Different Types of Experiential Therapy

There are many types of experiential therapy designed to focus on actual involvement with emotional processing, interactions in group settings, creativity, and reflection. Types of experiential therapy include, expressive therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and adventure therapy. These therapeutic techniques get individuals involved in their healing process by including them in a process of creativity and interaction. This process allows the individual being treated to develop an insight into their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences allowing them to learn how to process their emotions in a healthy way. Let’s dive into the different types of experiential therapy

Expressive therapies are a type of experiential therapy wherein art, music, dance/movement, drama, poetry/creative writing, play, and sandtray are used to help individuals express themselves in a more creative approach. These therapeutic programs, also known as creative arts therapies, each have their own unique way of helping people heal outside of normal talk therapy.

Art Therapy

Art therapy uses the creative process of making art to help individuals better understand their personality, abilities, concerns, conflicts, and emotions. This type of experiential therapy can help individuals who need a more visual or hands-on approach when it comes to therapy. Art therapy can help individuals who struggle with anxiety, expressing emotions, depression, problem solving, and self-awareness.

Music Therapy

Music therapy uses music to inspire positive changes in the therapy recipients. Music therapy can help individuals address their physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. This therapeutic approach can help individuals struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Dance/Movement Therapy

Dance or movement therapy, or DMT, incorporates dance to help individuals further their understanding of their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs. This experiential therapy allows the mind, body, and spirit to connect, improving the individual’s feelings, emotions, and behavior. Dance therapy is designed for individuals who struggle with self-esteem, body image, communication skills, relationship building, and behavioral issues. DMT also introduces a new way for individuals to cope with negative feelings and behaviors. 

Drama Therapy

Drama therapy is the use of theater processes to achieve the therapeutic goals of personal growth and emotional stability. This active therapy approach allows individuals to tell their story through theater, helping them improve problem solving skills, interpersonal skills, emotional expression, and self-awareness.

Poetry/Creative Writing Therapy

Poetry or creative writing therapy grants individuals to express their emotions through writing and reading poetry or creative writing. This experiential therapy allows individuals to express themselves in a creative way, improving emotional expression, self-awareness, and problem solving. Poetry or creative writing therapy also relieves feelings of stress, trauma, and anxiety.

Play Therapy

Play therapy uses the therapeutic powers of play to help individuals through their healing journey. This type of experiential therapy helps individuals express unconscious feelings and deal with them through play. This therapy program is suited for individuals struggling with behavioral disorders and mental health conditions, giving them the tools to understand and process their issues.

Sandtray Therapy

Sandtray therapy is a creative form of therapy using a large sandbox, tools, and miniatures, allowing individuals to explore their emotions in a new format. By using the sand to make pictures, individuals can illustrate their struggles and further process them. 

Animal-assisted therapies are a type of experiential therapy involving animals in the therapeutic process. These therapy programs allow individuals to care for and spend time with different animals, including horses, dogs, and other animals.

Equine-Assisted Therapy

Equine-assisted therapy includes caring for and riding horses to help individuals grow physically, emotionally, and occupationally. Equine-assisted therapy can give individuals insight into their interpersonal relationships, helping them better understand how they react to new situations. It also teaches individuals how to regulate their emotions and behaviors because horses will give instant and honest feedback to the care they are receiving. Equine-assisted therapy also models healthy relationships for individuals struggling with self-awareness or relationship building skills. Another way this experiential therapy can help individuals is through the growth of trust and dependability by taking care of a horse, it also teaches them how to read nonverbal cues from others.

Canine-Assisted Therapy

Canine-assisted therapy involves dogs in the therapeutic setting to help individuals with physical or mental health conditions. Dogs are used in both pet therapy, where an individual cares for an animal, and animal-assisted therapy. By giving the dog commands, an individual can learn problem-solving and communication skills. Canine-assisted therapy also teaches an individual how to relate to others and themselves, giving individuals the skills to cope with conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. Pet therapy can give individuals a greater level of interest and focus by having them focus on taking care of an animal. Canine-assisted therapy can improve attitude, behavior, and motivation for individuals struggling with behavioral issues and mental health conditions.

Adventure therapies allow individuals to actively participate in events, including cooperative games, and activities. This experiential therapy helps individuals improve their mental health and overall wellbeing, helping with a range of conditions like depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, or PTSD.

Cooperative Games & Activities

Cooperative games and activities are used in a therapeutic setting to help individuals improve their communication skills, emotion regulation, and teamwork skills. This type of therapy program can also allow individuals to focus less on competitiveness and more on social aspects of play. This therapeutic approach can be used in groups of other struggling individuals or in family settings to improve cooperation. 

In conclusion, experiential therapy offers a transformative approach to mental health and personal growth by engaging students in activities that promote self-awareness, emotional expression, and problem-solving. By moving beyond traditional talk therapy, experiential therapy allows individuals to actively participate in their healing process, facilitating deeper insights and lasting change. As this innovative therapy continues to gain recognition, its unique ability to address a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges ensures that experiential therapy remains a valuable tool in the landscape of therapeutic practices.