Alison's Experience with Equine Therapy & Sport Psychology in Ponte Vedra
Alison
Welcome!
I’m Alison, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Mental Performance Coach, dedicated to supporting individuals in their mental health and performance journeys. I currently work with Division I athletes at the University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, helping them enhance their mental performance and develop crucial life skills. I also provide mental health and performance coaching to athletes and individuals in the Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, and Jacksonville, Florida areas.
In my private practice, I offer tailored services in mental performance coaching, sports psychology and mental health therapy serving athletes aged 16 and older as well as adults navigating life’s challenges. Whether you're an athlete looking to improve your mental game or someone seeking mental health support, I’m here to help. I offer traditional talk therapy, equine-assisted therapy, and walk-and-talk sessions. Sessions can be held in my office in Ponte Vedra Beach, at local practice fields, at the beach, or in parks around Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, and Jacksonville, Florida.
My Background
I hold two master’s degrees in Sports Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UNF. I have extensive training in Animal Assisted Therapy and Equine Facilitated Learning, and I am working toward my Certified Mental Performance Coach (CMPC) certification from the Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP). My work with athletes at UNF includes mental performance coaching, sports psychology, and team-building activities designed to improve both athletic and personal performance.
While my expertise lies in sports psychology and mental performance coaching, I am passionate about helping anyone in the Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, or Jacksonville areas improve their mental health, overcome challenges, and thrive in all aspects of life.
My Approach
I take a holistic and personalized approach to mental health and performance. Whether you're looking to reduce anxiety, build self-confidence, set healthy boundaries, or enhance your mental performance in sports or life, I’m here to provide the support you need. I believe everyone has the ability to overcome life’s obstacles, and I’m committed to helping you discover your strengths.
If you're in Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, or Jacksonville, Florida, and ready to enhance your mental health or performance, reach out to me today. Whether you’re an athlete or simply navigating life’s complexities, I’ll help you achieve your goals.
Mental Performance/ Sports Psychology
Alison is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in mental performance and sports psychology for athletes. With extensive experience working with athletes in baseball, softball, volleyball (both beach and indoor), soccer, tennis, basketball and golf, she uses evidence-based practices to teach essential skills for achieving consistent and optimal performance. Alison tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of individual athletes and teams, focusing on key areas such as reducing performance anxiety, improving concentration, enhancing communication, fostering team building, and building confidence.
Services are available through equine-assisted therapy, in her office located in Ponte Vedra Beach, or virtually from anywhere in the U.S. Alison also works directly with teams at their practice facilities or fields, providing support both individually and as a cohesive unit. Whether you're an athlete looking to enhance your mental performance or a team seeking to improve overall dynamics, Alison is here to help you reach your goals.
Location
Life Unbridled is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, near Palm Valley, Florida, offering convenient access to the surrounding areas of Jacksonville, Nocatee, and St. Augustine Our facility is nestled in a serene, private setting, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for self-discovery and personal growth. We proudly serve clients from Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville, Nocatee, Palm Valley, and St. Augustine, ensuring accessible mental health and performance services for the entire community.
At Life Unbridled, we offer a range of therapeutic options, including equine therapy (also known as horse therapy or equine-assisted therapy), in-person sessions at our office, and virtual sessions via Zoom. Whether you prefer hands-on work with horses or a more traditional therapy approach, we provide flexible options to meet your needs.
Check out my Psychology Today
Services
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning is an experiential process that involves working with horses to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. In addition to equine therapy, we may also incorporate art as a complementary modality to enhance the therapeutic experience. Join us at our serene facility in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to explore the transformative benefits of equine-assisted learning.
Individual Therapy
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Traditional Talk Therapy may be a better fit for those who prefer a different therapeutic approach. We offer one-on-one therapy sessions both virtually for anyone living in Florida and in-person for clients in Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, Jacksonville Beach, and the surrounding areas. Experience personalized support tailored to your unique needs, no matter where you are in Florida.
Mental Performance
Walk and Talk Therapy
Mental Performance Coaching :Struggling with performance anxiety, panic, or negative self-talk on the field or court? I’m here to support both individuals and teams in overcoming these challenges. Our coaching sessions are available virtually or in-person at my facility in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, or directly on the field in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.
