship, a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Premier Accredited Center in Gilroy, CA where I taught therapeutic riding and horsemanship to at-risk children and teens living in group homes and became certified as a PATH Therapeutic Riding Instructor.  In 2006, I had the great privilege of co-founding Trails to Success, a unique therapeutic program in Briones, CA that incorporated animals, art, and nature in experiential learning activities designed to promote positive social skills for children and teens.  As the Clinical Director I facilitated individual and group equine therapy sessions throughout the year and directed a one-of-a-kind therapeutic summer camp for kids and teens with social and emotional struggles from 2008-2016.  Years later, inspired by my experiences at Trails to Success, I founded and facilitated the HorseWise Girls Summer Camp at the Golden Gate Dairy Stables from 2019-2021.  Through experiential learning with horses, nature and creative arts, this unique therapeutic camp supported connection, community and the development of a strong sense of self worth in middle school age girls at a time in their lives when they need it most.