Providers
Anita J. Walraven
Anita J. Walraven is a CA licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 20 years of experience. She is an Eagala certified Mental Health Specialist. Anita is an experienced therapist with clinical skills qualified to treat children, juveniles, young adults and families. She is proficient in equine assisted psychotherapy. Anita is an avid horse lover with over 37 years of owning and/or working with horses.
Rex M. Walraven
Rex M. Walraven is an Eagala certified Equine Specialist. He is a US Marine veteran and law enforcement officer. Rex retired from the Department of Defense after 38 years of service. He has over 37 years working with horses as a trainer, instructor, farrier and owner. He is an active rider and appears in parades and community events with his horses. Rex is skilled in the natural horsemanship approach.
Our Approach
3 Star Ranch follows the Eagala Model of equine-assisted psychotherapy. Our approach:
1. The first session will be held in the office with a Licensed Mental Health provider. At this time, we will be assessing your needs and working with you to create a treatment plan to outline your therapy goals, objectives, and address any questions. All future sessions will be held in the arena and will be conducted by a facilitating team of a Licensed Mental Health Professional, a qualified Equine Specialist and a horse(s).
2. All sessions are on the ground – there is no riding of horses involved in the treatment process. This is psychotherapy and the intent or focus is not to learn about horses or how to ride them.
3. The process is solution-oriented – meaning we believe you have the best solutions for yourself when provided with the opportunity to discover them.
4. This process also incorporates “Best Practice” or “Evidence Based” interventions as determined by the Mental Health professional
5. Eagala is an International, Nonprofit Professional Association for equine-assisted psychotherapy and has standards and a code of ethics which is followed and have accountability to as Eagala Certified professionals. For more info on Eagala click on their website: www.eagala.org
The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and fire.