Elizabeth Warson, EMDR, Equine & Expressive Arts Therapist in Northern Colorado
My goal is to help you find resilience & regulation.
It is my passion to help you get curious in discovering your own creative approach to physical, emotional, and psychological regulation to better manage stress & enhance resilience.
PhD, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, EMDR III, EXAT, EAP II
Hi, I’m Elizabeth Warson
Let’s infuse curiosity & creativity to explore your inner world so you can feel more regulated and balanced in your body.
My journey beautifully blends my deep roots in horsemanship with my passion for healing through art and nature. As an equine-assisted psychotherapist, I harness the profound connections between humans and horses to create transformative experiences that foster self-regulation and emotional well-being.
Through my innovative programs, especially within indigenous communities, I emphasize the importance of artmaking and the healing power of nature. By integrating expressive arts with equine therapy, I offer a unique therapeutic approach that addresses individual needs while also strengthening community bonds.
In my co-collaborative experiences, I aim to inspire resilience and connection, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those I work with. My holistic approach highlights the therapeutic potential of both the horse-human bond and the creative process, providing a pathway to healing that is as enriching as it is effective.
My Approach
I tailor my therapeutic approach to the unique needs of each individual, creating a supportive environment that fosters healing and personal growth. For adults, I use a variety of methods to help them navigate life’s challenges, prioritize mental well-being, and cultivate resilience. Whether working through anxiety, stress, trauma, or life transitions, I offer personalized care that empowers clients to make lasting, meaningful changes.
For children and adolescents, especially those struggling with anxiety, I incorporate expressive arts and equine therapy. These creative approaches allow young clients to express their feelings and develop healthy coping strategies in a safe, engaging way.
When working with elders, I prioritize meaningful connection and reminiscence, honoring their life experiences while addressing any challenges they may face. This holistic, individualized attention ensures that each client – regardless of age – receives the care and support they need to thrive.
Throughout all stages of therapy, I emphasize the importance of self-care and making therapeutic practices accessible by integrating them into daily life. By helping clients discover small, manageable ways to nurture their mental well-being, I strive to make therapy not just a session, but a lifelong practice.
One of the key elements that tends to resonate with my clients is the deep sense of trust and safety I cultivate through personalized, creative experiences. By actively listening to their stories and integrating their unique interests – whether through expressive arts, equine interactions, or tailored therapeutic exercises – I create a space where clients feel truly seen and understood. This approach not only fosters deep connections but also empowers individuals to engage with their healing long after our sessions have ended, leaving them with practical tools and meaningful memories to help them navigate life’s challenges in a more empowered way.
My Background
I come from a long line of horse and mule trainers, and my family has been instrumental in shaping who I am today as an equine therapist and expressive arts therapist. My roots run deep in Tennessee, Kentucky, Colorado, and even Hawaii. I was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and my ancestors laid the foundation for me to merge my curiosity for art, horses, and psychotherapy.
On my mother’s side, my lineage is a blend of farming life, horses, mules, farm animals, foraging, and preserving food—salt-of-the-earth people from north-central Tennessee. My maternal grandfather was proud to be a descendant of Charles Darwin, as his mother was Ida Ophelia Darwin. My maternal grandmother, who was part Irish and Eastern Band Cherokee, was known for her grit and determination. She rode horses great distances to school and ran a farm where she raised cattle to send her two daughters to college. One of those daughters was my mother, who attended Vanderbilt Nursing School, thanks to her mother’s sacrifices. My mother was a brilliant woman with a love for diverse cultures, evidenced by her art collection, scholarly work, and clinical research as an LPN.
A few of the things I answer to:
Trail Rider
Kayaker
English Dressage
Feltmaker
Trail Rider
I started trail riding on my great uncle’s horse, Ajax, and since then, I’ve found a deep sense of joy and freedom riding out on the prairie with my mare, Grace. There’s something special about the bond you build with a horse as you explore the open land together. For me, the ultimate trail ride is at Ghost Ranch, where we ride through the same stunning terrain that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic paintings. It’s an incredible feeling to ride through landscapes she once captured from her studio. The beauty of the land and the peaceful rhythm of riding make every journey unforgettable.
Kayaker
I first learned to kayak at 16 on Brown’s Canyon, during an interim week at Fountain Valley School. My boyfriend at the time, Shehaunessy, had already made the trip, and his adventure inspired me to follow in his paddling wake. Fast forward more than 40 years, and Shehaunessy and I are still kayaking together—now on the calmer waters of northern Colorado. The thrill of being out on the water, side by side, has only deepened over the years, and every paddle reminds me of that first journey.
English Dressage Rider
Although my entire family rides western, I discovered the art of English dressage later in life, and it’s been a rewarding journey ever since. What drew me to dressage is the subtle proprioception it requires—the way you and your horse communicate through the smallest shifts in movement. I love the patterns, the precision, and the sense of flow I feel when riding. Whether I’m with my mare Grace or Coco, each ride is a chance to deepen my connection with them and refine our partnership. Dressage has opened up a whole new way of experiencing riding, and I’m always excited to see how much we can grow together.
