Experiential Therapy

​Experiential Therapy is a form of therapy that uses methods drawn from the arts (i.e. drawing, dance/movement, music, drama/role playing, journaling), mindfulness, and other interventions including play therapy and nature therapy  that focus on the client having an experiences that draws them into action.   Experiential techniques also can open the door to new possibilities for the client.
 
Research validates many forms of experiential therapy.  For example, mindfulness as an intervention to reduce stress has been proven in many empirical studies including at Harvard, UCLA and University of Michigan. Studies have also proven the efficacy of Art therapy with clients with Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia and Autism.
 
Clients also appreciate experiential therapy since it supports them in:

• Giving space to explore traumatic or other difficult situations in the past and help release difficult emotions so healing can begin
• Allowing for emotional processing of life events in a way that just talking may not
• Provides avenues for clients who find talking difficult
• Teaching clients new avenues for healing using techniques that may be familiar or new to them
• Supporting clients in expressing themselves creativity
• Building coping tools for clients’ lives

 Experiential therapy has been part of my toolkit since I became a therapist. Here are a few simple activities that support client’s as they enter and move forward in therapy:

• Grounding – The 5-4—3-2-1 method of using senses to being clients into the present moment
• Drawing – Children, teens and other client who enjoy drawing can draw their coping toolbox using the DBT Skills of ACCEPTS or IMPROVE
• Dance – Children often enjoy the opportunity to dance to express and release emotions
• Poetry – Many poems can support clients in validating their feelings.  One of my favorites is Rumi’s “The Guest House.” 

Some experiential techniques require specific certification including EMDR and EFT.  Others often do have advanced course work (i.e. Art and Music therapy) but can also be used at a very elementary level. While others are very easy to learn and adapt in therapy sessions (i.e., Breathing and Grounding).
When we use experiential interventions, it is important to:

• Introduce activity and linkage to client’s goals and objectives
• Process with client the activity to check-in and see how the client felt about it.

Experiential therapy broadens therapy beyond talk and into other realms that may help access deeper thoughts and feelings about issues, experiences, and concern.