Unlike traditional talk therapy, experiential therapy goes along with what its name suggests: a form of therapy in which you engage in activities, tasks, or art projects under the supervision of a psychotherapist.
Experiential therapies are used to treat a range of conditions. They’re commonly utilized in substance abuse programs to treat a combination of mental illness and addiction, but can also be helpful to patients who have experienced past traumas, or patients who need assistance with anger management. However, this list is not exhaustive, and it will take the evaluation of a professional to determine whether or not this form of therapy is the best for you.
Blueprints for Recovery is our long-term drug treatment facility. Here, the importance of experiential therapy is utilized to its full potential. For more information on specific programs, stay up to date with Blueprints for Recovery on social media and our website. Call us today at (888) 391-9772. You might just discover that this is the right treatment for you.
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Here are some benefits of experiential therapy:
Therapy… Without a Focus on Therapy
Often, addicts or patients with certain mental illnesses may find difficulty with talk therapy, as being questioned about negative emotions or traumatic past events may cause anger, sadness, or the urge to start using again. Sometimes, it is hard to communicate. Often, addictions and mental illnesses may cause the patient to avoid discussing negative events in their past or to feel emotionally closed off.
This is where experiential therapy comes in. By giving you a task to focus on, rather than talk therapy, you’re more likely to feel more secure and let the activity or task be influenced by your emotions. A psychotherapist will observe you during the activity and ask you questions about what you are doing and creating. The resulting discussion can, in turn, make it easier for you to discuss repressed emotions.
Giving New Focus
The other benefit of these activities—which can range from cooking, art or music therapy, or pet therapy, just to name a few—is that it gives you something to focus on in your free time. Especially in the case of substance abuse, it’s necessary to find hobbies to fill in the gaps of time you now have free.
Other Benefits
Patients who undergo experiential therapies often experience emotional growth and change, empowerment, greater responsibility, and improved self-esteem.
Experiential therapy can be a life-changing form of therapy for many. If you’re suffering from mental illness, seek an evaluation from a professional to determine what treatment is best for you.
Blueprints for Recovery offers a range of experiential therapies to assist with substance abuse and mental illness. Contact us today to learn more about our programs.
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