If Equine Assisted Social Work is the Answer, what is the question?

Purpose The purpose of this study was by means of qualitative methods to explore the meaning of EASW for young women with self-harm problems in residential treat- ment. Seen from the eyes of the clients and the staff members, what role and meaning is devoted to the hor- se as used in EASW? How does the interaction with the horse contribute to the clients and staff ́s perception of autenticity and the possibilities to be in an authentic relation? Definition EASW represents an alternative or a supplement to conventional treatment and social work, and involves a triangular relationship between staff, client and the horse. The activities in EASW can involve care of the horse, training with the horse, riding, carriage driving and vaulting (gymnastics on horseback). The program will always depend on the staff ’s skills and educational background, the horse ́s abilities as well as the client ́s skills and wishes. Method Data were initially collected by in-depht interviews with 8 staff members and 9 clients. In-depth interviews that lasted between 40- 60 minutes based on 6 - 7 themes were conducted separatly with the clients and the staff mem- bers Observations of the human-horse interaction were videotaped and conducted three times with each pair of staff and client that worked together in EASW. After the observations indepht interviews were conducted with clients and staffmembers in direct conjunction with one of the observations. Results Based on the narratives of the staff members and the clients; it seemed that the horse’s ability to read human emotions made the staff and clients aware of their emotions. In order not to alienate the horse or make the situation dangerous, the clients and staff said that they had to regulate their emotions, which intensified their sense of being in the moment. The participants felt the horse read their intentions, and gave them a direct feedback on their ex- pressed emotions. Furthermore, this feedback was given to them in a way that did not raise their defence mechanisms. The horse seemed to function as an emotional mirror for the participants. They detected and recognized their own emotions, and subsequently had to regulate them in order to interact with the horse and others in a positive way. Finally the horse seemed to set the framework for the interaction between the staff-members and the young women, which became more informal and dynamic. Stable-based relations- hips experienced as based on trust, respect and negotiation can accordingly be interpreted as being representing as more authentic relationships compared to relationships outside of the stable. Implications for clinical work The clients found it easier to bond with the horse because it was not ha- ving expectations of the clients. The staff members, however, could be expe- rienced as if they had expectations of clients. The client perceives the horse as nojudgemental, honest, reliable, have no prejudices, offer physical contact and give direct feedback. The stable provided other opportunities for interac- tion than the therapy room, as other rules apply and staff and clients became more equal and perceived their relations as more ”authentic”. The horse was a door opener for the clients to get rid of anxiety and agression resulting in calmness and relaxation. This open up for communication between staff and client, which in turn could increase new insights.