We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lexie Glisson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lexie below.

Lexie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

From the Show Ring to the Therapy Ring: How Taking a Leap of Faith Changed My Life

Risk is a word that can evoke fear or excitement, sometimes both. For me, taking a risk meant stepping away from a life I had spent years building and dreaming about, all to follow a calling I never expected. It was a leap into the unknown—one fueled by injuries, self-discovery, and a deep desire to help others connect with themselves and the natural world.

I grew up immersed in the high-stakes world of competitive hunter-jumper riding. My mother ran a thriving barn, and from an early age, my life revolved around training, competing, and preparing to step into her footsteps as a top trainer and competitor. Everything was lined up perfectly: I had access to incredible horses, a devoted clientele, and a clear pathway to success in the equine industry. It was a world of precision, adrenaline, and relentless dedication.

But beneath the surface, the demands of this life took a toll—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Over the years, I suffered a series of serious injuries: broken vertebrae, a fractured back, broken shoulders, torn Achilles tendons, a broken arm, and countless others. Each one forced me to pause, reflect, and confront the question I had been avoiding: Was this the life I truly wanted?

During those periods of recovery, something unexpected began to stir within me. I found myself longing not for the show ring but for moments of quiet connection—with horses, with nature, and with myself. Riding had always been more than a sport for me; it was a partnership, a language, a way of understanding the world. But I realized that what I loved most wasn’t the competition—it was the healing power of those connections. And I began to wonder: Could I use this gift to help others?

The idea of leaving the hunter-jumper world felt impossible. It was my identity, my community, my future. Yet, the injuries had left me with a body that could no longer sustain the grueling demands of competitive riding. And in my heart, I knew I was being called to something different. Slowly, I began to imagine a new path: one where my love for horses and my desire to make a difference could intersect in a meaningful way.

Becoming an equine-assisted therapist was not a decision I made lightly. It required years of training, obtaining new credentials, and starting from scratch in a completely different field. I had to learn how to navigate the complexities of human emotions, trauma, and healing—a far cry from the structured world of riding lessons and show schedules. But for the first time, I felt like I was truly aligned with my purpose.

Today, I work as an equine-assisted therapist, combining my background in horsemanship with somatic, nature-based, and EMDR therapy. My clients come to the barn seeking healing, connection, and clarity. Some are grappling with trauma, grief, or anxiety; others are simply searching for a way to reconnect with themselves. Together, we work alongside the horses in an environment that fosters safety, reflection, and growth.

Leaving the competitive equestrian world behind was the hardest and most rewarding decision I’ve ever made. It meant walking away from a life I had spent years building, but it also meant stepping into a role where I could use my experiences to help others. My injuries, once a source of frustration and loss, became the catalyst for transformation. They taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of listening—not just to others, but to myself.

Through my journey, I’ve learned that taking a risk doesn’t mean abandoning everything you know. It means being brave enough to follow a path that feels true, even if it’s unfamiliar. For me, that path led from the show ring to the therapy ring, and I couldn’t be more grateful for where it’s taken me.

If you find yourself at a crossroads, wondering whether to stay in the safety of the known or venture into the unknown, I encourage you to listen closely. The whispers of your heart, however faint, may just lead you to a life richer and more fulfilling than you ever imagined.

Lexie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a licensed clinical social worker based in Colorado with a passion for helping individuals of all ages navigate life’s challenges and find healing. My work combines traditional psychotherapy with innovative approaches like equine-assisted therapy, nature-based interventions, somatic practices, play therapy, and EMDR. I’ve always been drawn to the profound connection between humans and nature, and I believe in the therapeutic power of movement, mindfulness, and the relationships we build—both with others and with the natural world.

My clinical approach is rooted in Gestalt therapy, which views humans as interconnected beings. I believe that most challenges we face are relational at their core, whether it’s our relationship with ourselves, others, or the world around us. Through this lens, I help my clients deepen their connection to their authentic and true nature, to each other, and to the natural world.

My journey into this field began with a desire to support people in their healing journeys. Over the years, I’ve witnessed how trauma, grief, anxiety, perfectionism, relationship struggles, and life transitions can deeply affect individuals and families. While I work with a mix of clients, my specialty population includes young women navigating transitions and relationship issues. My goal is to help clients move out of their heads and into their bodies, fostering a sense of presence and empowerment.

What sets my practice apart is the holistic, experiential aspect of my work. Whether it’s walking alongside a horse, engaging in somatic exercises, or simply being outdoors, I create an environment where clients can reconnect with their bodies, minds, and emotions in a way that feels safe and restorative. I also strive to make therapy approachable, playful, and even joyful, because healing doesn’t always have to feel heavy.

I’m most proud of the transformations I’ve been privileged to witness in my clients. Seeing someone step out of the weight of trauma and into a life of resilience and authenticity is incredibly rewarding. I want potential clients to know that my practice is a safe, inclusive space where they can show up exactly as they are, without judgment. Therapy with me is a collaborative and creative process tailored to each person’s unique journey.

