Headshot of Koyt Kifer, Med., LPC, LCDC
AUTHOR

Koyt Kifer Med., LPC, LCDC

Licensing & Certifications:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor, Texas
  • Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Texas
  • EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association)

Professional Background

Koyt has over ten years of professional counseling experience utilizing horses in the therapeutic process and has been fortunate to work, teach, and volunteer in many diverse factions complementary to that role since 1996. He earned a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from Hardin – Simmons University and has been practicing as a licensed therapist working with those dealing with a wide range of co-occurring mental health issues in virtual, office, and outdoor equine therapy settings.

Koyt was born and raised outside of Dallas, TX and graduated from Ole Miss University with a degree in Art with an emphasis in oil painting. He spent the next decade living and working in various mountainous towns around the United States as a PSIA certified ski instructor during the winters and working with horses during the summers as a trail guide, director of several equine programs, and a farrier. Koyt was licensed as an equine therapy horse specialist and mental health professional through EAGALA in 2012 and provided equine therapy during graduate school while accumulating practicum hours at the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and a shelter for abused women and children.

Koyt’s professional experience includes being a primary counselor for diverse caseloads that required residential dual diagnosis treatment to privet practice utilizing both virtual and in person settings. He has professional counseling experience working with all demographics who struggle with a wide range of mental health issues. Koyt is trained in EMDR trauma therapy and incorporates both EMDR and equine therapy to work with those who suffer from symptoms associated with PTSD and abuse.

Koyt’s equine privet practice, hUMBLE Therapy, infuses traditional EAP (equine assisted psychotherapy) and professional counseling with horseback riding utilizing mindfulness, balance, and logos in the environment. The three therapeutic approaches working in conjunction with each other compounds their therapeutic abilities. hUMBLE Therapy is a holistic approach to professional counseling that addresses mind, body, and spirit through horseback riding and nature.

Education:

Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from Hardin Simmons University Abilene, TX 2014

BA in Art (emphasis in paining) Minor in English from University of Mississippi Oxford, MS 2002

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Area of Focus:

Koyt, a licensed therapist with over a decade of counseling experience, integrates equine therapy into his practice. He holds a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development and is trained in EMDR trauma therapy. Koyt’s approach, through hUMBLE Therapy, combines equine-assisted psychotherapy with mindfulness and nature, addressing mind, body, and spirit.

Koyt employs various therapeutic methods in her practice, including:

  • Equine therapy to focus on mindfulness and life balance, the diverse modality caters to individuals, couples, and groups
  • Exploration of finding purpose and meaning through Logo Therapy principles to address symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, relationship concerns, grief & loss, addiction, personality disorders, and adjustment disorder
  • Trauma and abuse centered therapy
  • EMDR, equine facilitated therapy, and eco-therapy approaches work in unison on symptoms associated with PTSD, extreme stress, and neglect
  • Incorporating the natural environment in various ways to emphasize the importance of viewing yourself as “a part of”, opposed to “a part in”
Equine Therapy

Equine Therapy: What It Is, Benefits, & What to Expect

Equine therapy utilizes a horse’s unique traits and sensitivities to help people dealing with a variety of challenges in both emotional and physiological aspects of life.

February 2, 2022