What Is Experiential Therapy?

What is the goal of experiential therapy?

The goal of experiential therapy is to assist people in exploring and processing complex emotions that may be hard for them to verbalize, said Lisa Anderson, clinical director of Brooks Healing Center in Normandy, TN.

It focuses on uncovering and addressing underlying issues or traumas that may have been ignored or repressed.

“By looking deeper into the root of these emotions, this therapeutic approach can aid in the patient’s personal growth and emotional healing and increase their self-awareness,” Anderson said.

Who would most benefit

According to Mary Lawrence, clinical director at Acera Health in Costa Mesa, CA, experiential therapy can be particularly beneficial for people who have difficulty with verbal communication. This includes autistic people, those living with language disorders, or those who have experienced trauma and find it difficult to verbalize their feelings.

“One of the core principles of experiential therapy is that actions often speak louder than words,” explained Lawrence. “For example, by re-enacting a difficult experience, an individual may be able to express emotions that they find too painful or complex to articulate verbally.”

It can also be helpful for people who struggle with self-awareness or have trouble connecting with their emotions.

Lawrence explained that repressed emotions or unresolved issues may arise for people who find it challenging to express their innermost thoughts and feelings.

“It’s not always because they don’t want to talk about their feelings, but rather because they have a hard time identifying and understanding them. Experiential therapy is a way to bypass this barrier and connect with emotions through action, breaking down any emotional walls or defenses,” Lawrence noted.

Types of experiential therapy

Listed below are various types of experiential therapy. Each uses different activities and methods that can be tailored to your needs and preferences.

• Drama therapy: This form of therapy uses role-playing, storytelling, and improvisation to help you explore your emotions and experiences in a safe and controlled environment.
• Art therapy: Art is a medium for self-expression, allowing you to tap into your subconscious thoughts and feelings through different forms of artistic expression, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, or collage-making. This can be particularly beneficial for those who have difficulty with verbal communication.
• Music therapy: In this type of therapy, music is used as a tool for emotional expression, relaxation, and self-discovery. You may participate in singing, listening to music, or playing musical instruments to explore your emotions and foster creativity.
• Adventure therapy: Adventure-based activities like ropes courses, rock climbing, and camping help challenge you physically and emotionally. The main goal is to promote self-awareness, improve problem-solving skills, and foster personal growth through challenging and empowering experiences.
• Equine-assisted therapy: This type of experiential therapy involves working with horses to develop emotional regulation, communication, and trust.
• Gestalt therapy: Here, the focus is on the present moment and experiential activities to resolve past conflicts.
• Play therapy: Therapists use play activities, primarily with children, to express and work through emotions. For example, in sand-tray therapy, kids create scenes with sand and miniature figures to reflect their inner thoughts and struggles.

It’s important to note that some types of experiential therapy may not be the best fit for certain people. To experience effective results, it can be helpful to explore activities that support your particular needs.

For example, those who may be skeptical of alternative forms of therapy may want to explore several different types of experiential therapy before deciding on whether the treatment is a good fit.

In the same manner, adventure or equine-assisted therapy may not be best suited if physical limitations prevent full participation in certain activities. Instead, you may consider drama or Gestalt therapy.

Furthermore, participating in art or music therapy may best support those with significant cognitive limitations. Consider speaking with your mental health professional for guidance on how each type of experiential therapy can be modified to support you.

Benefits of experiential therapy

Experiential therapy can benefit you in many ways. For example, a 2020 review of studies found that music therapy can be effective in reducing stress.

Experiential therapy can also help you:

• reach a deeper emotional understanding
• release negative emotions
• deal with painful memories
• confront and heal from past trauma
• manage feelings of guilt or shame
• increase self-discovery and confidence
• develop healthier coping skills
• adopt a more optimistic mindset and improved mental state

Takeaway 

Experiential therapy involves music, art, role-play, and outdoor activities to help you cope with challenging experiences and feelings.

Although talk therapy can be effective, the process of expressing and dealing with difficult emotions can vary from person to person. You may consider experiential therapy as an alternative form of therapy to explore your emotions through action.

Anderson stated that experiential therapy not only provides a safe space for you to explore your emotions, but it’s also a powerful way to:

• find healing
• promote mental wellness
• strengthen personal growth

“It’s so important to find a therapy that works for you and allows you to process your emotions in a way that feels comfortable and effective,” Lawrence added. “This is the only way to truly heal and grow.”