Writings from a Virginia Therapist who loves horses and helping.
Blog
Perfectionism and Riding: Guidance From an Equine Therapist in Virginia
TL; DR It's important to embrace progress over perfection in horse riding to enhance your experience and reduce stress. Perfection is unattainable, and focusing on small victories, like improved communication with your horse, can boost confidence. Cultivate...
How Can EMDR Therapy Help Performance Anxiety? An Equine Therapist’s Insight
TL; DR Performance anxiety isn’t just about nerves. It often stems from unprocessed memories linked to past experiences. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can help by reprocessing these emotional memories, allowing individuals to overcome...
When the New Year Makes Depression Louder: Rethinking Resolutions and New Starts
There is a particular kind of heaviness that shows up in January. It doesn’t always arrive on January 1st. Sometimes it sneaks in a few weeks later—when the excitement fades, routines slip, and the quiet voice of self-judgment starts whispering things like: *Why can’t...
The Benefits of Mindfulness for Horse Riders & Non-Riders
TL; DR As we embrace the new year, it's an excellent time to consider the benefits of mindfulness for both horse riders and non-riders. Mindfulness encourages us to focus on the journey rather than just the destination, enhancing our experiences with activities like...
When Life Changes Without Your Permission: Navigating Transitions After Loss, Divorce, and Unexpected Endings
Life has a way of shifting beneath our feet long before we feel ready. A death, a divorce, a job loss, a shattered plan, an identity that falls apart — these are the moments that divide life into “before” and “after.” And while the world often moves forward as if...
When the Holidays Feel Heavy: Understanding Depression in a Season of Glitter
The holiday season has a way of amplifying whatever we’re already carrying. For some people, this time of year feels magical—full of lights, warmth, and connection. But for many others, the holidays bring a quieter, heavier emotional weight. And if you’re living with...