Begin and Grow From Where You Are Now
Enhance Well-Being, Build Skills, and Explore Connection With Equines
Licensed Psychologist Authorized to Practice Telepsychology in 42+ PSYPACT Participating States from Florida’s 🚀 Space Coast
“Like the sea turtle surviving against the odds and serving as a quiet symbol of fortitude, you, too, can cultivate strength from within to gently shift from hard-shelled survival toward skillful navigation of life’s transitions” — Melissa (Dr. Mel) Jenkins-Fernández, Psy.D.
How?
Using Telepsychology to support emotional growth and skill development for adolescents 11+ and adults experiencing anxiety, stress, and grief from life's abrupt transitions.
In-person therapy including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is provided in Melbourne, Florida.🐴 Equine Assisted-EMDR, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions are ground-based (no riding) in Cocoa, Florida.
Adjunct sessions with equines may help support the work you’re already doing in therapy. To get started, schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to decide if this approach feels like a good fit for your goals. A referral for adjunct sessions from your current therapist is also required.
“It’s possible to horse around while being serious about making proactive changes”
— Dr. Mel
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Ready to find your virtual belonging place?
“If you are reading this, you are now Within Range of learning something meaningful: an opportunity to build helpful coping skills and explore strategies to achieve your goals. Within Range is a small specialized practice that spans over 42+ PSYPACT States for Telepsychology, where clients expect reliable, professional guidance. Let’s talk to see if services are a good fit for you” —Dr. Mel and Wally Goldendoodle, PSYPACT Provider, EMDRIA™ Certified, & EQUUSOMA® Practitioner Level 1
PROFESSIONAL AND COMPASSIONATE GUIDANCE
Together,
we can co-create a step-by-step plan to support your growth
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Short-term integrative (i.e., whole person) psychotherapy is an option to help reduce distress with supportive skill-building. Each client determines how much integration they are interested in exploring.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Experiential, and EQUUSOMA® are often the modalities utilized.
Consultation with the client’s primary care physician, nutritionist, or clergy may also be recommended depending upon each client’s goals and preferences.
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EMDR is an 8-phase therapy modality developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., that promotes healing from traumatic memories, images, and sensations without re-telling the story or details.
The EMDR Nightmare Protocol can help reduce nightmare intensity and frequency for more restful sleep.
Equine Assisted-EMDR and In-Office EMDR
🐴 Equine Assisted-EMDR is ground-based in Cocoa, Florida.
In-Office EMDR is in Melbourne, Florida.
Virtual EMDR (Telepsychology) is available in PSYPACT locations.
EMDR Group-Traumatic Episode Protocol is offered in office, on-line, or at the barn.
Dr. Mel is EMDR-International Association (EMDRIA™) Certified and 🐴 Equilateral® Trained (Equine Assisted EMDR).
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Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a ground-based approach (no riding) that invites equines into sessions. EAP provides opportunities for clients to explore self-awareness, communication, boundaries, grounding, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and distress tolerance.
Clients often report there is value in “not doing a lot” other than observing, noticing, and being present with an equine. Matching their breathing patterns and relaxed stature can help reduce tension and even create a calming feeling without having to intentionally think about it.
Noticing the shift provides evidence of a change that was not forced; it was forged by an unspoken invitation.
While equines’ responses aren’t actually magical, or always a mirror of a client’s internal emotional state, the interactions are often memorable even long after EAP ends and personal growth and goals are obtained.
Equines are sensitive and attentive to aspects of human movement, posture, voice, and behavior. Their responses may provide inspiration or information that a client can explore in the session. This exploration contributes to new perspectives or insights.
Professional Equestrians to people without horse experience can equally explore personal growth and goals in EAP because it’s not about the knowledge or past experience with equines.
EAP is about supporting clients to make changes that creates more balanced thinking and a positive outlook for purpose beyond the arena, hurdles, trophies, and goal posts.
Dr. Mel is certified in several EAP models and considers which framework may best align with each client's goals and needs. Physical and emotional safety, boundaries, autonomy, and participation levels are respected for clients and equines. See FAQ
Is this approach a bunch of horse manure? Nope. EAP is research informed and is an emerging experiential approach with ongoing research for efficacy. Absolute gauntness that there will never be any manure present is not possible given the biology of equines.
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Already in Psychotherapy?
Adjunct (i.e., in addition to your current therapy) Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) or Equine Assisted-EMDR in Cocoa, Florida.
