Benefits of Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is becoming an integral part of the treatment of substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders. Experiential therapy encompasses a variety of therapies and techniques, which all involve engaging in some type of activity or action that may not otherwise happen in traditional group therapy. This can include the following:

• Indoor rock climbing
• Yoga
• Guided meditation
• Acupuncture
• Art therapy
• Equine therapy
• Hiking
• Use of props

The goal is to take clients out of their comfort zones and allow them to practice a skill or learn a concept through experience rather than a facilitated discussion. In fact, experiential therapy is often called the “treatment of choice” for emotional trauma since it helps clients release painful emotions through words and movement.

Experiential therapy helps clients delve into underlying issues – such as unconscious conflicts, unresolved trauma, unconscious conflicts, repressed emotions, and poor relationship patterns – that can be difficult to explore through talk therapy alone.

Here are a few more ways experiential therapy can help you or someone you love during recovery from a substance use disorder or dual diagnosis:

• You’ll build trust in yourself and others.
• You’ll learn to focus on the present.
• You’ll learn to better handle stressors, fears and obstacles.
• You’ll learn to work as part of a team and ask for help.
• You’ll build self-confidence and self-efficacy.
• You’ll learn to better manage feelings depression, anxiety and/or hopelessness.
• You’ll enhance your communication and problem-solving skills.
• You’ll learn to take personal responsibility in and for your life.
• You’ll learn to better understand personal relationships and conflicts.
• You’ll gain a greater understanding of how your choices impact others.
• You’ll get in touch with your needs, desires, motives and emotions – both good and bad.
• You’ll learn to make better choices that better align with your values and needs.
• You’ll learn to set and reach goals.
• You’ll learn the value of grit and perseverance.

More About Experiential TherapyNorthStar offers clients a host of experiential therapy activities, including indoor rock climbing, yoga, guided meditation, Acupuncture and equine therapy, to help clients learn valuable recovery skills like trust, teamwork and self-confidence. To learn more about our Experiential Therapy Addiction Treatment in Boulder, CO, call today: 303-625-6335.