Big changes are coming up for me and my practice. The story of how I have gotten to this place is one of those "what are the chances" kind of situations. But, as life has developed over the years, I have gotten more and more to where I believe that if something falls in your lap, you should go with it, and so here we go!
At the end of this month, I will be moving to California. Now, to my clients, it seems like I actually planned this, and kept it hidden, but that's the crazy part...I sure didn't! One of the things I talk to clients working towards recovery about is pursuing passions, as we know the ED kills those passions by taking time, energy and pleasure away, while focusing almost solely on the ED. Last year, I decided I wanted to go get better training in dressage, and so I went back and forth to San Diego for about six weeks; I would work during the week, and then fly to SD for the weekends. It was craziness, as I got to where I lost track of where I was and what I was doing...also, what season it was, since I was doing this in February!
So, this year, I decided to take the risk of upsetting my clients, and I set plans to go to SD for 5 weeks, continuing to see clients via telehealth. I was shocked when all of my clients took it in stride. All these years, I had told myself these stories about what would be upsetting to clients, and I avoided doing those things as much as possible. So, I learned a lot there that, as I tell clients all the time, I'm not actually psychic. ;)
Again, this was in February, so before COVID-19. My clients and I learned together that telehealth could work okay, though I do believe it should not be used with ALL clients. Anyway, I never intended to continue doing telehealth after returning from California. But, I returned right as COVID-19 hit and California and Utah shut down, so I guess the joke was on me!
After getting to San Diego in February, and enjoying the warmer weather, I had told my husband that we needed a 5-10 year plan for moving to San Diego; I was mostly kidding, as I also always said I couldn't move until I retired. I have come to hate winter, and, well, the Utah dressage community leaves a lot to be desired. But it was a 5ish year plan. My husband was already looking for another job when one came up in Escondido, which is about 20 minutes from the barns my horses were at. So, on a whim, he interviewed. Then, doors here in Utah closed, and we found ourselves left with the Escondido job versus looking wherever else in the nation. I ride horses, and he loves riding his motorcycle. Soooo, California is what was making sense (as long as you ignore all the downsides of living in CA, LOL!).
So, I returned to Utah, COVID-19 hits, and my husband gets the job offer. After a lot of back and forth on this, given my private practice in Utah, we eventually decided we'd do it...we'd make the move, but it certainly didn't feel real. At the same time, insurance companies decided they'd start covering telehealth given the pandemic. And, my clients had experienced what telehealth was like. It was all extremely strange timing. But, that is the timing that kinda makes you wonder if it is meant to be?? But I still didn't believe it was real. We put our house on the market. We had COVID-19 to deal with, wondering if my husband's job would be rescinded, etc. If you ever really want to have a good time, try selling AND buying a house in another state, during a pandemic. We learned you totally can buy a house remotely, as long as you enjoy high levels of stress! ;)
So, at the end of this month, we pick up our roots here, and relocate to San Diego. I will continue to provide telehealth to clients in Utah forever, or until there are enough ED providers that I don't feel like it is important for me to do so (I can't imagine that will happen anytime soon, sadly). With time, I will build up a practice in San Diego also, including plans for working directly with equestrians. I will be able to pursue my passion for dressage in a healthier environment. I have most definitely experienced the worst that Utah dressage has to offer, but also have had some wonderful experiences with some wonderful people. California dressage will be a whole new level of the sport, and we will be a tiny, tiny fish in a gigantic pond, but it will be so worth it to enter that intimidating environment.
For years and years, I was going to open my own treatment center in Salt Lake City, Utah. I bought the building to do it. I researched and planned, and I was going to do it. Then I got involved with horses, and that allowed me to slow down enough to realize that owning my own program would do two things I did not want: 1) It would make me an administrator, and I only want to work with clients, and 2) it would create paperwork nightmares, and paperwork is the only part of my job I detest! So, I put that dream aside, and moved on to new dreams where I pursued my love for horses and riding outside of work. My life is a wonderful balance now, and as much as I do not want to see my clients less often (I will return consistently for in person appointments, in addition to telehealth), I do feel like I am at least demonstrating what I talk about in therapy....that we must have passions and interests outside of parenting and work. So, onward!
Now, I do want to do some shout outs for anyone looking for resources in the Utah horse/dressage community. If you or your kiddo wants to learn excellent riding skills from moment one (a rare experience), please research Alpine Performance Horses/Jerusha Strikwerda. Her program is extremely high quality and also extremely affordable. For lower level dressage training, look to Rachel Kenyon Ebbens. Best Utah dressage shows: Millbrook Farms. Best farrier on the planet: Marcus Parker. The vets I found helpful were Mountain Point Equine and Morgan Freeman (yes, for real...). I guess that's all I have to offer on recommendations!
One of the things I can only imagine would be hard for my clients to trust is that I truly will return to Utah consistently. And I know only time can confirm that what I say is true. I remain extremely committed to treating EDs in Utah. I know there are not enough resources, and I will do all I can to continue my work here.
