top of page

Susanne Hays, LMFT, SEP

At Pegasus, we are focused on providing a combination of Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Riding/Horsemenship services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I provide counseling services for adults, children, couples, and families. My background as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor enables a holistic approach to counseling. Modalities like Art and Sand Therapy can help with insight and trauma processing. We always use the horse to integrate these therapies.

In addition, I have worked in an inpatient treatment facility, and have experience with PTSD, Combat-PTSD, Chemical Dependence, and Adoptions/Foster Care. I am also trained in medical trauma/anesthesia trauma, and near death experiences. Trauma resides in the body. Trauma integration (being able to talk about events without getting distressed) helps overcome depression, anxiety, panic attacks, self-medication, or physical problems. Family support, a systemic approach, insight, and using mindfulness to track both mind and body, are key elements in getting well. As a Somatic Experiencing Practioner (SEP) (3 year training in trauma treatment), I integrate Art Therapy, Sand Tray and Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychosomatic Therapy with the horses in a modified way to not over-stress the Central Nervous System. I am also trained in attachment re-patterning (dARE). My approach is systematic, body-focused, and client-centered. 

Mandy Kieckhaben, LPCC

My name is Mandy and I am an Licensed Practical Counselor Candidate (LPCC), working with clients of all ages. My specialty is providing therapy for children ages 4-12, but I have experience and also love working with adolescents and adults. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Colorado State University, and my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Somatic Focus from Prescott College in AZ. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Developmental Psychology.

Growing up with and owning horses, I know firsthand how horses can help people. At Pegasus Healing Trauma, we can partner up with the horse(s) during our sessions. I love working with children also utilizing art, play, and sand-tray therapies. I use a multi-modal approach to therapy to encompass all areas of mental health, including mind, body, spirit, thoughts, emotions, and environment.

My clinical and personal experience is with depression, anxiety, panic attacks/disorders, trauma counseling, PTSD, and existential issues. I have experience working in a variety of settings, including in-patient mental health hospitals and out-patient programs.

You and I will set treatment goals and make a plan for healing and change. I understand the courage it takes to seek help, and I would appreciate the privilege to work with you!

Nancy Beers - ESMHL, CTRI, 

Nancy provides Equine Facilitated Learning (not psychotherapy). She became involved with horses at an early age. What they taught her about relationships and behavior provided a foundation for becoming a mental health worker as an adult. Introduced to therapeutic horsemanship in 1984, she found the perfect blend of her interests. She is a long-time member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl, or PATH Intl. Nancy is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), as well as Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), Mentor and a CHA Certified Riding Instructor. In addition to instruction she was Program and Education Director at a PATH Premier Accredited center for many years, and has provided support and training to other professionals locally and nationally. She is involved in PATH, Intl, helping to provide education to its members. Currently she operates The Equine Approach, LLC, a PATH Member Center dedicated to Learning, Therapy and Personal Growth through Horsemanship. Her passion is offering a bridge between horses and humans to enhance each one’s learning, growth and quality of life.

Nancy is available for services to Pegasus clients for Equine Assisted Learning. As defined by PATH Intl, Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills for educational, professional and personal goals through equine-assisted activities.



bottom of page