Meet Brianna Hammerman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Hammerman.

Brianna, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Horses have been in my life since I was 6 years old, whether it be through ridden competition or seeking solace in their companionship. Throughout my life, horses have provided purpose, meaning, connection, and a sense of belonging – they are my compass both internally and externally.

Fast forward to college, with no real clue of what to do with my impending degree, I found myself studying abroad in Australia. As an undergraduate psychology major, worrying about how to turn my curiosity and fascination about human nature into a career, unexpectedly horses were once again were my compass for direction. On one of the many schools assigned solo excursions, I arrived in a town that consisted of one train stop, a general store, and a hostel. As I leafed through the local paper, to my delight I landed on an article about none other than…yep you guessed it…horses! The article I accidentally stumbled upon highlighted the benefits of including horses in the healing process for people with physical disabilities. I began to wonder “how could horses benefit those in need of mental health services, emotional and mental wellbeing?”. Thus began my path toward becoming a Licensed Mental Health & Equine Specialist.

I began researching animal assisted therapies, contacting those practicing in the field, flying all over the continent to meet with the masterminds of Australia- all with the hope of being able to return to the states with this new found knowledge. I was excited to find out that others knew about this amazing modality and actively practicing. However, it quickly became clear without being a licensed mental health professional, not having resources to generate new clients and lacking the ability to observe REAL sessions (for HIPPA compliance reasons), my quest and enthusiasm to get hands-on experience was put on hold.

I decided to pursue a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology. Post-graduation I focused on growing my clinical and professional skills while working at an in-patient hospital. I specialized in the treatment for adults with severe and persistent eating disorders, both supporting the individuals in treatment as well as working with family members addressing dynamics to create sustainable recovery-focused environments.

After seven years of working in an In-patient atmosphere, I serendipitously crossed paths with a fellow horsewoman. She invited me to volunteer with a group for women in a substance abuse recovery program. I showed up not knowing what to expect or my role. From the moment I stepped onto the property and the group began, I was right where I was meant to be. Nothing had ever made more sense to me- I felt grounded and embodied. I was part of something bigger that was allowing participants to have meaningful transformation. For a year I volunteered my time to learn, support and grow as an equine-assisted facilitator and an out-patient clinician.

The next step was to leap to private practice. I desired to incorporate horses by bringing a relational and experiential approach to therapy. I knew I wanted to include horses into the recovery process and create a space where others could have life-changing experiences. Maya Angelou said it best- “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth yes, strait no. More winding…it felt long with lots of detours. I knew horses could help others. What I didn’t know was the path to get me there. My biggest struggle has been realizing that every twist and turn led me right where I needed to be. When there wasn’t a clear path- I made my own. More than anything I have learned to trust the process. I can say with complete confidence, looking back, I am grateful for every “detour” and “roadblock” along the way.

Please tell us about your business.
My approach to therapy is multifaceted. We can do work in an office, walk & talk in nature and/or incorporate horses into the healing process. My specialty is working with people (often 20-30 somethings) who have relationship trauma and helping them understand attachment patterns that prevent them from having successful, satisfying and fulfilling relationships.

I offer equine-assisted individual and multi-person primary, adjunct and intensive sessions for tweens, teens and adults. Often I am asked to partner with other providers, facilities and organizations wanting to utilize the honest, present moment feedback to highlight and improve their group dynamics. I am most proud of seeing my vision to fruition. What sets me apart is my unique combination of a real human, horse girl and therapist.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am excited to see where the rest of the journey takes me.

Pricing:

• 60 minute Office Session – $140
• 60 minute Equine Assisted Psychotherapy session – $ 150

Contact Info:

• Address: 673 Grant Street
  Denver, CO 802031538 N. 75th Street
  Boulder, CO 80303
• Website: www.briannahammermancounseling.com
• Phone: 303-910-0250
• Email: brhcounseling@gmail.com
• Instagram: @brhcounseling
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brhcounseling/

Image Credit:
Caroline Davis
Francois Gibson
Adam Fanton
Ernesto Segismundo

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