Date of Conferral

3-30-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Gregory  Hickman

Abstract

Anxiety is the most rapidly growing mental health problem globally, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Mental health clinicians need effective integrative health treatment strategies to address the anxiety epidemic. The purpose of this qualitative generic study was to explore the perspectives of clinicians on the process of using equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) to treat adolescents and young adults with anxiety through the lens of a somatic theory, bioenergetics. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 12 EAP clinicians and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: 1. The process of EAP is highly effective because energetic connection with horses creates therapeutic change, 2. The process of EAP creates embodied experiences for adolescents and young adults with anxiety to learn and practice coping skills, and 3. EAP clinicians perceive discrepancies in processes, limitations in funding and certification, and ethical concerns in the modality. Horses facilitate change through mechanisms of connection and congruence. EAP is effective in treating adolescents and young adults with anxiety through experiential, embodiment treatment processes and mechanisms that build resilience. The study findings contribute to positive social change by helping fill a gap in the literature on the theories, processes, and mechanisms of change used in EAP. Improving understanding of how EAP works will strengthen the modality to help meet the urgent need for effective anxiety treatments.

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