Adjunct EAP sessions are opportunities to further explore areas of growth that clients are addressing in therapy, such as grounding skills or improving balanced thinking and emotional regulation.
Adjunct Equine Assisted-EMDR is provided alongside an equine. Sessions could range from 5 to 12 or more depending upon the complexity of the target(s) the client identifies to process.
Adjunct sessions of EAP and Equine Assisted-EMDR are often memorable because of what transpires for the client in the session with equines that often helps them feel seen, accepted.
How do you know it will be a good fit for you? The free 15-minute consultation call with you can help you decide without any pressure and will not replace your current primary mental health treatment.
Adjunct sessions are provided from the months of September to May.
A referral from your current mental health provider for adjunct services is required to get started. Therapists can complete a confidential inquiry consultation form here
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Reoccurring dreams? Dream themes can be explored for relevance and helpful insights that support emotional growth (e.g., teeth falling out, moving in slow motion, flying, being chased, taking a test over, etc.)
THE PROCESS
Honoring Your Pathway
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BEGIN WITH A CONSULTATION
Welcome. Thanks for stopping by. Please contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if therapy and equine assisted services are a good fit to accomplish your goal(s). Click on the owl above to fill out the confidential scheduling form or click here.
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CREATE A STRATEGIC PLAN
Your step-by-step plan is unique to you and not a one-size-fits-all approach. Let’s work on what matters to you and make reasonable and attainable goals. Together we can create your pathway forward, aimed to enhance well-being,
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APPLY CHANGES RIGHT AWAY
Change is difficult but
attainable with professional, reliable and steady support. Approach life’s transitions and challenges with improved clarity, coping skills, and greater capacity to better regulate your emotions and meet your goals.
ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Dr. Mel
When you’re Within Range, you’re seen, heard, and understood. Too much mental static? Let’s reset. How? Changing unhelpful patterns is a step-by-step process and sometimes, the most reliable guide on the therapy journey isn’t the strongest or the fastest, but the one who stays calm and steady under pressure and knows the terrain.
You can’t always kick your way into or out of situations. Instead, use your head--for thinking and problem-solving.
Dr. Mel Jenkins-Fernández, Psy.D., doesn’t mind being compared to a surefooted mini-donkey along the therapy pathway. She patiently and thoughtfully assists clients in evaluating mental roadblocks and exploring options that may result in “Aha!” clarity. Curious how I may be an asset?
Inviting Equines Into The Therapy Arena
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Welcome. Dr. Jenkins-Fernández values interactions with equines, especially donkeys, because some challenging interactions have deepened the value of reflection and intentional responding that gently builds upon a trustworthy, predictable, and consistent connection.
Clients are invited to explore the possibility of making changes and discovering insights that apply to their lives through interactions with equines.
Here are some examples:
Donkeys communicate contentment, fear, uncertainty, and discomfort through subtle changes in body language, posture, facial expression, vocalizations, and behavior. Their displays of playfulness are not so subtle. Learn to slow down to notice very subtle signs of distress and attune to needs.
Donkeys are intelligent animals who carefully assess unfamiliar situations and environments. They are often mislabeled as “stubborn,” but are actually cautious and intentional to pause until the situation is safe enough to proceed. Learn to pause and assess and not assume.
Horses are sometimes only referenced as “flighty prey” animals but their responses to potential and actual threats are much more than simply “fight or flight.” Depending on the situation, a horse may stop, orient toward a stimulus, move away, seek safety, or proceed with a charge. Learn how some descriptions can limit potential and explore shifting language and understanding for growth.
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Various types of therapy are offered alongside horses (no riding) and donkeys. Clients often report more self-awareness and grounding after processing concerns and challenges alongside an equine. Equine-Assisted EMDR helps process distress without discussing details, while keeping attention in the present with a calm mini-pony whose presence may offer comfort.
Equines, just like people can be mislabeled and misjudged, so understanding how to shift into a balanced perspective without harsh judgements can create a new pathway of understanding and expectations. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside equines helps explore thought distortions and weighing evidence for and against beliefs to support change.
Sometimes even learning about how equines communicate and show signs of contentment and distress in a herd helps clients explore their own displays of emotions and social connections. EQUUSOMA® therapy helps clients attune and orient towards safety in session and observe the herd and physiological responses for signals of calm and connection.
