Helping Young People Build Trust and Confidence
Experiential Therapy for Youth & Young Adults
Our children, teen, and young adult programs engage clients in activities like adventure therapy, art, music, and more, to challenge and grow the mind, body, and spirit.
What Is Experiential Therapy?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which relies on verbal communication with a licensed therapist, experiential therapy encourages clients to express themselves through various physical and creative activities.
The hands-on aspect of experiential therapy—whether through art, movement, or other activities—engages clients on a sensory level. The use of play and creativity can lower defenses and reduce anxiety, making it easier for young people of any age to explore sensitive topics.
Additionally, creative exploration can also evoke emotions and memories that might not surface through traditional talk therapy.
History of Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy has its origins in therapies from the mid-20th century, particularly existential and Gestalt therapies. These approaches focus on looking at the whole person and their experiences.
In the 1970s, experiential therapy developed as a way for clients to connect with their physical feelings while expressing emotions or talking about their experiences. The goal is to bring hidden thoughts and memories to the surface so they can be processed and understood better.
Today, experiential therapy has evolved to include a wide range of activities, from hiking to photography to horticulture, that provides clients with hands-on experiences of the world around them—both the natural world and their community.
Benefits of Experiential Therapy
Engaging in individual and group challenges—both indoors and out—helps young people learn valuable life skills, such as communication and problem-solving. Here are some other ways experiential therapy benefits clients:
- Improves emotional awareness
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Develop healthy coping strategies
- Increase self-esteem and self-worth
- Build trust with self, therapists, and peers
- Engage in mindfulness and relaxation
With the compassion and support and leadership of the therapists who are facilitating these groups, we’re helping patients build versions of themselves that they didn’t think they were capable of building.
Gary
Fedoroff
MC, CADC II
Director of Experiential Learning
,
Newport Healthcare
Experiential Therapies You’ll Find at Newport
At Newport, we offer a variety of experiential therapies tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our experiential modalities are location dependent and include:
Adventure Therapy
Through outdoor activities like rock climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a ropes course, young people learn to confront their fears, build trust, and enhance problem-solving skills.
Creative Arts Therapy
Using various artistic mediums, such as painting, drawing, and crafting, clients explore their emotions, reduce anxiety, and gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors.
Music Therapy
Clients engage in listening, songwriting, and playing instruments, which can help them express feelings and connect with others.
Yoga
Certified yoga instructors facilitate our therapeutic yoga program, which includes mindful movement, meditation, and breath work, in a supportive group setting.
Martial Arts Group
Martial Arts sessions provide opportunities to work through mental challenges via a physical outlet.
Mindfulness
We encourage clients to take part in mindfulness activities, including breath work, walking, journaling, and more to regulate emotions and improve mental clarity.
Outdoor Activities
Clients are encouraged to spend time nature, whether on a walk, a hike, or engaging in water activities.
Community Service
The integration of community service and volunteer work is a powerful force for facilitating change.
Proven to Build Engagement
Our research shows that over five weeks of treatment,
students experience significant improvements, on
average, in motivation, interpersonal skills, and study
skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experiential therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of experiencing emotions and thoughts in the present moment. It often involves activities such as role-playing, art, or outdoor experiences to help individuals process their feelings and gain insight into their behaviors. This type of therapy aims to create a deeper emotional connection and facilitate healing through direct experience.
Experiential therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, including those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. It is particularly effective for people who may struggle to articulate their feelings verbally, as it allows them to express themselves through various activities. Additionally, it can be helpful for those seeking personal growth or a deeper understanding of themselves.
EMDR is most commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also be effective for various other conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and complicated grief. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma or adverse life events.
Experiential therapy can incorporate a variety of activities, such as art or music therapy, yoga and mindfulness, Equine-Assisted Therapy, and outdoor Adventure Therapy.
