Wamba Ranch
For as long as I can remember, Wamba Ranch has been a dream of mine. Long before it became the counseling practice it is today, this land was our family’s home, a place where my husband and I have raised our three sons. We bought this farm when we moved to Texarkana, and over the past thirteen years, we have learned firsthand the power of nature—how it grounds us, restores us, and offers peace in life’s challenges. Raising our boys on the farm has been a gift, watching them grow from boys into men, shaped by the land, the animals, and the work it takes to care for them. They have learned to ride horses, watched calves take their first wobbly steps, and discovered the rewards of hard work and responsibility. They’ve run wild alongside the horses, climbed trees, fished in the ponds, and earned plenty of scrapes and bruises along the way. But through it all, they have gained something far greater, the joy of loving and stewarding creation.
Spending time on this land, I began to see how much healing could happen here. The quiet of the country, the rhythm of the seasons, and
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
warm and inviting space. I wanted clients to step into a place that immediately put them at ease, a space that felt less like a clinic and more like a sanctuary. When we built our barn, we designed it with the vision that it would one day house a private counseling practice. From the start, we knew it needed to be more than just a stable. It had to be a space that felt welcoming, peaceful, and restorative. The barn features both a stable area for our horses and a dedicated counseling wing, blending the best of ranch life with the healing power of nature. It was a long process, but we loved creating a space that met our needs and reflected who we are and what we value. From the River & Road entry light designed by my friend, Jordan James, to the patchwork of vibrant rugs gathered over the years, the barn interior is just as special as its surroundings.
To bring this vision to life, I worked with Brittany Brooks of Seventh Day Design to furnish and decorate the space. Brittany has a gift for weaving personal treasures together to create something truly special. I collected rugs and unique pieces from my travels abroad, along with finds from local estate sales, and Brittany helped transform those pieces into a space that reflects the heart of Wamba Ranch. She is not only talented but also a wonderful person to get to know. More than just an interior designer, she understood the deeper purpose of this space. When the design was complete, she prayed over each room,
asking that everyone who walked through the doors would feel God’s presence. That moment meant so much to me because it affirmed what I had always hoped Wamba Ranch would be: a place of peace, healing, and restoration.
My hope for Wamba Ranch goes beyond individual healing. I hope this space will be a place where people feel supported, learn new skills, and connect with others on similar journeys. We offer not only individual counseling but also Guided Growth groups and professional development. We hope to be a place where growth happens personally, professionally, and in connection with others. Texarkana already has many outstanding and skillful mental health professionals, and I am excited to be a small part of that. Mental health struggles can feel isolating, but when we step into a space where we feel truly seen and heard, the healing process becomes that much more powerful.
Texarkana has been our home for over a decade, and I’m grateful to be able to give back to this community by offering a unique, nature-based counseling experience. Whether someone comes here to process grief, work through anxiety, or find a moment of peace, I hope they leave feeling a little lighter, a little more hopeful, and compassionately supported.
To learn more about Wamba Ranch, call (430) 342-1459 or visit wambaranch.com.
Photos by Matt Cornelious
