What is Experiential Therapy: How it Works

When it comes to treating substance abuse, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction therapy. Every person is different and all of us have faced unique circumstances that brought us to where we are today. Whether you are facing addiction, substance use disorders, or working on your mental health, experiential therapy might be exactly what you are looking for.

Though outpatient or inpatient treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other options work well for some people, perhaps you need something a little bit more.
You are probably at least somewhat familiar with traditional styles of therapy, like “talk therapy.” Experiential therapy is very different from that. Rather than being classified or defined as any specific type of therapy, experiential therapy is a category that involves many parts.

Throughout the 20th century, many researchers, psychiatrists, psychologists and family therapists used unorthodox strategies in sessions with their patients. The most prominent names associated with this type of therapy are Carl Rogers and Fritz Perls.

Eugene Gendlin is the father of experiential psychotherapy, and he reasoned that there was much more to treatment than words. Gendlin felt that words could only be used as tools for therapy, and that psychotherapy must be lived in order to have any lasting impact.

In experiential therapy, the goal is for the person to be involved in an experience that is hands on or immersive while exploring the issues at hand. While participating in the activity, the person is better able to tune into themselves, develop insight and come to realizations.

How Does Experiential Therapy Work?

Many people find it easy to talk about their struggles with mental health or their addictions and what led to them, but many others struggle greatly with this task.
Childhood trauma often leads to a life of addiction, and evidence suggests that experiential therapy interventions can be highly beneficial in helping adults navigate those experiences.

Traditional talking-type therapy will be of no use to someone who has deeply buried the memories and pain associated with trauma. Many people subconsciously avoid discussing their experiences entirely, making it difficult to get to the root cause. Repressing these memories can lead to anxiety, PTSD, depression, or addiction.

Many people who enter therapy or treatment for substance use disorders exhibit high levels of emotional avoidance. Equipping these people with the skills needed to navigate life is vital to recovery.

When involved in experiential psychotherapy, a person is focused on the task or activity they are participating in and less on the fact that they are in therapy. The person is living in the present, and they are more likely to let down their guard while talking.
This type of therapy can feel less confrontational for those involved, and it gives the therapist the opportunity to observe the behavior and body language of the person they are treating.

Though experiential therapy activities can seem like fun, it is important to remember that all therapy is work. While experiential psychotherapy is an unconventional approach, a certified and trained therapist must oversee the process.

When participating, a person can come face to face with tough feelings or situations, but being in a safe environment makes it easier.
For example, with the help of a skilled psychotherapist, an alcoholic can face a stressful situation — perhaps while rock climbing or navigating a ropes course — and learn to cope without turning to alcohol.

What Benefits Can Be Had From Experiential Therapy?

As with all therapy styles, this approach has benefits and drawbacks.
One major benefit is that success rates are often higher. Studies show that when used with other treatment programs, experiential therapy methods improve recovery outcomes.
Another study showed that experiential therapy increases retention in treatment. People are more likely to stay in therapy and complete it, which is vital for long-term recovery.

People seeking therapy are often hurting, unable to confront the root causes of addiction or emotional issues. Experiential therapy gives them new pathways to access these feelings.
Additionally, hands-on skills help people redirect cravings into productive hobbies — for example, using painting or music instead of substances.

Some Of The Other Positive Benefits That Can Be Gained Through Experiential Therapy Are:

• Better ability to focus on the present
• Higher self-esteem
• Personal growth
• Experiencing success
• Identifying and moving past obstacles
• Higher self-accountability and responsibility

There are drawbacks as well. Experiential therapy can be expensive, and many insurance plans do not cover it. Because it is less mainstream, there is also less research available, though this is improving over time.

Experiential Therapy In The Treatment Of Substance Use Disorders

Experiential therapy can be effective for treating substance use disorders, especially for individuals who struggle with traditional therapy.

Research has shown that people who participate in expressive therapy are less likely to deny their condition and more likely to engage in treatment.
They develop deeper insight and adopt a more positive approach to recovery.

Certain experiential methods help patients relate better to others and progress more quickly.
There are many benefits to adventure therapy. Participants learn trust, develop problem-solving skills, and better express themselves.

Experiential Family Therapy

Individual therapy is beneficial, but when appropriate, involving family members can be deeply therapeutic.
Through experiential family therapy, families focus on the present rather than the past.

Activities help families strengthen their bonds and improve communication.
Patients learn they can rely on their family, while family members learn how to be an effective support system.

Experiential Therapy Activities

There are many experiential activities available depending on your treatment center and location. These include:

• Experiential family therapy
• Music therapy
• Art therapy
• Animal therapy
• Adventure therapy (rock climbing, ropes courses, kayaking)

Is Experiential Therapy Right For Me?

Not all experiential therapies benefit everyone, just as not everyone benefits from traditional therapy.
Working with a therapist can help determine if this is the right path for you.

You might benefit from this approach if you:

• Suffer from mental illness in addition to addiction (dual diagnosis)
• Struggle to communicate without anger
• Have not succeeded with traditional therapy
• Enjoy art, music, animals, or adventure
• Feel uncomfortable discussing past traumas

Experiential Therapy At Renaissance Recovery

At Renaissance Recovery, we offer non-traditional rehab treatment options for mental health and addiction recovery.
We offer a range of experiential therapy activities to support healing.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, do not lose hope.
The experts at Renaissance Recovery can help you through detox and recovery.
Contact us today for more information about our experiential treatment programs in Orange County and begin your sober life with purpose.

Sources

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3051362/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4268880/
• https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ376769