TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
the presence of animals all contribute to a sense of calm and connection. As a counselor, I wanted to offer a setting that reflected those benefits, a space where clients could experience the healing power of nature while working through life’s challenges. That dream became a reality when I founded Wamba Ranch Counseling, housed in a white barn on our property just outside the Texarkana city limits. Wamba Ranch isn’t a typical counseling office. Instead of sitting in a traditional therapy room, my clients and I may walk to the pond, sit in the barn with the horses nearby, or just spend time outside in the fresh air. I integrate the use of horses, walk- and-talk therapy, and the restorative power of nature into my counseling sessions. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or family disconnection, I believe healing happens best when we feel safe, grounded, and connected to something bigger than ourselves. Horses play a meaningful role in the work done here. At Wamba Ranch, we combine evidence-based counseling practices with the experiential power of interacting with horses. This integrative approach allows clients to engage both mind and body in the therapeutic process, deepening insight, building connection, and supporting meaningful change. Horses’ natural sensitivity to human emotions and energy allows them to respond in ways that can be profoundly impactful during therapy. For many clients, interacting with horses offers a new perspective on their feelings and patterns of connection, something that can be hard to access through words alone. Another foundational element is the concept of biophilia, which refers to our innate human tendency to seek connection with nature and other forms of life. It’s more than just enjoying the outdoors; it is a deep, biological pull toward the natural world that supports our emotional, mental, and even physical well-being. At Wamba Ranch, we see this every day—how the quiet of the trees, the rhythm of walking beside a horse, or simply breathing in fresh air can calm the nervous system and open the door to healing. Nature isn’t just a backdrop for therapy. It is a vital part of the process. One of my favorite parts of launching Wamba Ranch Counseling was creating a
A welcoming space inside Wamba Ranch, designed to help clients feel comfortable and at ease.
A custom River & Road light fixture by Jordan James and a collection of rugs gathered from travels abroad bring personality to the barn interior.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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