Equine-Connected EMDR Intensives in Golden, Colorado

Tucked away in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, these equine-connected EMDR intensives offer something many of us have forgotten we need: time. Time to slow down, listen inward, and heal.

Hosted on a serene, secluded 40-acre ranch in Golden, Colorado, these intensives are designed for those seeking deep, focused therapeutic work supported by the healing presence of horses, nature, and relationship. Whether you are navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, an eating disorder, life transitions, attachment wounds, or simply feeling called toward a deeper understanding of yourself, these experiences provide an opportunity to step away from daily demands and immerse yourself fully in the healing process.

Intensives are offered in a variety of formats ranging from half-day experiences to five consecutive full days of therapy from 9AM-5PM. Guests have the option to stay on the property in a private suite within a cozy cabin overlooking the land, allowing healing to continue beyond our formal therapy hours and into the quiet rhythms of ranch life.

Imagine waking slowly as the sun rises over the evergreens. Outside your window, horses peacefully munch hay while ducks wander toward the pond and chickens begin their morning explorations. You make your favorite breakfast in your private kitchenette before stepping outside with a warm mug of coffee. The mountain air is crisp. The ranch is quiet. The day unfolds at a different pace here.

When it’s time to begin, we gather with the horses.

You may spend time grooming your chosen therapy horse, walking together in rhythm, noticing your breathing, your body, and the subtle feedback offered through the horse-human relationship. We may begin with gentle embodied connection exercises, creative arts, journaling among the horse, sketching beneath the trees, music, mindfulness practices, or simply sitting quietly near the herd while we check in with what is present for you.

As the day unfolds, we tailor the experience to your unique needs and goals. For some, this includes equine-connected EMDR, where trauma processing occurs while in relationship with the horse. For others, it may involve mounted rhythmic riding to music that carries personal meaning, allowing bilateral stimulation, nervous system regulation, and emotional processing to unfold in a profoundly experiential way. We may walk the trails, sit beside the pond watching the breeze ripple across the water, engage in parts work, attachment-focused exploration, or spend time observing how the horses naturally mirror and respond to your internal world.

Meals are thoughtfully prepared twice daily by my fiancée, Julie, with intention, nourishment, and care at the heart of every dish. These shared meals become part of the healing experience itself. They are a chance to slow down, reconnect with your body, and receive support in a way many people are unaccustomed to allowing.

In the evenings, you are welcome to simply be.

Stroll the property as the sun begins to set behind the mountains. Sit by the lake. Watch the horses graze. Journal on the porch. Rest. Reflect. Breathe. Allow your nervous system the rare opportunity to experience spaciousness.

For those interested in creating an even more personalized experience, an à la carte menu of supportive services is available. These may include Reiki, massage therapy, yoga, personality coaching using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (ever wondered what personality type you are and what that might reveal about your relationships, growth patterns, strengths, and healing journey?), and other wellness offerings as they become available.

At its core, this vision was born from a deeply personal place. For much of my life, I have dreamed of creating a space where therapy could move beyond four walls and where healing could occur in relationship with the land, the animals, and the natural rhythms that so often get lost in modern life. Horses have taught me some of the most important lessons of my own healing journey, and it is an honor to invite others into this space where connection, authenticity, and transformation can unfold.

If your nervous system is longing for room to breathe, if your story deserves uninterrupted time and attention, and if something inside you feels called toward the mountains, the horses, and the possibility of healing in a different way, this experience may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

My books are open for September 2026! Book a consultation with me (Michaela) to see if this may be for you.