Embodied Practice: A Retreat for Therapists
Led by Emery Mikel (Art Therapist) and James Wilson (Leadership Coach)
Art. Horses. Presence. Boundaries. Real-Life Clinical Tools.
This isn’t a training where you sit in a chair all day and take notes. It’s a chance to step outside, slow down, and experience what it really means to be present—in your body, in your relationships, in your work.
Over the course of one or two days, you’ll engage in equine-assisted activities (ground work only, we won't be riding), creative art processes, and guided reflection. You’ll practice the very skills you help your clients develop—such as developing attunement, exploring boundaries, and creating authentic connections.
This isn’t a training where you sit in a chair all day and take notes. It’s a chance to step outside, slow down, and experience what it really means to be present—in your body, in your relationships, in your work.
Over the course of one or two days, you’ll engage in equine-assisted activities (ground work only, we won't be riding), creative art processes, and guided reflection. You’ll practice the very skills you help your clients develop—such as developing attunement, exploring boundaries, and creating authentic connections.
Topics & Skills
1 Day (Sat.) or 2 Days (Sat & Stun)
Participants will be able to register for Day 1 as a stand alone experiences or for both days, in order to receive more time with the horses and a deeper dive into the topics of the weekend. You will learn a lot and have meaningful experiences even if you can only attend 1 day. Day two will be a deeper dive with even more hands on time to fully round out the weekend for those who are looking for a more immersive experience.
Day One – Core Skills (8 CEUs):
Day Two – Going Deeper (8 CEUs):
Participants will be able to register for Day 1 as a stand alone experiences or for both days, in order to receive more time with the horses and a deeper dive into the topics of the weekend. You will learn a lot and have meaningful experiences even if you can only attend 1 day. Day two will be a deeper dive with even more hands on time to fully round out the weekend for those who are looking for a more immersive experience.
Day One – Core Skills (8 CEUs):
- Grounding the Healer: How presence starts in the body
- Holding the Line: Boundaries that feel clear, not clinical
Day Two – Going Deeper (8 CEUs):
- Staying With: Staying connected without over-functioning
- The Art of Listening: Communication that’s more than words
Schedule
This is a general outline of the days and we will adapt the experience based on those that register.
Day 1
9:00am - Welcome and Introductions
10:00am - Interacting and Connecting With Horses
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm - Regroup and Process
2:30pm - A Deeper Dive with Our Horses
4:30pm - Art and Debrief
Day 2
9:00am - Exploring Yesterday's Experience and Setting Intentions
10:00am - Engaging with Our Horses
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm - Regroup and Process
2:30pm - A Final Experience with Our Horses
4:30pm - Art and Debrief
Day 1
9:00am - Welcome and Introductions
10:00am - Interacting and Connecting With Horses
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm - Regroup and Process
2:30pm - A Deeper Dive with Our Horses
4:30pm - Art and Debrief
Day 2
9:00am - Exploring Yesterday's Experience and Setting Intentions
10:00am - Engaging with Our Horses
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm - Regroup and Process
2:30pm - A Final Experience with Our Horses
4:30pm - Art and Debrief
About Us
Emery Mikel
ATR-BC, LCAT, LPAT Art Therapist |
Hello Everyone,
I have been an art therapist for over 20 years and my group practice, Water & Stone, just turned 10 in June of 2025! My first passion as a therapist was always focused on my clients who were dealing with the unknown in grief and loss, dementia, or high anxiety. Working with others always brought me a profound sense of meaning and gratitude for those who invited me into their journeys at such difficult times. My second passion developed over time and tends to be front and center these days. I love helping therapists discover new aspects of themselves, their work, and ignite new ways of being in the world. Whether learning new techniques and interventions or finding transformative experiences through workshops and retreats, my goal is to provide spaces where therapists have a chance to develop curiosity, depth, and their innate sense of self. There is so much to experience in the world and many ways to find magic in our lives. Everything we do as therapists to grow and learn translates directly to the work we do with our clients, so why not choose to have new experiences and be in community with others? Currently, I run Water & Stone, a Creative Arts Therapy PLLC (a contemplative creative arts therapy group practice) and Firefly & Phoenix LLC (a company offering support for professionals interested in private practice), mentor other therapists, offer continuing education workshops, supervises interns, guest lectures at George Washington University and am adjunct faculty at Nazareth University, Syracuse University, and Cedar Crest College. Recently, I partnered with The International Institute for Humanistic-Existential Psychology to offer virtual supervision, adjunct teaching, and annual in-person workshops in China. |
James Wilson
Leadership Coaching |
Hi, I’m James.
I don’t believe in magic. I believe in people. People who decide to do something hard—and then do it. People who take the leap, fall, get back up, and keep moving. People who want to lead better, live better, and build something that lasts. I’ve built a career believing in people - first in retail planning, growing and supporting my team as we together drive sales to grow the business. Then in the nonprofit world, leading the way at GallopNYC as we grew to become New York City’s premiere therapeutic riding center, expanding programs, ridership, facilities, budget and fundraising. Now I run a coaching business that helps people lead with more clarity, presence, and courage—whether they’re managing teams, navigating change, or standing at a personal crossroads. I partner with horses in this work. Not as tools. As co-teachers. Horses don’t care about your title. They don’t care about your goals. They care about how you show up—your presence, your consistency, your truth. That’s what makes them extraordinary. That’s why they’re my collaborators. I serve as Vice President of the E3A Board of Directors, helping set the standard for ethical, impactful equine-assisted learning. I also keep bees, volunteer at my local therapeutic riding center, and believe deeply in the power of nature to bring us back to ourselves. If you’re looking for easy answers or woo-woo magic, I’m not your person. But if you’re ready to lead with courage, take real steps, and move forward—not just feel better about being stuck-- Let’s go. |
