What if healing anxiety, trauma, or burnout didn’t start with talking, but with a horse?
In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we’re joined by Erin Rayburn, founder and clinical director of Evergreen Therapy, in a conversation that’s anything but traditional. Erin blends equine-assisted psychotherapy with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients work through the invisible weight they carry, without sitting on a couch.
Why Horses?
Because they don’t lie, and they don’t let you lie either.
A horse can feel your heartbeat from four feet away. It knows when you’re tense, anxious, or disconnected before you even do. That kind of honest feedback becomes a powerful tool for clients learning how to self-regulate, rebuild trust, and navigate the stressors of daily life.
Erin shares how ground-based equine therapy, no horseback riding required, can reveal everything from how you set boundaries to how you show up under pressure. Herd dynamics mirror our human relationships. Body language becomes communication. And sometimes, the most healing moments happen in total silence.
The Role of EMDR
For those dealing with unresolved trauma or anxiety, EMDR helps the brain process memories that got “stuck.” Think of it like cleaning up the mental files that never got properly organized. Erin walks us through how sessions work, from targeting specific memories to tracking physical sensations and watching the body let go of old triggers.
The result? Calmer nervous systems, sharper thinking, and relief from long-standing stress patterns.
Talk About the Digital Age
Of course, no conversation about mental health in 2025 is complete without talking about screens. Erin and host Sam Silvey dive into:
- Why social media mimics slot machines
- How attention spans are changing
- What dating apps are doing to emotional intimacy
- Simple ways to build digital boundaries that last
It’s not just a theory, we hear real stories, practical tools, and even a hilarious tale involving a “beer mile” that led Erin to the healing work she does today.
For the Ambitious and Anxious Alike
We close out with a powerful segment on hypomania, that wired, high-functioning state that’s common among entrepreneurs, creatives, and go-getters. Erin breaks down how to ride the wave of intense energy without crashing, turning that surge into something sustainable.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in fight-or-flight, curious about equine therapy, or just ready for a more grounded way to approach your goals, this episode is for you.
- Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
- Share it with a friend who needs to hear this
- Leave a quick review, it helps others find the show
