I have loved horses from a very early age and in fact had been very involved with them, riding, showing etc. until I was 20 or so. Approximately 25 years later I found myself staring into the eyes of a beautiful chestnut yearling and felt a strong reawakening of my connection and love with the spirit of horses. A few weeks later, with no real rational or logical reason why, Jacqueline, my partner Rolf and I bought that young horse. At the time I had no awareness of how horses would play a significant role, not only in my own life and healing journey, but also in the lives of many others.

As I was the one that was in the position of being the primary horse handler and care giver I found myself "thrown" into a very deep personal process. Had I known the depth of that process I doubt I would have signed up for the task! However there I was trying to learn everything I could about natural horse care, including barefoot hoof care and natural horsemanship. At the same time I became increasingly aware through my own process of how my connection to this beautiful equine being was bringing me into more and more of a connection with myself.

Having been a psychotherapist in private practice for many years I began to research and study the field of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. My journey led me to take an EAGALA Level 1 training in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and then later to study with Barbara Rector and Ann Alden, two pioneers in this growing field.

Looking back it seems to me that all my previous training and education have really built the foundation that has led me to having horses as my co-facilitators. Originally trained as a Gestalt therapist, I went on to receive my Masters in Counselling Psychology in 1995. That same year I opened a private practice in Vancouver, BC with a focus on working with individuals and couples on a variety of issues ranging from general life dissatisfaction to sexual abuse trauma. I also pursued a training in shamanism through the Foundation of Shamanic Studies as well as training in Reiki and EMDR, all of which I gradually began to incorporate into my therapeutic work. I also have facilitated and co-facilitated many workshops in areas such as women's spirituality, menstruation, Celtic Shamanism, dancing and dreaming as well as Equine Facilitated Personal Development. My ongoing personal studies include the Ontogony (self realization) teachings of Carlos De Leon of Mexico, meditation, Tibetan Buddhist practices, and Chi Kung.

The main focus of my work, whether it be in my office or in the round pen with the horses, is to offer an emotionally safe environment that encourages individuals to gain a deeper awareness and consciousness of their true nature; who they are on a soul or spirit level. A connection on this level results in an increase in personal freedom as well as an expansion of love and compassion.