Morgan Ridenhour
Morgan Ridenhour spends a great deal of her time teaching animals to do things (horses to fetch, pigs to paint, humans to talk about their feelings, goats to stop headbutting people, etc.). Humans are definitely the most complicated (second: rabbits), but she very much enjoys the challenge. With a foundation in Behavioral Psychology and a Master's in Clinical and Community Psychology, Morgan is endlessly fascinated by what motivates creatures to do things and how to get them to do different things.
<<< Guiding Theories>>>
Behavioral Theory
What we do is shaped by what we have learned to expect from previous experiences.
We can understand and adjust behaviors by:
understanding why that behavior occurs &
changing the conditions around the behavior.
This helps us stay present-focused and action-oriented. We do not always have control over the conditions that create behaviors (both the external and internal environments in which we find ourselves), but there are often things we can control so that targeted behavioral changes flow naturally and easily.
Narrative Theory
We create meaning for ourselves by the way we think about our experiences - this meaning can then impact the way we feel about ourselves and our lives. When we shift our focus and/or how we are describing things, we can shift the way we experience and understand ourselves and our lives.
<<< Guiding Models >>>
Experiential Learning
Powerful, long-lasting learning occurs when we can experience something not just in our minds, but in our whole bodies. This deep learning happens when we not only talk through things, but also:
embody or enact what we’re talking about
reflect on the experience
identify helpful adjustments, &
embody or enact those adjustments.
This style of learning allows for immediate feedback and correction so that we are discovering and solidifying helpful patterns and behaviors in real time.
Because our whole bodies are involved, it’s also especially helpful for neurodivergent brains, or anyone who can start to feel restless or stuck trying to talk things through while sitting still.
Biomimicry
The idea behind biomimicry is that we can observe nature to find solutions to human problems. Applying a model of biomimicry means we are actively observing, exploring, and reflecting on nature with the goal of gaining insight into ourselves and our lives.
While many scientists use biomimicry to improve architecture, medicine, and sustainable materials, we can also use it to improve communication, connection with others, regulation, and even coping skills for difficult emotions or stressful situations.
For example:
We can learn from horses how to communicate boundaries without damaging connection.
We can learn from chickens how to leverage community to create safety.
We can learn from goats how to access playfulness as an avenue to stress relief.
We can learn from cows how to create space for tranquility and restoration.
Ready to grow?
Reach out for more information - we can find a time to connect and chart a path forward together.
