Experiential Therapy: Definition, Techniques, & What to Expect

What Is Experiential Therapy?

Experiential therapy involves activities like role-play, props, music, or art to process negative emotions. By participating in these activities, individuals can access feelings that may otherwise be hidden or not easily communicated. When we evoke, re-experience, and reflect on negative emotions, we can work to identify where they came from and move past them.⁶

Experiential therapy can be used in individual, family, couple, and group therapy settings. Outpatient clinics, behavioral health facilities, and inpatient medical facilities may also utilize techniques.

Types of Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is versatile as it includes a variety of techniques or types, including play therapy and narrative therapy. Regardless, this approach generally involves a structured, hands-on approach with individual clients, allowing them to become more aware of themselves, their emotions, and their overall experience.

Types of therapy that use experiential therapy include:

• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Equine therapy
• Adventure therapy
• Ecotherapy
• Play therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Crafting
• Roleplay
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Dance therapy
• Psychodrama
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
• Trauma-informed yoga
• Gestalt therapy
• Meditation

Is Experiential Therapy Effective?

Various studies demonstrate the effectiveness of experiential therapy. Some evidence suggests that experiential therapy can be effective in reducing feelings of hopelessness and negative thoughts, helping to improve low mood.¹

In one study examining guilt, experiential therapy increased subjects’ ability to forgive themselves and offer themselves more compassion Further research supports that experiential therapy can also help with relationship issues, such as infidelity trauma.³ Couples with attachment insecurity gained more awareness of their experience and emotions, resulting in overall greater marital satisfaction⁴ Finally, individuals struggling with eating disorders or PTSD can benefit from experiential therapy as well.⁵

Conditions Treated With Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy can help with numerous issues, including anger management, shame, specific phobias, and relationship issues.

The following can be treated with experiential therapy:

• Trauma and PTSD
• Addiction
• Anger issues
• Grief and loss
• Chronic pain
• Phobias
• Shame and guilt
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Stress
• Relationship and family issues
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders⁷

Examples of Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy involves diverse techniques and activities that may not help everyone. However, several methods are effective for certain mental and physical health issues.

Here are five examples of experiential therapy:

Art Therapy

Art therapy can help those who have little control over a situation. Creating art offers individuals a sense of control, allowing them to create an environment to express their feelings. Art therapy can be helpful for those with chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and depression.⁸

Music Therapy

Music therapy can help empower individuals to communicate effectively and express challenging emotions. Listening and creating music can relax individuals, providing opportunities to work through feelings via beats, rhythms, or lyrics.⁹ Music therapy can assist people with mood disorders, anger problems, trauma, or eating disorders.

Play Therapy

Play therapy is used primarily with children to help them feel safe expressing themselves through positive activities. Adults can also benefit from this approach. Play therapy can particularly benefit those with shame, guilt, trauma, or relationship issues. Play allows them to release the emotions that hold power over them.¹⁰

Adventure Therapy

Adventure therapy is another approach that helps individuals use hands-on activities to solve their problems. Activities such as biking or rock climbing are specific ways people engage in adventure therapy to manage issues and stress.¹¹

Psychodrama

Psychodrama is an approach that helps individuals reclaim emotions from past experiences through role-playing. It encourages them to reimagine and eventually recover from negative past experiences, learning better ways to deal with difficult emotions. This is especially helpful for those with PTSD, addiction, and phobias.¹²

How Much Does Experiential Therapy Cost?

The costs of therapy may be fully or partially covered by health insurance if you receive treatment from in-network providers. If health insurance does not cover experiential therapy and a patient needs to pay out-of-pocket, sessions can typically range from $60-$200 per hour. Those without insurance coverage or limited income may find therapists who offer sliding scale fees to help keep treatment affordable.

How to Find the Right Therapist

The best way to find the right therapist is by searching an online therapist directory and reviewing the in-network providers with your insurance. Look through profiles online and narrow down a few to contact for an initial conversation; many offer a free phone consultation. Experiential therapists may have additional training or specialties, so asking about their experience with this treatment modality is encouraged.

Final Thoughts

Experiential therapy can be beneficial for numerous mental and physical health conditions. If you are dealing with issues like trauma, mood disorders, or chronic pain, talking to a therapist specializing in experiential therapy can make a positive difference in how you feel.