
Pegasus ~ Somatic Trauma Healing

Susanne Hays (she, her), LMFT, SEP, ESP, BASE™-P
At Pegasus, I am focused on helping with Nervous System Regulation, overcoming traumatic or adverse events, building a resilient nervous system, helping individuals and families/groups thrive by providing a combination of Psychotherapies. Sessions may include various modalities, all conducted through the lens of Somatic Experiencing® (SE).
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I provide counseling services for adults, children, couples, and families. In addition to my counseling degree, I also completed the three year SE Trauma training, have been a teaching assistant for Somatic Experiencing Institute since 2018, and trained and assisted in Master level classes for Dr. Peter Levine.
I also completed the BASE™ (Relational Bodywork and Somatic Education) taught by a renowned SE Faculty member, Dave Berger. BASE™ is s relational touch training for Trauma Practitioners. BASE™ is a body-oriented approach designed for psychotherapists to help clients heal from trauma. Through art of relational touch and somatically-oriented interventions, BASE™ fosters a connection akin to the bond between an infant and parent. By using attuned touch, practitioners support clients in feeling truly met and understood, guiding them back to a state flow, ease, and motility. Adding attuned touch work where appropriate, together with learning which structures in the body might be affected by trauma and adverse events, has been fundamental in treating early attachment patterns, chronic pain, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, sleep issues, feeling detached, anxiety, PTSD and other difficulties.
These trainings have allowed me to look at mental health through the lens of anatomy, nervous system tracking and regulation in order to help clients move through incomplete self-defensive responses and processing through events that repeat in the physiology and often show up as syndromal patterns like anxiety, depression, any diseases of the Nervous System, chronic pain patterns, migraine headaches, etc.
The added relationship with the horses adds yet another layer of safe connection. My background as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor enables interaction with horses in a safe manner. When working with horses, I use the Equusoma model, tracking both horses and humans to help process trauma re-enactments. It is important to understand that the focus is not on riding or overpowering the horse, or teach "leadership" skills. At the contrary, the horse is a participant and sentient being, and if one participant does not benefit from the interaction, nobody benefits in the end and trauma re-enactments are likely to happen. The horses participation is voluntary, and the focus is on the relationship.
We have additional rich modalities like Art and Sand Therapy to draw from, which can help with insight and trauma processing. Which intervention (or a combination) we use is largely driven by the client, their goals, and what is most beneficial. Consent, choice, and voice are important, both for humans and animals.
In the past, I have worked in an inpatient treatment facility, and have experience with PTSD, Combat-PTSD, Chemical Dependence, and Adoptions/Foster Care. As part of my SE training and Master Classes with Dr. Levine, I am also trained in medical/anesthesia trauma, and near-death experiences. Most frequently, clients present with anxiety or depression. I have experience working with shock trauma, motor vehicle accidents, falls, near drowning, struck by lightning, chemotherapy, sexual trauma, and early developmental trauma.
Trauma resides in the body. Trauma integration helps overcome depression, anxiety, panic attacks, self-medication, or physical problems. Family support, a systemic approach, insight, and using mindfulness to track both mind and body, are key elements in getting well. My approach is systematic, body-focused, and client-centered. You can learn more about each modality under "Services."
I am trained and provide family and couples counseling, unless a client sees me individually and there would be a conflict of interest. In 2025, my goal is to add group therapy, and practical intensives for individuals or families. More to come!
We are building individual treatment plans and use modalities that are appropriate based on the client's needs and wants.