If you’re curious about my work, I offer both individual and group sessions, and I’m working on creating resources like a downloadable starter kit to introduce people to some of these methods. Whether you’re seeking a new perspective, deeper healing, or just a supportive guide on your journey, I’m here to help.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I grew up deeply immersed in the equestrian world, training and competing as a hunter-jumper rider at my mothers’ prestigious barn. My path seemed crystal clear: I was destined to be a top professional rider and trainer, following in her footsteps. I had the resources, the clients, and the passion. However, life had other plans. After enduring multiple significant injuries, including broken vertebrae, fractured shoulders, torn Achilles tendons, and more, I found myself at a crossroads. These physical setbacks forced me to slow down, reflect, and ultimately make a pivotal decision about my future.

During my recovery periods, I began to realize that what I truly cherished wasn’t the competition but the connection with horses, with nature, and with myself. This realization was further enriched by years of living in multiple countries, where I studied yoga, meditation, energy work, and explored transcendental and non-ordinary states of consciousness. These experiences expanded my understanding of healing and helped me tune into a powerful truth: I needed to listen to and respect my body, while also honoring the gifts I was born into this world with.

It became clear that while my body could no longer sustain the physical demands of competitive riding, my deep connection with horses and my desire to help others could continue just in a different capacity. With that clarity, I took a leap of faith and transitioned into a new role as an equine-assisted therapist. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it allowed me to merge my lifelong love of horses with a new calling to help others heal and grow through meaningful connections.

Today, Im a licensed clinical social worker specializing in equine-assisted, nature-based, somatic, play, and EMDR therapies. I help clients of all ages navigate challenges like trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship struggles, anxiety, and ADHD. By partnering with horses in a serene and natural setting, I create a safe space for individuals to reconnect with themselves and discover their inner resilience. My approach is unique because it draws on my deep equestrian expertise and integrates evidence-based therapeutic practices with the healing power of nature.

What sets me apart is my firsthand understanding of transformation both personal and professional. I’ve experienced the restorative power of horses and nature, not only as a therapist but also as someone who has faced adversity and found healing through these connections. My background in studying yoga, meditation, and energy work, combined with my equestrian expertise, allows me to bring a holistic perspective to my work. I help clients not only process their emotions but also reconnect with their bodies and the natural world around them.

I’m most proud of the moments when clients achieve breakthroughs, finding strength they didn’t know they had or peace they thought was out of reach. These experiences affirm that taking the risk to follow my calling was worth every challenge.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

The most critical factor in succeeding in my career as an equine-assisted therapist is my lived experience. While I have earned degrees, completed certifications, and learned from exceptional mentors, nothing has shaped my ability to help others more than my personal journey through physical and emotional challenges. My struggles have given me a unique depth of empathy and understanding that no textbook or training could provide.

During my teenage years and early twenties, a time when most people are forming connections and establishing independence, I was often confined to bed rest due to chronic pain and injuries. As a competitive athlete, my body had been my source of success, confidence, and validation. Yet, in the midst of broken vertebrae, fractured bones, and torn tendons, it felt as though my body had betrayed me. I became isolated and alone, struggling without the tools or resources to process my emotions. At times, I felt like a prisoner in my own body, caught in a cycle of frustration, confusion, and grief.

This period of my life was a turning point. I realized that if I wanted to heal both physically and emotionally, I had to take an active role in my recovery. I began to seek out tools on my own, immersing myself in meditation, yoga, travel, and education. I found mentors who guided me, courses that expanded my understanding of healing, and practices that taught me to reconnect with my body in new and profound ways. Each step along this journey helped me rebuild not just my body, but my relationship with it.

What makes my lived experience so invaluable is that I intimately understand what it’s like to feel disconnected, isolated, and at odds with oneself. I know the struggle of grappling with pain both physical and emotional and the courage it takes to rebuild. These experiences allow me to meet my clients where they are, without judgment, and offer them a space of safety and understanding. My story has taught me the importance of not just listening to others but truly hearing them, and it has deepened my commitment to guiding people through their own healing journeys.
Another critical factor in my success is staying deeply connected to my “why” and the bigger picture of the work I do. Helping people heal and reconnect to themselves, others, and the natural world is what fuels me. This sense of purpose has not only guided my creativity and effectiveness in the field, but it has also served as a powerful antidote to burnout. Mental health work can be emotionally taxing, but staying rooted in why I do this work allows me to approach each session with presence and intention, even during challenging moments.

In my practice, I incorporate the lessons I’ve learned about resilience, self-compassion, and the power of connection to help clients navigate challenges like trauma, grief, anxiety, and life transitions. The tools I offer are ones I’ve tested in my own life, and my approach is informed by my firsthand understanding of what it takes to find hope and healing, even in the darkest times.

Ultimately, what sets me apart in this field is that I don’t just draw from education or professional training I draw from a life lived. My clients know that when I sit with them, I truly understand the weight of their pain and the possibility of their transformation, because I’ve walked that path myself. And with my unwavering connection to my purpose, I bring creativity, authenticity, and resilience to every aspect of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lexieglisson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexie.glisson.therapy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-glisson-734108149/