EquiLateral: The Equine Assisted EMDR Protocol

12/09/2025

Equine interactions in the mental health field look different for everyone. But it’s important to understand equine interactions from a mental health view point, and to set expectations. Regardless of how the interaction may look, partnering with horses can encourage growth, healing and learning.

12/02/2025

EquiLateral: The Equine Assisted EMDR Protocol ® combines EMDR therapy in partnership with horses to help clients process the past, heal in the present, and to feel inspired for the future. These EA-EMDR trainings do fill up, so if you’re interested be sure to sign up fast!

11/30/2025

EquiLateral: The Equine Assisted EMDR Protocol ® brings EMDR and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) together to treat trauma. If you’re a therapist interested in bringing EquiLateral to your practice, keep a look out for information about these EMDRIA Approved EA-EMDR trainings in future posts!

11/23/2025

Any therapists already trained in EMDR therapy will tell you that most EMDR trainings only scratch the surface about complex trauma and dissociation.

New or even seasoned EMDR therapists get stuck when they go back to their clients and start doing EMDR therapy: “It didn’t go like they said it would in the training.”

So, to help with this challenge, my EMDRIA Approved EMDR Trainings (Virtual and In Person) include additional curriculum on working with complex trauma and dissociation.

I also run small trainings, with 9-12 people, total. You get a more personal learning experience, can ask in depth questions, and get support as you learn and practice.

*Register today by using either link in bio and going to the “training” section on either website for more information on this training and others!*

11/13/2025

A little bit about the person behind the practice.

09/19/2025

I am still astounded by the incredible EMDR International Association conference. With 1700 attendees, all passionate about learning, growth, community, and healing, it was an awe-inspiring experience. I am always grateful to attend these events, and after 23+ years as an EMDR Therapist (how did that happen, by the way?), I am struck by the diverse range of experiences and connections that can be gained from attending these conferences. They are truly inspiring.

In other news, I was delighted to officially give EMDRIA-approved EMDR Consultant Dr. Elizabeth Warson of Healing Pathways, Colorado, her approval as an EquiLateral ® Consultant. Elizabeth is a researcher, therapist, and true advocate for EA-EMDR.

Elizabeth is seen here on the left with me, as well as Sonja Bigalke-Bannan of Heart Horses, Hawaii, and Brittani Frade of Golden Horse Counseling, Utah, at the EMDR International Association conference.

Congratulations Elizabeth!

We also might have had a lot of coffee that day. Just saying.

09/07/2025

Looking forward to seeing folks at the EMDR International Association conference in California this coming week. Who else is going from our EquiLateral: The Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol herd?

09/02/2025

I am just back from Spanish Fork, Utah, and settling back into Arizona, after the most recent practicum. The days after the EquiLateral Equine Assisted EMDR Protocol trainings, one of my most favorite events of the year, are always so reflective for me.

I am SO grateful to Golden Horse Counseling for hosting the EquiLateral: Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol training and a big shout out to Brittani Frade for being an amazing host! We have four more hours to complete in the course, but our in-person practicum was a BIG success. We had an incredible three days at this amazing facility!

What beautiful learning and partnerships with horses, where humans and horses came together to bring EA-EMDR to students from all over the country. I can't wait to see you all at our next training event, and to see how you bring this work to your horses and clients!

I am so grateful...

More photos to come soon!

07/29/2025

Congratulations Elizabeth Warson, for your EMDRIA Blog post on Equine-Assisted EMDR!

EMDRIA member Dr. Elizabeth Warson shares a case study outlining the benefits gained in an Equine-Assisted EMDR approach with a neurodivergent child.

07/24/2025

The first published research on EquiLateral: The Equine Assisted EMDR Protocol® has been released, and I am thrilled to share this exciting news with you all.

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Esther Nava for her remarkable achievement. I am also incredibly grateful to all the EquiLateral: The Equine Assisted EMDR (EA-EMDR) trained clinicians who contributed to the study and played a vital role in helping Esther find participants.

The descriptions from clients about their EA-EMDR experiences and the profound impact it had on their healing journeys were truly inspiring.

I have so much gratitude that this study is in the world, as it echoes the true power of horses to bring us to better versions of ourselves.



https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/paij/vol8/iss1/4/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLvm6dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRMnd1bFVPSUNUc2NIZXVrAR6xj2-GVJurbM-lGkQ5wmO8bvKCCAEerGu407Rz8smRXz4wvhIhi3Zg6CSDlg_aem_a6eNcVWfrNf1mZ6IX9czjg

07/06/2025

The European Scientific Journal published my article today titled “EquiLateral: The Equine Assisted EMDR Protocol, DBR Therapy, and Animal Assisted Interweaves.” I am incredibly grateful to all of you who have supported this work and continue to partner with your clients and animals to bring a sense of healing and connection into the world.

The article explores the significant role of animals in healing complex trauma, specifically through EMDR and DBR, using a case study as an example. I am always in awe of the privilege it is to share in others’ healing journeys through these two powerful modalities. Please consider reading it!

https://eujournal.org/index.php/esj/issue/view/665

07/04/2025

Jenkins, S. (in press). Equine-Assisted EMDR, DBR Therapy and the Introduction of Animal-Assisted Interweaves. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 21, (40)

I'm so excited. Link to come in a week or so!