Each month, we celebrate a remarkable member of our community. This time, our spotlight shines on Donna Wilson, a dedicated and inspiring professional whose journey through the Natural Lifemanship Certification Process has been transformative not only for her career but for her personal growth as well.
Donna’s journey reflects the transformative power of Natural Lifemanship. Through her work with her horses, her clients, and her community, she demonstrates what it means to live these principles—building authentic relationships, fostering trust, and creating spaces for healing and growth.
Donna’s Path to Natural Lifemanship Certification
Donna Wilson lives in Strasburg, Virginia, on a serene property she shares with her husband, her mother’s spirited Chihuahua, two barn cats, and three horses. Her journey with NL began in 2016 when a serendipitous recommendation led her to explore NL’s trauma-informed approach.
Donna recalls her initial experience with the NL Fundamentals training in 2019, where her confidence was unexpectedly tested. She shares a pivotal moment when she confronts her own trauma response—a freeze in the middle of training. Instead of retreating, she found the courage to stay and reflect. This experience taught her to lean into vulnerability and grow from it.
“That moment taught me about the power of being present and accepting where I am,” Donna shares. “It was one of the most impactful experiences of my life, and I carry it into every session with my clients.”
What Certification Means to Donna
For Donna, the decision to pursue dual NL Certification (NLC-P, EP) was both a professional necessity and a personal goal. As the founder of Heart Horse Healing, LLC, she integrates trauma-conscious yoga, nature connections, and equine-assisted therapy into her work. The NL Certification added depth to her practice and provided her with essential tools for growth and connection.
“The certification process wasn’t just a box to check for me. The whole package of consultations, the group consultations, the recordings, the intensive, just all of that, just every piece of it, I would say is life-changing if you let it be, if you want it to be,” Donna explains.
The mentorship she received during her consultations was a standout feature. One consultation with Bettina remains vivid in her memory: “Her willingness to simply be with me in that moment—no rush, no pressure—was incredibly healing. It’s something I strive to replicate in my work every day.”
The Impact of NL Certification on Donna’s Work and Life
Donna’s commitment to the NL principles—particularly the emphasis on being present and attuned—has transformed her practice. She emphasizes the importance of meeting clients where they are and allowing sessions to unfold naturally rather than adhering rigidly to a treatment plan.
This shift has also influenced her personal life. Family and friends often comment on how she has become calmer, more assertive, and deeply grounded. Donna attributes much of this transformation to the skills and insights gained through NL certification.
Advice for Aspiring NL Certified Practitioners
For those considering the NL Certification journey, Donna has one key piece of advice: Just start.
She also highlights the importance of mentorship and consultation: “Every consultation offered new insights and solidified my confidence. It’s such a rich experience.”
Ready to Begin Your Certification Journey?
Donna’s journey is one of many success stories that highlight the impact of the Natural Lifemanship Certification process. Explore a trauma-informed approach, build meaningful connections, and discover the unique power of Natural Lifemanship.
Get started today and take the first step toward a more impactful career.
Learn More About NL Certification
Thank you so much, Donna, for sharing your story and inspiring us with your dedication and passion. We’re honored to have you in the NL community!
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