Notes from Clients

"Working with the In Balance horses, alongside gentle guidance from Val, Amy and Laurie, was one of the most impactful experiences I've had in a long time.  I had no idea why I was so drawn to this work, especially since I had been afraid of horses my entire life.  After a 10 weeks women's group, I can officially say that the label of being afraid of these powerful and wise animals no longer fits.  My confidence around risk grew immeasurably - inside and outside the ring.  I learned the critical importance of trusting myself and my intuition and how leveraging these gifts can shift everything.  Using my voice, playfulness and being in the flow of the moment, rather than always "brain-banging" solutions, created a profound sense of ease that is so relaxing and fun, it's hard to articulate. Throw in the spectacularly beautiful setting and the nurturing from the horses and I can't think of a better way to work on uncovering your best self." B.G., life & career coach

 

Our Team

The Team

Vallerie E. Coleman, Ph.D., Psy.D. (PSY12592) (left) is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst who has  been in practice for over 20 years.  She is the founder and Clinical Director of Stand InBalance and also has a private practice in Santa Monica, CA.  Equine Assisted Psychotherapy allows Dr. Coleman to combine her analytical knowledge with her love and respect for horses - maximizing the powerful capacity these magnificent animals have for facilitating human growth and development. Her work is grounded in a combination of object relations theory, attachement theory, and sensorimotor psychotherapy.  She has been on faculty at Loyola Marymount University and the Newport Psychoanalytic Institute. 


Natasha

 Natasha Filippides, MS, MFTi. is a registered MFT intern with Stand InBalance as well as a certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA).  She received her Bachelors degree in Cognitive Science and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of La Verne. Natasha met her first horse at 5 years old, and has since trained and shown in both jumping and classical dressage. She has personally experienced the healing power of horses and is grateful to have the opportunity to share her knowledge; inspiring growth, change, balance, and authenticity.  Aside from her equine, human, and administration duties with Stand InBalance, she is somehow finding time for her Ph.D. studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute.

All Stand InBalance professionals are EAGALA certified.

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