Logo image
Back
Working Alliances in Counselling and Psychotherapy Incorporating Horse Interactions
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Working Alliances in Counselling and Psychotherapy Incorporating Horse Interactions

Emma Leigh Pasiuk, Katy Schroeder and Anastasia C. Stellato
Counselling and psychotherapy research, Vol.25(2), e70025
06/2025
DOI: 10.1002/capr.70025

View Online

Abstract

Introduction The relational bond between client and therapist in mental healthcare, referred to as the working alliance, can influence treatment effectiveness and clinical outcomes. Counselling and psychotherapy that incorporates horse interactions and equine specialists (ES) introduces complex relational dynamics. Methods To investigate working alliances in these settings, we developed and tested a survey instrument to collect working alliance scores with each team member (mental health provider [MHP], ES, and therapy horses), demographic characteristics, and other service-related variables (e.g., facilitators' working relationship). We used the Working Alliance Inventory—Short Revised (WAI-SR) to measure the working alliance between participants and their MHP and ES and the bond domain with their horse. Items were modified and created to assess the unique roles of ES and horses. Results A Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed no significant differences in bond scores between MHP and ES (p = 0.52). Linear regressions indicated that working alliance scores with each team member were positively associated with participants' perceptions of their facilitation team working relationship. Conclusion Future research should explore the validity of the instrument and how clients' perceptions of team member relationships influence therapeutic outcomes.
 counselling and psychotherapy incorporating horses equine-assisted services human-animal interactions working alliance

Details

Metrics

54 Record Views
Logo image