FAQS
Answering your questions
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On-line Telepsychology sessions are provided on a secure and confidential HIPAA compliant platform. Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) allows authorized licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology across participating state lines.
PSYPACT:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
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$250: for 90-minute (Virtual/Office) Psychological Intake
$200: for 60-minute (Virtual/Office) Psychotherapy Sessions
$200: for 60-minute Equine Inspired Psychotherapy (EIP) Sessions
$250: for 60-minute EAGALA and O.K Corral sessions
$275: for 90-minute EMDR (Virtual/Office) sessions
$275: for 90-minute EMDR-Alongside Equines sessions
InsuranceOut of Network
A superbill is provided after the session for client to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement options
Accepted payment includes
Credit or Debit cards, Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flex Savings Account (FSA)
“Step Up For Students” (SUFS) for recipients of Florida’s SUFS specialized services scholarships. Schedule a consultation here
If you use your Out-of-Network (OON) insurance benefit, you can request an itemized receipt from Within RANGE (i.e., receipt of payment, diagnosis, and CPT codes), to be provided for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement
Click here for some helpful questions to ask your insurance company.
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HBRD isn’t a diagnosis, but the impact is emotionally, financially, and physically draining. Whether it’s the chronic tension of “what now?” in the barn, continual boundary violations, or isolation in high-pressure performance environments, HBRD can contribute to emotional dysregulation that may affect both you and your horse(s).
In other words, even when the drama ends and the environment shifts from chaotic to peaceful but you still feel stuck carrying the emotional fallout, because it’s not over for your nervous system.
Equines offer a stable therapeutic connection and their sensitivity and responses to human emotions and behavioral shifts can provide meaningful feedback when something feels off with their person.
If HBRD or unresolved distress causes you to instead feel a sense of dread and erodes your ability to feel safe and grounded even around the equines you love the most, you may want to consider short-term psychotherapy for a guided reconnection and recharge.
Psychotherapy for Equestrians 🐎
We often seek out professional guidance when our equines are not acting like their usual selves or if there are problematic behavioral challenges that need to be addressed.But what about the stress and strain on the people who care for equines and invest a lot of themselves, education, time, and money into supporting equines while also encountering HBRD?
Dr. Mel not only understands HBRD but also the unique needs of equestrian clients within the full spectrum of equestrian life, including the joy of connection, accidents and near misses, to the silent stressors behind the scenes to the shock and sorrow of empty spaces after a beloved equine moves onward.
She offers compassionate short-term therapy for equestrians and equine lovers to heal, restore balance, and move forward with greater clarity in and out of the saddle and arena.
Results Beyond the Arena
Whether you're a show rider, professional athlete, trainer, equine professional, or trail rider seeking emotional steadiness, therapy may help you reconnect within yourself, with your horse(s), and loved ones.
Within Range WELCOMES Horse Barn Related Drama (HBRD) because therapy provides a safe way to unpack and explore stressors and build skills to equip you to not only navigate the drama challenges with more confidence but also expand your emotional capacity when under pressure.
What if a person’s experiences in the equine arena are beyond HBRD and feel traumatic? Therapy is a safe place to fully explore and evaluate traumatic experiences and provide opportunities for healing from trauma.
If difficult dynamics are impacting your personal well-being, let’s talk.
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Because you want a plan, a process, and a personalized path to meaningful change. You expect clinical expertise, compassion, appreciation for neurodivergent thinkers, thoughtful integration of the human–animal connection, and respect for the equine-human relationship.
Dr. Melissa (“Dr. Mel”) Jenkins-Fernández, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in Florida. Her small specialized practice is called Within Range Counseling and Consultation Services, PLLC with a focus on goal-oriented short-term therapy.
Range is her acronym: Reset - Align - Navigate - Gear Up - Emerge, that serves as a reminder to keep learning and refining skill-sets. Sometimes she adds an “R” at the end for Reassess.
Types of therapy offered include Person Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Existential, Experiential, Somatic Focused, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Equine Assisted-EMDR, and Adjunct EAP
Her work spans various populations and settings: from adolescents 11+ and military personnel to emergency departments, classrooms, and equine facilities, reflecting professional dedication to helping you flourish
Due to her sensitivity of the human-animal bond, she is often requested to help people heal from: being hurt by an animal (i.e., especially horses), loss of a beloved animal, and various other significant life traumas
Dr. Mel often integrates inspirational knowledge of dogs, birds, animals, reptiles, and of course equines into psychotherapy
The Strategy: create a personalized plan to strengthen well-being, build coping and capacity resources, and help foster connections, so you can move forward with more confidence and understanding of what drives you, what holds you back, and how to gently shift unhelpful thought patterns into more balanced thinking.
