Equine-Assisted Practicum in Counselor Supervision

Counselors-in-training often experience performance anxiety and have difficulty with emotional boundary setting when working with clients during their practicum experience. Both of these issues can impact the building of positive therapeutic relationships. Clinical supervision can assist in the reduction of counselor-in-training anxiety and in the setting of appropriate boundaries. However, due to the evaluative nature of supervision, counselors-in-training may be reluctant to discuss these issues during practicum supervision. The use of equine-assisted learning as part of a practicum course may enhance the development of skills and decrease problem areas for counselors-in-training.