Feltmaker
I majored in Fiber Arts at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where I was fortunate to be mentored by Annet Couwenberg, a renowned fiber artist and instructor who introduced me to the meditative art of felting. The process of felting has stayed with me ever since, and it continues to be an integral part of my practice as an expressive arts therapist. The tactile nature of working with fiber allows me to connect with the material in a deeply personal way, and I use that same mindful approach to help others tap into their creativity and healing. Felting, in all its simplicity and depth, has become a reflection of the therapeutic process.
Methods
Specialties
Anxiety
Trauma, Acute Stress & PTSD
Autism
Traumatic Brain Injury
Life Transitions
Acute & Chronic Medical Conditions
The Healing Pathways Approach
Therapy with me is…
Respectful.
Therapy with me is respectful, compassionate, and collaborative. I honor your unique journey and create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore, express, and heal at your own pace. Together, we’ll work to cultivate balance, self-awareness, and resilience through creativity and mindfulness.
Creative.
Therapy with me is creative, dynamic, and collaborative. I believe in using art, nature, horses, EMDR and mindfulness to unlock your inner wisdom and help you explore your emotions in new and expressive ways. Together, we’ll create a therapeutic space where you can embrace your unique path to healing and growth.
Curious.
Therapy with me is curious, open, and exploratory. I invite you to engage with your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in new ways, fostering self-discovery and insight. Together, we’ll embrace curiosity as a tool for growth, using creative approaches to help you find deeper understanding, balance, and healing.
Collaborative.
Therapy with me is collaborative, empowering, and solution-focused. We’ll work together as partners in your healing journey, combining your insights with creative approaches to explore new possibilities. My role is to guide and support you, helping you uncover your strengths and develop practical strategies for lasting growth and well-being.
Education
Dr. Warson's diverse academic background in both art therapy and counseling, combined with her fine arts training, provides a strong foundation for her work integrating therapeutic modalities like EMDR and expressive arts therapy.
- 2002-2008 | Ph.D., School of Education (CACREP)
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Specialization: Education and Human Resource Studies, with a focus on research - 1991-1993 | M.A., Graduate Art Therapy Program (AATA)
Vermont College of Norwich University, Montpelier, VT
Master of Arts in Art Therapy - 1991-1992 | Graduate Clinical Psychology Program (APA)
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH
Graduate-level psychology coursework - 1984-1989 | B.F.A., 5-year Fine Art & Liberal Arts Program
Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Fiber Arts, Minor in Painting
Certifications
- LPC Licensed Professional Counselor (Colorado)
- National Certified Counselor through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- ATR-BC Registered Art Therapist, Board-Certified through Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB)
- Certified EMDR Therapist, Advanced Practitioner and Consultant (EMDRIA)
- EXAT Expressive Arts Therapist, certified through Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Therapies Institute Certified
- Eagala Mental Health Professional
- EquiLateral: The Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol®
- The Masterson Method®, Foundational Course
- Certificate, Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies (12 hours), Collectively Rooted, Linda Tai
- Certificate, Accelerated Traumatology Course (30 hours), Intensive Trauma Treatment, Morgantown, WV
Biography
Teaching Experience
Educational seminars are available based on Dr. Warson’s academic teaching in group psychotherapy, medical art therapy, social and cultural diversity, research methods, proposal development, qualitative analysis, ethics and professional practice, processes and materials of art psychotherapy, art therapy approaches in career counseling, and introduction to art therapy.
I believe in therapy that feels
creative.
safe.
regulating.
expressive.
healing.
Endorsements
Dr. Elizabeth Warson is very well respected in the field of Expressive Arts Therapies and Equine Therapy. Anyone can see how passionate she is with her work as it is quite extensive in both fields. I have had the privilege of being supervised under her guidance for my EXA-CE certification. Her gentle, yet attentive spirit makes anyone feel very comfortable in her presence. Dr. Warson is very respectful of all of her clients, which creates a safe atmosphere that encourages self-exploration for better well-being.
Denise Livingston
Therapeutic Art Coaching
As a co-author of E.Qi, Dr. Warson has been a pleasure to collaborate with. Her passion for art and therapy is tangible, her appreciation for the balance of nature and creativity is refreshing, and her patience and willingness to lead are inspiring. This wouldn't have come together if she hadn't motivated all of us, done a good amount of the work herself, and inspired so many to participate. She, personally, is a joy to work with, and professionally an irreplaceable asset. I'm grateful for this relationship and the product it has created!
Kurtis Tilley
Sifu & E. Qi Partner
Dr. Warson has outstanding proficiency in EMDR and Expressive Arts therapy. In her role as a supervisor and consultant, she offers insightful guidance that boosts the confidence of her trainees. Her intuitive abilities create a safe and connected atmosphere, promoting co-regulation and enhancing the therapeutic journey for all clients. By integrating expressive arts therapy, equine therapy, EMDR, and tai-chi, she brings a dynamic embodiment to her therapy sessions that eases clients into safety from within.