Hiring a psychologist is a significant personal decision and investment in your well-being. Psychotherapy is about transformation.
You decide.
"Adapt, Endure. Like the donkey in pursuit, safeguard in uncertainty, move with intentionality” —Dr. Mel
Learn more from a 15-minute free consultation call: Schedule here.
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Psychotherapy and Personal Growth for Anxiety and Distress, Life’s Transitions, Grief and Loss, Post-Traumatic Stress, Equine and Animal Incident & Traumatic Event(s), and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
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Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted-EMDR (EA-EMDR) in Cocoa, Florida provides ground-based (no riding) interactions with equines while honoring each person's and equine's nervous systems, connections, and participation levels. Provided from the months of September to May.
If a person is already in psychotherapy and is curious about adding Adjunct sessions of EAP or Equine Assisted-EMDR to current therapy, a referral from the current mental health provider is required to get started along with a brief screening call to ensure a good fit for services.
EMDR Group-Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP): a trauma-processing method based on EMDR to safely reduce distress without verbally sharing traumatic experiences, using guided worksheets, bilateral stimulation, and resource-building techniques.
📲 Request a free consultation to explore next steps to get started.
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EquiLateral® Equine Assisted-Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EA-EMDR)
Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association (EAGALA) Military Individual Provider Designation with dual Certification: Mental Health (MH) Professional and Equine Specialist (ES). Ground based, MH & ES Team, Solution Oriented, and Evidence Driven. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Learning (EAL)
EQUUSOMA® Level 1: “Time to feel felt and get gotten™” Horse-Human Trauma Recovery is the integration of Somatic Experiencing® in human-equine relationships (EQUUSOMA)
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy-International Association (EMDRIA™) Certified Clinician
EMDR Group-Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP): a trauma-processing method based on EMDR to safely reduce distress without verbally sharing traumatic experiences, using guided worksheets, bilateral stimulation, and resource-building techniques and Recent-Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) trained
O.K. Corral “Red” Series Certified Clinician in EAP & EAL “Crisis Management”
Ethical equine welfare is a fundamental part of responsible EAP practice. An equine may be present and free to disengage, move away, or take a break at any time, without pressure.
At the heart of each EAP modality offered is respect and ethical care for clients, equines, and their autonomy.
In Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, “assisted” doesn’t mean that equines are required to actively assist, perform, or complete a task. They are not “used” as tools, therapists, or as responsible for creating a change. Dr. Mel often uses the word “inspired” to describe including equines in the psychotherapy sessions.
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Short-term Psychotherapy for traumatic incident(s), anxiety and distress, grief and loss, post-traumatic growth, and life’s transitions is provided in Melbourne, FL. Limited time-slots due to small specialized practice size. Inquire for specific time and day on the Request Intro Call form.
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Within Range Counseling and Consultation Services, PLLC
Licensed in Florida #PY12372
PSYPACT Mobility #4660
Practicing Since 2006
EMDR-International Association (EMDRIA™) Certified Clinician
Education:
Psycho-Oncology Postdoctoral Fellowship (2007) in the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center: Washington University School of Medicine & Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO
APA Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Internship (2006) in the Vanderbilt Consortium in VAMCs Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN
Psy.D. & M.A. in Clinical Psychology (2006) in an APA accredited program from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA with Christian integration, with honors and as an Outstanding Graduate
Served honorably in the U.S. Air Force. She is a third generation Veteran from a family line of Combat Veterans and Clergy
Work Experience: Equine assisted program development and services, Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC), U.S. Army Civilian Embedded Psychologist, private practice, and nursing home consultation
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If after the consultation Call, we agree to be a good fit to work together: Within Range sets an appointment and instructions to review and sign documentation (e.g., HIPAA and Privacy Practices, Informed Consent, Release of Information, a Good Faith Estimate under the “No Surprise Act” and brief assessments)
RESET AND RECALIBRATE
Psychotherapy for Equestrians
If your horse(s) could make a phone call, do you think they would schedule a free 15-minute consultation for you because they wonder if you may need some human support? 🥕 Or would they just call for carrots?
If the answer is for support, please consider requesting a consultation.
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Resources
[ + ] Resources