Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Durango, Colorado

Healing Through Connection with Horses

Horses have a way of showing us who we are. They respond not to who we think we should be, but to the energy, emotions, and presence we bring into the relationship. In Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), the horses become active partners in your healing journey—offering feedback, reflection, and connection in real time.

What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a relational, experiential approach to healing and self-discovery. Sessions take place outdoors, in the presence of horses, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with them through groundwork (no riding required). Each session is guided by principles of Gestalt therapy, which focuses on present-moment awareness, body-based wisdom, and the power of authentic relationship.

With the horses as co-facilitators, we’ll explore your emotions, patterns, and relational dynamics—not just through talking, but through experience. Horses naturally invite us to slow down, listen deeply to ourselves, and show up with honesty and curiosity.

Why Horses?

Horses are exquisitely attuned to nonverbal communication—they sense and respond to our inner state, often reflecting truths we may not yet have words for. This makes equine therapy a unique and powerful way to explore your relationship with yourself and others.

• Some of the themes we can explore in equine therapy include:

• Building self-awareness and emotional clarity

• Exploring boundaries, trust, and authentic expression

• Cultivating presence and embodied awareness

• Learning to navigate relationships with honesty and care

• Releasing patterns of perfectionism and performance

• Discovering new ways of relating—to yourself, to others, and to the natural world

A Relational Approach to Equine Therapy

My work is rooted in relational horsemanship—a philosophy that honors the horse as a sentient being with their own voice, needs, and preferences. This is not about controlling or “training” the horse, but about co-creating relationship through mutual respect, curiosity, and connection.

In the same way, our therapy work will center relationship—the one you have with yourself, with others, and with the natural world. Through your connection with the horses, we’ll uncover relational patterns, experiment with new ways of being, and explore how you can show up more fully and authentically in your life.