Wayne Brokaw and Zachary Brokaw-Zorrozua., (LICSW) are both EGALA certified having completed initial and ongoing EGALA training that is based on the diagnostics of an individual specific experiential activities with a horse taking place. During such sessions the EGALA professional and the Mental Heath professional work together with a client.
What is the EAGALA Model?
The EAGALA Model provides a standard and structure for providing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning sessions. Practicing within a model establishes a foundation of key values and beliefs, and provides a basis of good practice and professionalism. The EAGALA Model provides a framework of practice, but within that framework, there are infinite opportunities for creativity and adaptability to various therapeutic and facilitating styles.
The EAGALA Model
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The Team Approach – An Equine Specialist, a Mental Health professional, and horses work together with clients in all EAGALA sessions.
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Focus on the ground – No horseback riding is involved. Instead, effective and deliberate techniques are utilized where the horses are metaphors in specific ground-based experiences.
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Solution-Oriented – The basis of the EAGALA Model is a belief that all clients have the best solutions for themselves when given the opportunity to discover them. Rather than instructing or directing solutions, we allow our clients to experiment, problem-solve, take risks, employ creativity, and find their own solutions that work best for them.
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Code of Ethics - EAGALA has high standards of practice and ethics and an ethics committee and protocol for upholding these standards, ensuring best practices and the highest level of care.
Rita Zorrozua, L.I.C.S.W.
Next time you''re asked "What do you do with llamas?", be sure and mention llamas as therapy animals. ILR member, Rita Zorrozua is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and also a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She and her husband, Wayne Brokaw have spent most of their adult lives helping disadvantaged youth, both professionally and personally. In 2007, Rita began having her clients come to their ranch to work with the llamas. To further their expertise, Rita and Wayne attended a four-day intense workshop in New York given by Dr. Rise Van Fleet working with dogs and horses in therapy.
Fast forward to this year and the Spokane Interstate Fair. Rita (as she has done for several years) entered over 20 llamas (and one alpaca) and brought nine youth, three volunteers and seven parents to the fair. The youth helped with all the chores and participated in all classes, even the halter classes. Stealing the show was Kayla (age 9), a young lady who lost her legs to cancer. Wayne had purchased an alpaca trained by Steve Rolfing for the therapy program and this was Kaylas animal. According to Rita, the experience has given Kayla a tremendous amount of confidence (as it has all the youth), and has helped her set goals she otherwise would not have.