Guiding you to stable places,
with the help of a horse.
COLLEGE GROVE, TN
Meet
Licensed Professional Counselor and Founder of Fox Grove Farm
“I guide individuals through their internal battles with depression, anxiety, trauma and other life challenges by integrating effective therapeutic practices with the unique wisdom of horses and the healing presence of nature.”
I am passionate about fostering the horse-human connection as a pathway to trust, self-awareness, emotional growth, and lasting change.
Together, as we engage the mind, body and spirit, we explore the stories, beliefs, and patterns that may be limiting growth and well-being. I am passionate about helping people reconnect with their authentic selves, which sometimes requires gently deconstructing unhealthy narratives that no longer serve us. As clients learn to relate to themselves with greater empathy, curiosity often begins to replace self-criticism, creating space for healing, purpose, and a renewed sense of aliveness.
My journey to become a therapist has paralleled the journey of refining my horsemanship. As I deepened my understanding of both counseling and horsemanship, I became increasingly aware of how the relational challenges we experience with horses often mirror those we encounter with ourselves and others. I approach horses with compassion, positive regard, and a deep respect for their individuality - the same way I strive to meet each client where they are.
Growing up on a farm in West Tennessee, I had the privilege to experience nature as God's cathedral. My hope is grounded in the belief that I am a beloved child of God. As Charlie Mackesy wrote, "Life is difficult, but you are loved." I believe this love originates from God and serves as the foundation for healing, growth, and restoration.
My passion is to create a peaceful space where people can connect with horses, nature, and themselves—increasing their capacity to live more fully into who they are created to be.
Services
For your mind, body, and spirit.
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Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential form of therapy that incorporates horses into the counseling process. In a typical session, you may be invited to participate in activities such as leading, observing, grooming, or working alongside a horse. The focus is not on horsemanship skills but on the experiences, emotions, thoughts, and patterns that emerge during these interactions. Together, we explore what the experience might reflect about your life, relationships, challenges, and goals. The horses often provide immediate, nonjudgmental feedback that can help deepen understanding and support meaningful change.
Neuro-Affective Relational Model (NARM) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals understand and heal the effects of developmental and relational trauma while strengthening connection to their authentic self. NARM focuses on patterns of survival that may impact relationships, emotions, and overall well-being.
Together, we define an intention that guides how NARM principles are integrated throughout equine-assisted sessions, creating opportunities for deeper self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. Through interactions with horses, clients gain real-time insight into patterns, emotions, boundaries, and connection.
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LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) is one of the supportive tools that can be integrated as part of a comprehensive counseling approach. LENS is a gentle, non-invasive form of neurofeedback that uses EEG-based feedback to help the nervous system regulate more effectively. Many clients describe feeling less stuck, overwhelmed, reactive, or emotionally shut down as their nervous system becomes better able to move out of chronic fight, flight, or freeze responses and into a state more conducive to rest, recovery, and healing.
LENS Neurofeedback is simply one of several evidence-informed interventions that may be integrated into treatment when appropriate, based on your goals and needs. Visit Ochs Labs for more information.
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More information coming soon.
How Horses Help
Horses offer a unique and powerful opportunity for growth and healing.
As prey animals, horses are naturally attuned to the present moment and respond to what is happening around them in real time. Their ability to stay grounded in the here-and-now helps clients become more aware of their own thoughts, emotions, and physical responses.
Because horses communicate primarily through nonverbal cues, they often reflect what is happening beneath the surface. They respond to our energy, body language, and emotional state rather than our words, providing honest and immediate feedback. This can help clients recognize patterns in emotions, relationships, boundaries, and communication that may be difficult to identify through traditional talk therapy alone.
In their presence, many people find greater calm, clarity, and self-awareness, creating space for deeper reflection.
Horses are highly social herd animals that thrive through connection, attunement, and awareness of others. Their calm and generally regulated nervous systems can promote a sense of safety and emotional regulation in those around them.
Working with horses from the ground encourages clients to stay present, tolerate uncertainty, and engage moment by moment without needing to have all the answers. This process often reduces perfectionism and self-criticism while fostering courage, confidence, trust, and authentic connection.
Experience the quiet, peaceful sanctuary of Fox Grove Farm and leave more grounded than when you came.
Equine-assisted psychotherapy provides a nonjudgmental environment where you can explore challenges, build emotional awareness, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with their core selves.
Through calm, clear, and consistent interactions with horses, clients develop skills that support healthy communication, respect, partnership, and personal growth in everyday life.
All sessions are ground-based; no riding is involved.
Genuine Connections
What others are saying…
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“Sweetface’s rooted presence and ability to connect in relationship helped me experience the wholeness I want to live out in my own life and relationships. When I think of what I want to be like, the image of her is experientially ingrained in my mind and heart.”
— Client GL
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“Michelle is such a wonderful listener, amazing person and therapist! Any client would be lucky to sit with her, learn and grow with her and ultimately work towards their therapeutic goals with her.”
— Jenna Cox, LPC
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“Working with horses cements me in what it means to be fully present. I can then better understand that feeling and apply it in more areas of life.”
– Client JK
The Fox Grove Team
“There’s something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
Are you ready to try something new?
FAQ’s
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Sessions are 90 minutes, unless otherwise determined prior to our appointment.
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Only a handful of clients are horse owners, however, several clients have had experiences with horses at some point in their lives. The majority of clients have had almost no connection with horses before working with me.
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Mother nature can create the need for some adjustments at times. We have options to work inside the barn with the horses or to conduct our session inside my office, or a combination of both spaces.
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Closed-toed shoes are a must and boots are ideal! We often are walking through pastures to interact with horses and boots are best to protect your feet while here. Flip-flops or sandals are not safe around horses! Typically, we are outside for the majority of the session, so dress accordingly for the weather that day.
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No, all our work is ground-based and there are many ways to work with horses in this capacity.
Psalm 121:1
“I lift my eyes up to the hills — where does my help come from?”
“Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.”
— John Wayne
Let’s Connect
If you're interested in learning more about working together, complete this form with a few details about yourself, and I’ll connect with you as soon as humanly possible.
“The horse will teach you if you listen.”
— Ray Hunt