Therapeutic Alliance in Equine-Assisted Counseling: A Qualitative Study of the Triadic Relationship

Join HHRF and Dr. Schell on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 7:00pm (ET)

In this presentation, Dr. Sabrina Schell will share key findings from her dissertation research, which explored how licensed counselors experience the therapeutic alliance in equine-assisted counseling. Grounded in Bordin’s theory of working alliance, the study examined the unique triadic relationship between counselor, client, and horse. Thematic analysis revealed that therapeutic alliance develops asynchronously across these relationships and identified two distinct paradigms: one in which the counselor protects the space for relational unfolding, and another in which the counselor more actively guides the process. Implications for practice and future research directions will be discussed.

Dr. Sabrina Schell is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and certified brain health and wellness coach. As the founder of Southwind Wellness Consulting, Sabrina specializes in integrative health coaching, offering psychoeducation and wellness retreats (with scholarships for cancer survivors) which include mindfulness-based, strengths-focus, and equine-assisted learning opportunities. Sabrina completed her undergraduate degrees in medical laboratory science and healthcare management in Germany where she grew up, and continued her studies at the City University of New York after relocating to the US. Sabrina is also an advanced certified equine-assisted psychotherapist (EAGALA), lifelong horse lover, and animal rights advocate.