My path towards becoming a therapist began in 2004 when I realized that the dance classes and dance performances I was experiencing, were helping me heal wounds and find a sense of self I had not yet experienced. It was then that I realized I wanted to support others to feel the healing benefits of connecting to the body through movement and embodiment, and thus started my path towards becoming a dance/movement therapist.

 

As I began the journey in somatic psychotherapy, I received an internship at Medicine Horse Program in Boulder, CO. There, I completed a 700+ hour internship integrating Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) and Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), obtaining a Masters of Arts in Somatic Counseling Psychology from Naropa University in December 2011. I then established my registered dance/movement therapist credential, and became a registered psychotherapist for the state of Colorado.

 

Since receiving my credentials, I have begun my private practice Moving Strides, LLC. inviting teens and adults to experience the therapeutic value of a body-based perspective in therapy, with and without the co-facilitation of horses. Over the past 10 years, I have been supporting individuals with grief and loss, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-harming behaviors, and more to establish goals, connect to the present moment, and allow the body to help them find the strength and awareness they need to move forward towards health. Currently, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor for the state of Oregon practicing at Healing Reins and Talk Inc.

 

As I continue to develop my practice here in Bend, I am dedicated to providing a practice with compassion and multi-cultural sensitivity, and I'm invested in continuing my education in somatic and equine therapy practices. It is because of my own personal experience that I am awed by the beauty and healing power of both Dance/Movement Therapy and Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy, and I'm following my passion to support others to feel the therapeutic value of these wonderful modalities.