My Approach to Helping
My approach to helping combines the healing power of equine-assisted therapy and expressive arts to create transformative, personalized experiences. By integrating techniques like EMDR, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed care, I guide individuals through emotional healing and self-discovery. I focus on culturally-responsive practices and stress reduction, tailoring my work to meet the unique needs of each person, especially those facing trauma or chronic illness, such as Native American cancer survivors. Through a blend of creativity, movement, and mindfulness, I help clients reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and inner strengths, fostering profound healing and growth.
More Info About My Practice
I’m passionate about integrating equine-assisted therapy with expressive arts to create transformative healing experiences. As the founder of American Indian Art Therapy, my work is deeply rooted in both my extensive academic research at George Washington University and Eastern Virginia Medical School, and my personal commitment to culturally responsive care. Currently based in northern Colorado, I operate Healing Pathways LLC, where I combine EMDR, art, and horses to support emotional healing.
As a faculty member at the Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute, I teach courses on polyvagal-informed, nature-based, and sensorimotor-informed expressive arts therapy. My research focuses on stress and pain reduction interventions for Native American cancer survivors and trauma-informed methods. I’ve received a National Endowment for the Arts grant and co-authored E.Qi: Equine & Expressive Arts Inspired Qigong.
Alongside my therapeutic work, I’m also a professional artist with sculptural pieces exhibited nationally and internationally. My approach bridges art, counseling, and equine therapy, fostering healing and personal growth for individuals and communities alike.
Theoretical Influences that Guide My Work
Equine therapy, expressive arts therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are powerful, complementary therapeutic approaches that offer unique benefits to individuals seeking emotional healing and personal growth.
Equine therapy helps individuals regulate emotions, build trust, and improve self-esteem through interactions with horses. Horses mirror emotional states, allowing clients to gain insights into their feelings and develop better emotional regulation skills. The physical and calming nature of the work with horses also fosters mindfulness and stress reduction.
Expressive arts therapy utilizes creative outlets like art, music, and writing to help individuals process emotions and gain self-awareness. It provides a nonverbal space for emotional release, reduces stress, and supports personal discovery, helping clients integrate cognitive and emotional experiences in a meaningful way.
EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help individuals reprocess distressing memories. It effectively reduces symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and trauma by reprocessing memories, leading to emotional healing and improved self-perception.
When combined, these therapies create a holistic, trauma-informed approach to healing. Together, they promote emotional regulation, self-expression, and resilience, helping individuals overcome trauma, reduce stress, and build lasting emotional strength.
Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance
The client-therapist-horse alliance in equine-assisted therapy enhances the therapeutic process by fostering trust, emotional regulation, and empowerment. When horses are included in the healing journey, they deepen the connection and collaboration between client and therapist, offering unique insights and promoting holistic healing. This powerful triad?client, therapist, and horse?creates a safe and transformative environment for emotional growth and well-being.
