​LEXIE GLISSON Growing Up: I was literally raised in a barn. Most of my childhood memories happened at my mom’s horse barn, home to at least 18 show-jumping horses. I was a shy, quiet child, blessed to have horses, dogs and cats as best friends, babysitters, playmates and confidants. Whenever the world felt unpredictable or overwhelming or my parents just weren't around, I could always rely on my animal allies for authenticity, connection and comfort. By the tender age of ten years, this intimate connection with horses had me traveling the country as a championship-caliber rider and trainer. Trauma and Transition: Freshman year of high school, I was training with a powerful young horse when I fell and fractured two vertebrae at the base of my spine. And then later that same year, I experienced the first of several severe relational traumas, the likes of which, unfortunately, far too many young women suffer.  In the aftermath, my first response was to retreat into rigid self-protection. However, before long, the apparent safety of isolation proved too stifling, keeping me stuck in struggle until I learned to trust my herd-animal instincts and allow them to lead me toward the life-affirming support of community and connection. The impact of these challenges destabilized my core identity, forcing me to find meaning somewhere other than horses and the same old crew of high school friends. I started to explore alternative states through yoga, meditation, music and holistic medicines. I sought out new friends and mentors who would help me find peace amidst the pain and accelerate my evolutionary journey. Healing and Helping As a 19-year old experiencing chronic pain, toxic relationships and family discord, I sought new horizons on a year-long journey to Australia and Southeast Asia.  On this trip, as I led a research project on the psychology of addiction and the power of mindfulness, a fresh sense of purpose made itself clear: to help others find peace in their body as the starting point for healing their relationship with Self and others, in order to feel deep ease and belonging — at home with the whole natural world. Returning to the U.S. with a new perspective, I redefined my relationship with horses as healing allies, transitioning from a professional competitive riding trainer to a therapeutic riding instructor for special needs. Soon, the process of transforming my pain into purpose brought me to pursue my Master's in Social Work at the University of Denver.  Present-Day Approach & Expertise: In addition to Gestalt-style talk and play therapy, sessions include nature connection, equine-assisted activities (horses!) and EMDR techniques for reprocessing trauma. As a certified yoga teacher with a relational lens, I hold the innate interconnection of the mind and body as a mirror for the safe, healthy relationships (with both human and non-human others) which I believe form the foundation for life itself. Outside of the office: Outside of the office, I spend a lot of time outside! I enjoy hikes with my dog, practicing yoga and meditation, seeing live music, snowboarding, spending time at the river, and attending therapy trainings and nerding out about this weird, wild experience being human. I absolutely love what I do as a therapist and so I spend a lot of time learning more about different modalities that can support my clients and my own growth.   LEXIE HAS TRAINING IN: Equine (Horse) Assisted Therapy -Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) - Gestalt Therapy  -Animal-Assisted Therapy -Nature-Based Therapy -Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction -Equus Coaching  -Yoga Teacher Training -Somatic Therapy -Play Therapy -Motivational interviewing I help clients discover and recover their most empowered and authentic self through movement, mindfulness, and playful connection with nature.  If you think we’d be a good fit or interested in learning more about my approach, I’d love to connect with you through a free 20-minute consultation video session.