Leif Hallberg

Internationally-recognized author, educator, transformational coach, experiential psychotherapist, and avid lover of nature and animals, Leif Hallberg, MA, LPC, LCPC guides people on journeys of heart, mind, body, and soul – exploring the realms of mindful and embodied presence, conscious awareness, and heartfelt connection.

Leif's 25+ years of clinical practice working at the intersection of physical and mental health as a sought-after complex case mental health diagnostician has given her a nuanced understanding of the complicated network of systems impacted by lifestyle, stress, attachment, and trauma. This, combined with her extensive experience as a therapist, an educator, a coach, and an organizational development consultant has led to her supercharged approach to learning, growth, and change that truly is life-changing!

As an only child with adventurous parents, Leif grew up unusually. Her young life was spent at the put ins and take outs of America’s wildest and most remote rivers, in Yosemite, Joshua Tree and the Eastern Sierra, in Baja, on a 600-acre horse ranch in northern California, and everywhere in between. Leif was home schooled for most of her childhood, learning experientially and on the go. Leif’s horse, Suzy Q, was her grounding and stabilizing protector throughout all of life’s adventures. Leif and Suzy were together for 30 years, parting (only in the physical sense) when Suzy passed away in 2015 at the age of 35.

After years as a horse trainer and riding instructor, Leif finally decided it was time to go to college. In typical Leif fashion she chose Prescott College where the motto is “education is a journey not a destination”. Leif completed both her undergraduate and masters degree in counseling/psychology with an emphasis in experiential psychotherapy and integrative wellness.

Since 1996, Leif has made it her life’s work to explore the myriad of health benefits that can be gained from engaging in respectful, relational, and mindful interactions between horses (and other animals), humans, and the natural world. Considered one of the foremost authorities in this emerging specialization, Leif has developed a reputation over the past 25+ years for her broad-reaching and objective investigation. Her books, Walking the Way of the Horse: Exploring the Power of the Horse-Human Relationship, The Clinical Practice of Equine-Assisted Therapy: Including Horses in Human Healthcare, and The Equine-Assisted Therapy Workbook (second two published by Routledge) are used by colleges and universities around the world as teaching texts, and professionals consider all of her books essential resources for research and clinical practice.

Living, working, and being in relationship with horses since the time she was very young, Leif learned early on the importance of bringing a mindful, relational, and embodied presence to each interaction. Slowing down, becoming fully present in the moment, getting curious, and connecting were not just abstract concepts — they were life-saving practices. This has become the foundation for Leif’s innovative and unique approach. 

Today, Leif lives with her partner of 20+ years, Ian, and their beloved family member, Asha (a cattle dog mix). 

Leif infuses everything she does with an unstoppable belief in the power of relationship, humility, and open-hearted authenticity. Over years of experience and practice, Leif has melded together her experiences, her knowledge, and her own unique personality into a style that is captivating, engaging, surprising, and contagious.

As you will experience quickly when engaging with Leif, we are all in this together. We are all connected. We all belong. Enjoy the ride!