Equine-Assisted Therapy in Wimberley, Texas
Therapy in the company of a herd
Some things are hard to talk your way through. They live in how we hold our breath, how we brace, how we read a room before we've even entered it. Equine-assisted psychotherapy brings that into the open, gently and in real time, alongside animals who respond honestly to what's actually happening.
Sessions take place at my ranch in Wimberley, in the Texas Hill Country. All work is on the ground: there's no riding, and you don't need any experience with horses.
What a session looks like
Every session is psychotherapy first. We'll start by checking in and setting an intention together. From there we might spend time near the herd, approach one of the horses, work at liberty in an open space, or simply sit and notice. Some sessions are mostly quiet. Some are full of movement.
The horses aren't props, and they aren't there to "read" you. They're sentient beings with their own preferences, boundaries and choices, and that's exactly what makes the work meaningful. Building a relationship with an animal who can say yes, no or not yet tends to bring up the real stuff: how you ask for connection, how you handle uncertainty, what you do when you're not sure you're welcome. We slow that down and work with it, in your body and in the relationship, at a pace that keeps you within your window of tolerance.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor trained in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing and attachment-based therapy, and I bring all of that into the arena.
Who it's for
I work with adults (18+) who are navigating:
• trauma and its aftermath, including the kind that's hard to put into words
• anxiety, overwhelm and nervous system dysregulation
• relationship and attachment patterns that keep repeating
• life transitions: divorce, empty nest, retirement, grief, beginning again
• feeling stuck in talk therapy, or wanting therapy that includes the body
You don't need to be a "horse person." Plenty of clients arrive nervous around large animals, and that's welcome too.
Meet the herd
Your co-facilitators
Sessions happen alongside the herd, never on top of it. Each of them brings something different to the work. Here's who you might meet.
Red roan mustang, 9
Apollo
Our "pick me" horse. Part Appaloosa and part "you're not the boss of me."
Mustang x Arabian, 9
Whiskey
The sensitive one. He'd love nothing more than to climb into your pocket.
Irish Sport Horse, 20
Phoenix
Arrived with an Irish passport. Won at the Dublin Horse Show, then traded rain for Texas sunshine.
Miniature donkeys, 20
Cajun & Crawdaddy
Together for most of their lives. A grounded, steadying presence for the whole herd.
Rabbits and best friends
White Rabbit & Ladybug
White Rabbit (aka "Rainbow Cutie Pie") lost his best buddy to a predator. Ladybug moved outdoors to keep him company.
Cattle dog/terrier mix, 5
Vincent
Another pandemic arrival. He helps make sure no one moves too fast.
Practical details
Where: a private ranch in Wimberley, TX. I'll share the exact address once your first session is scheduled.
Individual sessions: 60, 75 or 90 minutes.
Intensives, couples, family and small-group sessions: 90, 105 or 120 minutes.
What to wear: closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dusty. Dress for the weather; much of the work is outdoors.
Weather: in extreme heat, cold or storms, we'll move to a covered space or switch to an in-office or telehealth session.
Fees & insurance: equine-assisted sessions are private pay. I can provide a superbill if you'd like to ask your insurer about out-of-network reimbursement, and a Good Faith Estimate is available on request.
Safety: you'll receive a safety orientation before working with the herd.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience with horses?
No. Most clients have none.
Will I ride?
No. All of my equine work is ground-based.
Is it actually therapy, or a horse experience?
It's psychotherapy with a licensed counselor. The horses are part of the setting and the relationship, not a substitute for clinical care.
Can I combine it with talk therapy or EMDR?
Yes. Many clients mix equine sessions with in-office or telehealth sessions, or come for a multi-day intensive.
Is it covered by insurance?
Equine sessions are private pay. A superbill is available for out-of-network reimbursement.
Curious whether this is right for you? The first step is a free 20-minute phone consult. No pressure, and no horse experience required.