Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is a term that encompasses a number of therapeutic techniques that require engaging in some type of activity or action.  Everything from equine assisted psychotherapy to art therapy to psychodrama is considered experiential therapy. Despite the different approaches, most experiential therapy techniques will use tools and activities to recreate situations from past and current relationships, in an effort to identify the emotions that arise. With the guidance of a professional experiential therapist, the client can explore these feelings and begin to release these feelings. Individuals who have been through trauma, are dealing with an eating or behavioral disorder, working through anger or grief issues, as well as various addictions can benefit from experiential therapy. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s experiential therapy experts today.

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I make use of experiential techniques often during my meetings to invite processing of emotions, feelings, thoughts, and narratives, especially those that occur between myself and the participant(s). My study and research of experiential techniques have led me to incorporate these practices with my narrative framework to spur awareness and recognition within participants.

— Kenneth Ferguson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oklahoma City, OK

Adventure Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, Nature-Based Therapy… all of these names describe an approach of inviting clients to engage in an experience so that they can learn about themselves. Together we’ll decide what activity would be most helpful to you each session. We’ll engage in that activity together in a mindful, trauma-informed way and have deep, reflective conversion, weaving together relevant threads from Evidence Based Practices.

— Kallie England, Clinical Social Worker in Ann Arbor, MI
 

I believe that to create change, it often helps to feel it first. After building emotional safety, my sessions invite the exploration of new emotional experience. We will invite deeper and different experiences in the room, so that underlying change can be more than just known or believed -- it can be felt!

— Peter Beer, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL

I have extensively studied the work and careers of Carl Whitaker and Virginia Satir, two pioneers in the field of experiential. Each approached clients differently, but both approached clients in a deeply human way that doesn't shy away from saying or experiencing what is necessary to affect change.

— Timothy Rasmussen, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Seattle, WA
 

Experiential therapy incorporates activities or exercises that you enjoy or would like to try to further explore your feelings and experiences. It might include things like role-playing, journaling, art, music, photography, or movement. But no pressure, just your pace. You’re in control and I’m here to support you.

— Monica Van Wagenen, Counselor in Statesboro, GA

Recognizing that the therapeutic relationship is itself intended to be restorative.

— Eric Wittkopf, Therapist in Roseville, MN
 

Experiential therapy is a major part of both individual and couples work, especially in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Instead of just talking about feelings, we work with them as they arise, creating corrective emotional experiences. In couples therapy, this means reshaping patterns in real time, helping partners respond to each other in ways that build trust and connection. This process allows for deep, lasting change, relieving and growing both individuals and relationships.

— David Klein, Psychotherapist

At InnerCalm Wellness, our experimental protocols combine Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Spravato (esketamine), and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for a comprehensive approach to treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. These innovative therapies target deep-rooted emotional patterns, helping clients break free from long-standing mental health challenges, offering hope and new pathways to healing.

— Jonathan Solaimanzadeh, Physician in Hicksville, NY
 

My practice has a foundation based on the tenets of Virginia Satir's method of Experiential Therapy, in which we find every individual has capacity for healing and growth, we find healing by being grounded in the present moment (the here and now), relationships are crucial for our mental health and wellbeing, and we can cultivate intimate relationships with authentic emotional expression.

— Madeline Verdesca, Therapist in Roswell, GA

I am currently in an intensive Core Training on Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy.

— Alison Schweichler, Counselor in Orchard Park, NY
 

Experiential therapy is about feeling the room and giving each client an experience that suits them best. It's basically "meeting each client where they're at", including mood, disposition and pace.

— Courtney Latham, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Wayzata, MN

Experiential Therapy is experience based processes. It utilizes techniques such as role-playing, music, guided imagery and re-experiences of emotional situations or relationships. Through the processes clients begin to identify the emotions associated with their experiences. I empower clients with these processes to let go of negative feelings, shame, anger and hurt while recreating positive thinking patterns. Experiential Therapy is used to treat trauma, behaviors and debilitating emotions.

— Cindy Hyde, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dallas, TX
 

I believe that to create change, it often helps to feel it first. After building emotional safety, my sessions invite the exploration of new emotional experience. We will invite deeper and different experiences in the room, so that you can "call" upon them outside of the room.

— Peter Beer, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL

Once we understand how the trauma is affecting you today we can do a deeper piece of work. Experiential therapy creates an internal shift and is more effective than just talk therapy alone. It breaks through unconscious resistances and gets to the root of the underlying traumas. By depicting your inner world visually through inner child work, Gestalt empty chair techniques, psychodrama techniques etc, you will experience new insights, release emotions, and new healthy beliefs about self emerge.

— Leanne Tanis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Carefree, AZ
 

Talk therapy alone is ineffective without experiencing your growth through applying skills to gain consciousness, awareness, and insight, along with skills and processes to work with the conditions of our lives that challenge us. One must "experience their life" to make actual change.

— Roderic Burks, MS, MA, PhD(c), LPC, LCMHC, NCC - Integrative Psychotherapy, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Spokane, WA

Jodi's education in Contemplative Psychotherapy as well as her further training in body-centered Play Therapy and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy combines with her personal study of movement practices and expressive arts to create a perfect atmosphere for experiential therapy...beyond just talk.

— Jodi Alieksaites, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, MO