It was always going to be a difficult morning. The alarm was set for 3 a.m. in readiness to get to the airport on time for a 5:30 a.m. flight. Security cleared and coffee in hand, the boarding process commenced without a hitch. Strapped in and ready for take off, we began to taxi out… Read more »
A friend of mine recently started taking horseback riding lessons. I love watching her ride and seeing the unadulterated joy radiate from her when she is in the saddle. I recognize that feeling of exhilaration and freedom that comes from being atop a 1,000-pound animal, and the sense of wonder that they allow us to… Read more »
At the recent Society for Humanistic Psychology Conference in Chicago, Theopia Jackson’s keynote speech challenged the Humanistic Psychology community to wake up to the realities of their privileges. It was a heartfelt plea to honor not only the multiculturalism and diversity of the clients that we serve, but also within the community itself, and to… Read more »
To the woman in line at the check out this morning: It was sweet of you to strike up a conversation with me this morning as we waited in line. I saw the surprise on your face when I started to speak. Your eyebrows furrowed and your forehead crinkled while you tilted your head to… Read more »
When did giving up something for Lent turn into something self-serving? As a child, it was drilled into me through my Catholic upbringing that Lent was about giving up something valuable to us, so that we may appreciate the sacrifices of Christ during his 40 days and nights in the desert. So we would abstain… Read more »
This weekend, I attended the funeral for a wonderful man I knew as “Mr. Bill.” I work as a therapeutic riding instructor teaching kids with emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges the art of horseback riding. The program is supported by an army of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy into ensuring that the horses… Read more »
No doubt, countless articles have already been written in the aftermath of the Grand Jury’s decision not to indict Darren Wilson for shooting Michael Brown. No doubt, there are polarized opinions on whether this was the “right” decision. No doubt, the people of Ferguson are reeling from the impact of this decision. And soon, if… Read more »
Photo by Veronica Lac. Alice* had first come to see me for weekly equine assisted therapy sessions as part of her intensive outpatient treatment at the eating disorders clinic I partner with. For 10 months, we had worked together battling through the demons that held her prisoner. For 10 months, she had painstakingly clawed her… Read more »
I get attached easily: to places, people, and animals. When I feel a connection, I work hard at maintaining it and I hold on tight to what feels precious to me. That’s not to say that I’m not able to adapt to new situations—just that it takes me a little while to accept and grieve… Read more »
When was the last time you cried? How long did you allow yourself to cry before putting the lid back on? Did it take you by surprise? Did you feel it building up and flowing over? Did you quickly wipe away your tears, or did you allow them to linger on your cheeks? I am… Read more »
