Prairie River Counseling
Becky Simoni-Ryan LMHC, IADC
Welcome!
My name is Becky Simoni, and I am a licensed mental health counselor and certified substance abuse counselor (LMHC and IADC). I am currently licensed in the states of IA and NE.
I am not just a traditional therapist but also an eco-therapist that practices from a holistic and evidence-based viewpoint of therapy. I believe when one finds balance and homeostasis within mind, body, soul, and environment you can then begin to experience a sense of peace, acceptance, and tolerance of the human being you are within this world. As a therapist I am passionate and honored to be holding space for my clients, so they are able to reconnect not just with themselves, but with the world around them.
I apply a wide variety of evidence-based modalities such as IFS, MI, CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Art Therapy, Eco-therapy and more. The modality applied will be based on client needs.
Certifications and specialized training include: IADC (International drug and alcohol counselor), EMDR, Gottman Couple's Counseling, EAGALA (equine assisted psychotherapy), eco-therapy, PTSD, expressive arts therapy, first responders/vets, and Animal assisted therapy.
Areas of Preference and Expertise: adolescents and adults, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety and Panic, Co-occurring Disorders, Active Duty/Veterans, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders, Gambling, LGBTQIA+, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia and other Psychosis Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anger Management, and more.
What is Eco-therapy?
Eco-therapy is the practice of connecting with the organic systems around us. It is an “umbrella” term that encompasses modalities such as nature-based therapy, animal assisted therapy, equine assisted therapy, forest bathing, and many more. As a therapist I do not just offer traditional therapy, but I offer a variety of eco-therapy modalities as well.
When I speak of nature, I am not just speaking about the tree in your backyard. I am speaking of all organic systems such as plants, animals, bugs, bacteria, the air we breathe, and yes, even us humans.
It important to note as humans, our immune system is a sensory organ. Whether through exposure to trauma or living a busy life, our sensory systems can become unregulated. Leaving parts of us in a state of hyperarousal or feeling numb. Reconnecting with nature, is tapping into our ability to inherently reconnect back into the system. Allowing our sensory organ to once again become regulated. Allowing us to once again be whole.
I truly believe nature is vitality, nature is home. When we disconnect from the energetic systems around us, we are disconnecting from the very essence of life itself. Nature is a conscious mind. To heal is to make whole, and we are not whole when we have disconnected from the conscious mind of nature. When I invite you to be with nature, I am inviting you back to life, back to home.
Who is STARS?
Prairie River Counseling is located at and has partnered with STARS to offer EAGALA/equine assisted psychotherapy services.
Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School (STARS) has been a part of the Siouxland community since 1984. Providing opportunities for individuals with a diagnosed disability to work with horses in a variety of ways.
STARS services include therapeutic riding, horse camps, equine assisted learning, and more.
To learn more about STARS please visit: Home (scstars.org)
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy/EAGLA?
When my clients ask me, what is EAGALA, I always struggle to put it into words, because it is something you truly need to experience to fully understand the power of it.
Equine assisted psychotherapy/EAGALA involves equine in the therapeutic process. This therapeutic modality is amazing for those who feel “stuck” in therapy, who tend to be “resistant” to traditional talk therapy, for those who prefer to get out of the office and move, or for those who simple enjoy being around equine.
Many wonder, why horses? Horses are herd animals which means they are very in-tuned with others around them. They have very strong mirror neurons which quite literally means they become a mirror during the therapeutic process.
Not only is their role to be a mirror, but they are essentially the co-therapist during therapy. The equine team and I fully trust these co-therapists and are always in awe and the healing powers they hold.
Lastly, what to expect a session to look like? An equine specialist and I will always be present when working directly with the horses. These sessions are all ground based, meaning there is no horseback riding. Each session will look different and is dependent on the client’s goals that day. Sessions may involve grooming the horses, observing the horses, storytelling, creating with them, or doing an activity with them.
No matter what the session looks like, just know these horses are powerful space holders and trust that you will experience such a unique gift of therapy from them.
Note: If you already have an established therapist, you can continue to see you regular therapist and receive equine assisted psychotherapy. Please talk to your primary therapist beforehand. Insurance does cover this service.
