Conversations with Britini Grenke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Britini Grenke.

Hi Britini, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Getting my start in the field came from work experience I had received in my teenage years. What started off as horse sitting quickly evolved into me assisting with the horses in therapeutic session. I was certified as an Equestrian specialist (ES) in 2017 with the O.K. Corral series and began assisting with Healing with Horsepower and Leading with Horsepower through Veritas Counseling LLC, unfortunately that came to a halt in 2020 after my employer Shannon suddenly passed away. During this time I had already began pursuing education in Behavioral Health science through Grand Canyon University. I knew that from working with Shannon, the horses, and more specifically the Veteran community and their families I wanted to be a Counselor. Seeing individuals have these lightbulb moments and deep level of healing with the horses and us by their side was something I will never forget, let alone take for granted. After graduating with a Bachelors, I took a break from school and worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, in addition to helping my family with our small business. In 2021 I began my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduating in 2024. I was fortunate enough to have done my practicum and internship during graduate school at Ignite. And was invited to stay on and become officially employed with Ignite Counseling & Equine Psychotherapy as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). Working on logging hours to apply for my LPC., thus allowing me to continue incorporating the magic of horses in peoples healing.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I look back on life in general, the road has never been “smooth” just like most individuals. I have had my fair share of loss, frustration, and imposter syndrome. However, I was very blessed to be involved in my family’s small business, that job alone has taught me a great deal of business sense, confidence, as well as people skills. Leaning how to read body language, how to handle conflict, multitask, and just meet and interact with all different walks of life was so invaluable. Along with customers stories and their own wisdom they offer, it was essential in making me the Counselor and person I am today. Now when it came to deciding if this was the path I was meant to take, I have not had any doubt in my mind. Everything leading up to this stage in life was a gentle push or even a shove down this road. I was never one for school, I mean I did ok grade wise in high school but once I got into college and was able to specialize it came so naturally. So much so, that I received academic achievements such as Presidents list graduating with honors and being invited and inducted into Alpha Chi National Honors Society. As a first-generation college student, I never thought I would have attained that level of success in school. Whatever curve balls life had thrown at me prior to this, I can look back on as either a lesson learned or a simple steppingstone. I’m very lucky to have such incredible support from my family, as well as mentors in the horse industry and counseling field.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Now this is the good stuff and a surprise or two! Hello, my name is Brit and I’m a Licensed Associate Counselor and Equine Specialist, in addition to being a Certified Vet tech and a Registered behavior tech. (Surprise!)
I am a Certified Brainspotting Therapist and continue to expand my skill set within the brainspotting community. A dedicated professional horse rider with over 20 years of experience, as well as a passion and a background that spans various styles of riding (English, Jumping, Western, barrels and pole bending). I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every aspect of my work with horses and Equine therapy. Rooted in a deep respect for the horse and a commitment to building a strong partnership. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy, where healing occurs on multiple levels: mind, body, and spirit.
I specialize in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Brainspotting, and EMDR. And for clients who have an artistic side, I love to incorporate therapeutic art activities into session. I work primarily with teens and adults, with a special focus on veterans, first responders, medical personnel, and those in the horse community. I help clients navigate past trauma, major life transitions, stress, and anxiety, while supporting individuals to achieve their goals through healing with horsepower.
You can find me at Ignite Counseling and Equine Therapy where I am employed as an LAC.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is when I got my first horses, Cherri and Symon. I remember at a very young age, that I was quite a pest to have my own horse; so much so that on Halloween, I infiltrated a neighbor’s backyard while trick or treating because they had horses. The owner of the property told my mom I was welcome back anytime, my mom had said to her “oh no, you don’t know what you have done because she will be here every day!” The neighbor laughed and to my mom’s point after that I was there every day for 12 years, rain or shine, sick or not. That Halloween night was the night I met Cherri and little did I know a few short years later, she would be mine. She is no longer with us, but I considered her my heart horse. When I hit high school, my parents got me Symon. The goofy, young horse with his tongue sticking out as if he was concentrating, whom I ended up training myself. Together we had a very successful show career, and I still have him to this day as my main inspiration. We now have his “brother/pasture buddy” Gus who I rescued, they are the two horses pictured above.

Pricing:

• Private Pay
• Insurance Cigna
• Insurance Evernorth

Contact Info:

• Website: https://igniteequine.com/ Practice I work for
• Other: Bswithbrit@gmail.com for direct email

Image Credits
GW Snapshot