Experiential therapy involves immersing yourself in an experience through the use of various expressive modalities and recreational activities. Therapists may use tools like role-playing, animal interactions, outdoor excursions, the arts, or psychodrama to help someone identify and focus on what they are feeling.
This type of therapy involves psychological exploration by occupying oneself with a specific activity and engaging the body in some form of physical activity instead of participating in a traditional, evidence-based talk therapy setting. Therapists can discreetly observe a person's behavior while they are participating in the activity. When clients are focused on a task at hand - instead of the clinical process itself - less guarded, more authentic reactions and emotions come to the surface. Furthermore, activities are designed to develop skills and engender the benefit of an increased sense of self-worth.
Designed to help those in recovery develop a stronger sense of self, experiential therapy can teach an individual in treatment how to face buried feelings and past traumas without feeling compelled to return to substance misuse or triggering other unhealthy responses such as eating disorders.
Experiential therapy can be used in an individual, family, or group setting and in conjunction with traditional therapies.
Facing fears in real-life situations where an individual can be successful helps them apply the concept in everyday life. Confronting feared and avoided environments, activities, and triggers that may cause unpleasant responses helps clients to cope with uncomfortable feelings and responses, including anger, anxiety, or depression.
Becoming more aware of physical and emotional experiences can be achieved by focusing on sensations - such as cold, heat, pressure, pain, etc. - experienced in the body.
By acting out different scenarios in a safe and supportive environment with a therapist, a patient experiences different feelings, and explores new behaviors and problem-solving techniques.
This technique can help a patient process memories and work through them. Exposure to mental images related to traumatic events - and often associated with negative feelings like guilt or shame - helps patients overcome repressed emotions.
As an outlet for thoughts and feelings that might not be accessible through words, this technique could be applied through art, music, movement, drama, or writing. Any self-expression activity aims to increase insight and a deeper understanding of oneself and others in the community.
At Vita Recovery, we help you initiate a total overhaul of your perspective. In a therapeutic setting, these changes may happen more as a result of an experience or encounter rather than receiving information.
By stimulating real-world stress and triggers, experiential therapy provides more space for mental healing, a less guarded exploration of feelings, and practice in healthy response.
Through learning how to overcome distress in the present moment, clients recovering from substance use disorders address facing their triggers in daily life. They also address anxiety or depression and other mental health conditions in real-world settings.
Music therapy: Music therapists harness the power of music for positive changes in behavior. Patients may create, sing along with, move or listen to music to help improve their mental, emotional and physical health. Under the guidance of a therapist, people explore and learn how to cope with thoughts and feelings associated with various concerns such as substance abuse, trauma, mental health, and others.
Art therapy: Art therapy uses creativity and artistic processes to help someone work through conflict and improve self-awareness. Non-verbal communication may mean painting, sculpting, or drawing become a way to express thoughts and feelings. This helps an individual to work through distress brought upon by past situations in a healthy way.
Outdoor therapy: Outdoor therapy involves nature. It involves problem-solving activities, trust-building activities, outdoor pursuits (cycling, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, etc.), or high adventure games (rock climbing, rope courses, etc.). Meditation, yoga, or therapy sessions done outdoors also benefit a person.
Animal-assisted therapy: The therapeutic benefit of interacting with animals and caring for them helps anyone dealing with substance abuse or physical or mental health issues. Animal-assisted therapy may involve horses - known as equine therapy.
Play therapy: Commonly used as a treatment for children. A child may choose their own toys and play freely, while therapists utilize play to gain insight. Therapists may detect what a child finds uncomfortable to express or what a child is unable to express.