I work with teams as a whole to foster team cohesion and enhance overall performance while also providing individualized support to each athlete. Additionally, I can meet you at your practice facility for real-time assistance or work with you before or after practices. Let’s collaborate to elevate your mental performance and strengthen both individual and team success!
Walk and Talk Therapy
Walk and Talk Therapy
Walk and Talk Therapy
Walk and Talk Therapy is a beneficial form of therapy that allows us to engage in meaningful conversations while being active in nature. We can meet at a mutually agreed-upon location, whether it's a park in the Jacksonville area, the beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, or the serene property near my office. You can choose to sit and talk or walk and talk, creating a relaxed atmosphere for open discussion.
Please note that confidentiality is an important consideration with this modality, and we will ensure that your privacy is respected throughout our sessions.
Referral services
Walk and Talk Therapy
Referral services
If I am not a good fit for you, our schedules don't align or you need a therapist specializing in a different area, let me help you find the right fit.
I genuinely want your journey to healing and growth to be as smooth as possible. To that end, I have a strong network of trusted therapists that I can refer you to. Your well-being is my top priority, and I am here to help ensure that your experience in finding the right therapist is positive and stress-free.
FAQ
Why Horses are Powerful in Therapy
Horses, as prey animals are highly attuned to their environment and live fully in the present—a survival skill that makes them incredibly intuitive. Within their herd dynamics, they naturally seek authentic, clear, and consistent leadership for protection and guidance. This unique sensitivity allows horses to mirror human emotions and behaviors, providing immediate, non-judgmental feedback.
Through equine therapy, you can learn to be more present, tap into your intuition, and improve self-awareness. Working with horses helps you develop skills like emotional regulation, clear communication, and leadership, which can be transformative in both personal growth and mental health.
Experience the benefits of equine-assisted therapy with our horse at our private facility in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. This serene environment provides a safe and non-judgmental space for your journey toward self-discovery and healing.
What kind of commitment do I need to make?
Equine Assisted Therapy
The introductory session will take about an hour and a half for equine therapy to ensure this modality is best suited for you. Each additional session will take an hour at Life Unbridled in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL which is located between Jacksonville, FL and St. Augustine.
Mental Performance Coaching
Our first two sessions meetings will take an about a hour. Each additional session will be 30 minutes
How do we get started?
The first step is to schedule an intake session, where we’ll have the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss your goals. During this session, we’ll explore what you’d like to achieve through therapy or coaching, and determine if we’re a good fit to work together. This initial conversation typically takes place over the phone, but I’m also available for in-person meetings at my office in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, conveniently located between St. Augustine and Jacksonville Beach
Payments
Why Private Pay is Beneficial for You
Choosing private pay for therapy offers several key advantages that enhance the quality of your care and protect your privacy:
1. Complete Confidentiality
With private pay, your personal information stays between us. Unlike insurance companies, which require detailed documentation and access to your mental health records, private pay ensures your privacy. This means no diagnosis or treatment details are shared with a third party, keeping your therapeutic experience confidential and personal.
2. No Diagnosis Required
Insurance companies require a formal mental health diagnosis to cover therapy sessions, which becomes part of your permanent medical record. For many, this isn’t necessary or desired. Private pay allows us to focus on your personal growth, mental health, and performance goals without the pressure of fitting into a specific diagnosis.
3. Personalized, Flexible Care
Without the limitations imposed by insurance companies, we can tailor therapy to your unique needs. You have the freedom to choose the type of therapy (whether traditional talk therapy, equine therapy, or walk-and-talk), the session length, and how frequently we meet. This flexibility allows us to design a plan that truly works for you.
4. Greater Focus on Your Goals
Insurance may limit the number of sessions or require specific types of therapy based on coverage. With private pay, the focus is entirely on what’s best for you. We can work together at your pace, addressing your goals and challenges without worrying about meeting insurance criteria or restrictions.
5. Higher Quality, Uninterrupted Care
Private pay enables you to access uninterrupted, high-quality care. You won’t have to worry about sudden changes in your coverage or interruptions in your treatment. This ensures continuity, which is essential for long-term mental health and personal growth.