As a therapist who specializes in equestrian mental health, I frequently work with couples navigating the emotional aftermath of a horse riding injury. These injuries can leave not only the rider physically and emotionally shaken but also their spouse or partner feeling overwhelmed, afraid, and, at times, resentful. If your partner has been injured while […]
Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at barns, tack shops, and equestrian events across New Jersey and beyond about a topic close to my heart: mental health support for riders. There are many lessons to be learned in spending time speaking with other equestrians about mental health. The eye opening […]
Insight from a Child Therapist in Branchburg NJ Picture this: Your child is in the midst of an overwhelming meltdown. You’ve tried everything – reasoning, distracting, even pleading – but nothing seems to help. As their emotions escalate, you feel your own frustration rising, leaving you exhausted and wondering if you’re doing something wrong. As […]
Living with food allergies can be overwhelming—not just for the person with allergies but for their loved ones as well. As someone who lives with food allergies and is a therapist specializing in food allergy anxiety and trauma, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate this journey together. But I’ve also witnessed […]
For many equestrians, riding isn’t a hobby—it’s a part of their identity. The connection with a horse, the community we share with others, and the thrill that comes from riding shape an individual’s sense of self. When this core aspect of identity is disrupted—whether through injury, life changes, or shifts in personal goals—it can lead […]
First and foremost, if you’ve lost a horse and you’ve found this blog, I am so sorry for your loss. Very few will understand this form of loss like a fellow equestrian understands. Losing a heart horse can be a profoundly devastating experience. The bond between a rider and their horse often transcends that of […]
As the days of summer wind down and the thought of returning to school looms, it’s common for high school students to experience a whirlwind of emotions. While the thought of reuniting with friends can be exciting, it’s also normal to feel a bit of anxiety about the unknown. Whether you’re facing a new school, […]
We all know that “just 2 hours” at the barn can easily turn into 6. Our non-equestrian family tries to be understanding but it’s truly a balancing act sometimes. We do our best to juggle caring for our horses, spending time with our family and managing a household. While our passion for horses can be […]
What is EMDR Therapy? Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a well-researched technique for therapy. EMDR can help individuals feeling “stuck” to move forward through reprocessing distressing memories. Including memories experienced after a traumatic event. EMDR is effective at helping adults, teens, and children. It uses bilateral stimulation of both the left and right […]
This has been a tough month for me, I said goodbye to my adorable, 9.5-year-old, lion head bunny, Agnes. While she was only 3lbs, she was a huge part of my life. If you’ve just recently lost a pet, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I am sending over a big virtual hug. […]
If you’ve experienced a distressing or traumatic experience with horses, you know how difficult it can be to mentally and emotionally heal. I discuss this more in my blogs on Equestrian Trauma. I have also written about how equestrians can find healing following an injury. If connecting with like-minded others and practicing work on your […]
For equestrians, the winter months can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, the frigid temperatures and snow-covered pastures in northern states like New Jersey can make riding and horse care challenging. On the other hand, the sunny shores of Florida beckon with their promise of warmer weather and ideal equestrian conditions. […]
You show up to the barn, only to find your horse three-legged lame. A million scenarios run through your mind. Was he kicked in turnout? Did he slip and fall in the mud? Is it just a hoof abscess? Your brain goes into overdrive. In that moment, everything else in life goes out the window. […]
What is Equestrian Trauma? Equestrian Trauma is an umbrella term for a variety of issues equestrians may face. Indeed, equestrian trauma is not so much about the severity of the incident that occurred but rather the impact on the Equestrian’s mental health. The following events may be considered traumatic: Falling off your horse and having […]
Yes, it’s frustrating to live with food allergies. No, this is not a personal choice of yours to avoid certain foods. Going to parties, restaurants, and get-togethers can be anxiety-inducing for many reasons. When you live with food allergies, you may be wondering what you’re going to eat and if the food will be safe. […]