Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Susan Marcus

Abstract

AbstractTraditional psychotherapeutic approaches are not always effective in alleviating psychological symptoms and improving functioning in young adults. Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) has been shown as a beneficial alternative therapeutic method developed for clients not helped by traditional methods. However, the essence of the therapeutic relationship that develops between the client, horse, therapist, and equine specialist has not been explored. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of the therapeutic relationship in young adults who participated in EAP. The frameworks of person-centered theory and self psychology guided the development of interview questions, data analysis, and interpretation. Four participants ages 23-38 who had participated in EAP within the past 2 years were interviewed remotely and data were analyzed using methods consistent with phenomenological methodology. Key themes of clients’ relationship with the horse, therapist, and equine specialist included feeling understood, accepted, comforted, and safe. The relationship with the horse was foundational to the relationships with the therapist and equine specialist. Further, horses provided the Rogerian necessary and sufficient conditions of empathy, positive regard, and genuineness. In addition, as viewed through the theoretical framework of self psychology, horses served as mirroring, idealizing, and twinship selfobjects for participants. Applications for positive social change include contributing to the development of best practices for EAP providers and increasing awareness and certification in EAP among mental health professionals.

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