Hela is a therapist and equine specialist who provides integrative psychotherapy incorporating equines to teens and adults, as well as wellness retreats for groups and families. She has been working with horses for 20 years and is particularly interested in facilitating interactions that prioritize the emotional, relational, and somatic well-being of both horses and humans. Hela is intentional about creating a compassionate space in which people can engage in meaningful self-exploration, strengthen mind-body awareness, feel empowered to be their true self, and create meaningful change. Her approach is authentic, embodied, relational, neurodivergent affirming, and LGBTQIA2+ celebratory.  

Hela works with individuals who are experiencing stress related to traumatic experiences, sudden or anticipated loss/grief, relationship and family dynamics, caregiving/parenting, intercultural families/relationships, chronic illness, significant life transitions, and oppressive/marginalizing sociopolitical systems. She has specialized training in Trauma-Informed Yoga and Mindfulness, Trauma and Attachment Focused Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP), Nature Informed Therapy (NIT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT), Applied Polyvagal Theory, and Grief Counseling. 

Hela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Board-Approved Social Work Supervisor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from George Mason University. Prior to becoming a therapist, Hela worked in international military diplomacy, youth peacebuilding organizations, and youth education programs.