Experiential therapy, as explained by Psychology Today “is a therapeutic technique that uses expressive tools and activities, such as role-playing or acting, props, arts and crafts, music, animal care, guided imagery, or various forms of recreation to re-enact and re-experience emotional situations from past and recent relationships.” Through experiential therapy a teenager will be able to explore and release negative emotions, stress, and/ or shame associated with situations that may have been blocked or denied. The goal of experiential therapy is to provide a young person with the opportunity to re-visit particular moments or emotions, in a safe and relatively controlled environment. The re-experience process helps a teen process their emotions and thoughts in a healthier manner. Much like its name suggests, experiential therapy is distinguished by its emphasis on action.
Experiential therapy can be used to treat a variety of issues. It can provide positive health outcomes for teens struggling with, but not limited to, the following mental health disorders, issues, or symptoms:
Experiential therapy is generally not an appropriate method of treatment for teens who experience symptoms of psychosis, are cognitively impaired, or are unable to participate in the therapy.
Experiential therapy can help a teen gain awareness and insight into the nature of their experiences, feelings, inner thoughts, interactions, and needs. An adolescent can experience a variety of benefits from experiential therapy, some of which may include the following examples provided by Verywell Mind:
It is important to note that experiential therapy is fundamentally immersive and can be very intense. Every teenager is different, and while experiential therapy may be helpful for some, this therapeutic method may not be effective for everyone and will not necessarily resonate with every teen.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 800-531-5769. You can also contact us via email at info@pacificrtc.com.
PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
